Well, I loved the place - I basically grew up there as a kid.
We moved to West Lakes in 1974 - the end of Sportsman's Drive.
My Old Man used to drive his Ute to the West Lakes Mall carpark (remember Lloyds, before it was Banner?) on the eve of the Grand Finals in the 70's & early 80's & leave it there, with his BBQ locked inside. Then we would walk there early Saturday Morning, set up the BBQ, & have Breakfast.
He was a Member of SANFLUA & mates with Rick Kinnear, Lawrie Argent, 'Jack' Hilton & others.
I have fond memories of State Games under the Grandstand listening to pre-game speeches by Sheedy & Cornes - I recall literally bumping into Simon Madden in the Race, at 3/4 time of the Curtain Raiser (Norwood U/19s v SA Teal Cup side). Going to the after match function/presentations in the function rooms in awe of stars like Bradley, Platten, Kernahan, Naley, Jarman, Ablett, Watson, Weightman, Flower, Healy, etc.
1984 had the 2 Highlights: The 1st State Game under lights - Kernahan kicking 10; & the Grand Final between Port & Norwood (Torrens won the Ressies that year too) but the 'blue' between Balme & Evans was right in front of us.
1986 State game vs The Vics (the old man stole me a Match Sherrin from the bag - Argent stole 4 of them, hid them in the fridge in the Umpires Room!) that was a great win, particularly after being flogged by 22 man Victoria in '85... The Old Man Goal Umpired the International Rules Game that year too - I was there in the driving rain, & witnessed the Parachutist hit the Concourse Roof in the N/Western Pocket, & die. Took them ages to 'cut him down', as I recall
1978 Grand Final, Sturt v Norwood, I contend is still the BEST Grand Final I witnessed...
1980 I worked the 'trades', filling in for a friend's brother on occasion; "Pies, Pasties, Chicko Rolls & Orange Juice" - remember Big Ben Pies & Fruit Boxes?
1993 Modra's mark vs Nth Melbourne - right in front of me @ the Golf Course End... & the final Minor Round Game v Collingwood - I contend that was the LOUDEST I ever heard that place, & I saw most State of Origin Games there.
2006 WWTFC 2nd Flag - I believed that was the point when the 'old loyalties' of the 2 former Clubs were forgotten & the 'Merged Entity' accepted as the single Club
1986 1st Semi Final, Woodville v Port - 39,000 - in the Woodville Cheer Squad that day. Like everybody else in the State (except Port supporters), hoping Woodville would win
1982 Preliminary Final, Bays v Port - Granger's hit on Cornes. Again, not far from where we were sitting under-cover in the Concourse.
1981 1st West Torrens Mini League game - played on 1/2 the Oval, running East/West
1987 Pool B Pizza Hut Cup Grand Final - unfortunately lost by 10 points
There are many others but the saddest thing for me is my Old Man's Ashes were scattered there some 25 years ago - he loved the place, as did I. It is sad to see it go, but Adelaide Oval is far more accessible & a better venue.