As we stretch and jog and wait for the whistle Blundstone Arena dominates and overpowers us. These grandstands have seen much emotion, passion and highly skilled sport. Last year they watched 1,300 people run the 10 kms. Also 1,700 people ran or walked the 5 kms which begins on the bridge. Last year, in Run The Bridge, there were over 3,000 unique back stories.
My story is
I make up the numbers. Today I plan to plod slowly without talent or skill,
with a sore leg. My right leg began as a sore foot which spread to my hip and
now joined by my knee. I manage the pain by running. My experience is my leg
feels after I run. My other story, for me, it is hot. My weapon to combat the
heat is water.
It is a
beautiful day. Sunny, clear skies with, at the start line, no wind. Most people
I speak to say it is their first time. I begin to feel like an experienced
runner. Everybody I speak to says what a beautiful day it is. I think it is too
beautiful. I dream of an overcast sky and a cool breeze.
19th
Century: Many football and cricket
matches were played locally. One recorded match is a football match between
Carlton and Bellerive in 1884.
1914:
Bellerive Recreation Ground was opened.
1987/88: This
ground became the home of Tasmanian cricket.
2003:
Upgrade to ground completed. Including a
new grandstand. The David Boon Stand.
2009: Light
towers were installed.
2010:
Inaugural Run The Bridge fun run.
2011:
Officially renamed the Blundstone Arena following a naming rights deal.
2012: The
first AFL matches were played with North Melbourne Kangaroos the home
team.
2013:
Completion of more redevelopment which saw the construction of the Ricky
Ponting Stand
2015: 17,544
people watched North Melbourne play Richmond in the AFL.
2016: 18,149
people watched Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers, in the BBL.
This side of
the river was settled in the 1820s. It was initially called Kangaroo Point.
2024:
Cricket Tasmania say the ground is no longer suitable for them.
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