RoofClimb – Experience a birds eye 360° view over the beautiful city of Adelaide and beyond from the Adelaide Oval Rooftops
The Adelaide Oval RoofClimb is a unique experience both locals and visitors to Adelaide should all add to their bucket list.
If you’ve ever been to Adelaide Oval to watch an event you may have noticed groups of people in blue suits walking along the stadium rooftops. The RoofClimb started back in 2016 and involves travelling from the Western Stand to the Riverbank Stand on a purpose-built path.
Arriving 15 minutes prior to our climb, our RoofClimb Leader Scott met us outside in Telstra Plaza. After checking our temperature and carrying out a breath-analysis, he escorted us inside to the RoofClimb area (no family or friends are allowed in with you who are not climbing at this stage so they can ensure appropriate distancing measures are maintained).
Once inside we were asked to leave all of our belongings in a personal locker. You are not permitted to have anything in your pockets either, including all cameras, phones, Go-pros etc. Jewellery must be removed (rings, watches, bracelets etc.) or taped on so they don’t catch on anything. Be sure to go to the toilet at this point before the next stage of getting into your RoofClimb gear!
Back out in the foyer and we each had a station with the equipment we needed for our climb. Each person is fitted with safety equipment and a RoofClimb suit. The safety briefing is comprehensive and any questions you may have are answered.
Once our suits were on we were helped into our safety harness, fitted with a radio and earpiece, and given the option of a beanie or cap (tethered to our suit). Rain was forecast for our winter morning climb so we were provided with rain jackets as well.
Once everyone was ready we headed outside and walked towards the western stand where we would start the climb. Taking the stairs to the 4th level, we then head up a ladder and onto the first roof. Each climber is connected to the railings – remember the order you start in is the order in which you finish, and keep this in mind as this will be who you are next to for photos.
Our climb leader Scott spoke to us throughout the entire tour, so you also gain a fabulous history lesson of Adelaide – quirky facts included! We first headed north to the view overlooking North Adelaide, where you can also take in the incredible architecture of some of Adelaide’s newest and most talked about buildings (new RAH and SAHMRI). Looking down you will see the historic Adelaide Oval scoreboard.
Turning back for the next stage of the climb, we make our way over the western stand towards the riverbank stand. There are short stops along the way for photos (all taken by your RoofClimb leader) and plenty of talking points, from what we can see along the skyline to the construction of the roof and walkway. Scott tested our local knowledge and we were free to ask questions at any time.
The first opportunity for a ‘lean out’ is on the western roof – this is where you can lean back and LET GO for a photo! It’s completely optional and there is no pressure to do this. We felt safe and secure at all times and most on our tour were happy to put both hands in the air!
As we make our way over to the riverbank stand we take our first steps across the link bridge. The next section takes us under the roofline for the first time before stepping out onto the platform hosting the world-first stadium rooftop seats – 50 metres above the hallowed turf of Adelaide Oval. This is another opportunity for a stunning ‘lean out’ photo! You may see groups sitting here to watch the action below on match days at the Oval.
On the return trip we make our way under the roofline again, around the back of the riverbank stand with more incredible views to enjoy. Looking out to the city you’ll see the River Torrens, Elder Park, Adelaide Festival Centre and the Adelaide Convention Centre. Directly below you can also see into the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre.
Looking back in towards the Oval you get to take in the entire ground from end to end.
The 360° views of Adelaide are really quite spectacular – even on the cloudy, overcast day we climbed. From the Adelaide foothills right down to the coast, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Watch our climb leader Scott here in a RoofClimb preview video.
What To Wear
Something comfortable, such as what you would wear to exercise in. Weather appropriate clothing is important – so long sleeves/pants in winter and short sleeves/shorts in summer. Your clothes are worn under your climb suit and flat, rubber-soled, enclosed shoes (sneakers/runners) are required. Rain was forecast for our winter climb so we were all provided with rain jackets and the choice of a beanie or cap.
Prescription glasses and sunglasses can be worn – RoofClimb will provide you with a secure lanyard.
You can choose from a day, twilight or night tour. RoofClimb operates in all weather conditions including rain, wind and sunshine (exceptions include electrical storms, hail, extremely high wind and extreme heat).
Overall allow 2 hours for your climb, including the safety briefing. Your booking will include a RoofClimb cap, achievement certificate and a printed 6×8” group photo. There is an opportunity to purchase extra photos at the end of the tour.
Enter our giveaway below to WIN a RoofClimb experience (ends 10 July 2020)
WIN a RoofClimb Adelaide Oval Family Pass
CLICK HERE FOR CLIMB OPTIONS AND PRICING
Some of the changes implemented since COVID-19 restrictions began to ease include:
- reduced maximum group size of 10 people to ensure adherence to social distancing guidelines
- climbers are provided personal over-ear audio systems to ensure they can hear their Climb Leader at all times while maintaining appropriate distancing on roof
- the path to RoofClimb is via walkways and stairs – no elevators (4 floors up)
- climbers to arrive no later and no sooner than 15 minutes prior to your climb booking time
Play & Go Tips
- allow extra time to find a park if driving to Adelaide Oval.
- be sure everyone has been to the toilet before the climb starts (and before getting into your RoofClimb suit).
- consider wearing sunglasses if your eyes are sensitive to light – even on a cloudy day.
- check the sporting schedule if you would like to tour during a game – the view from above would be amazing during a footy match or cricket game.
- this unique experience would make an ideal gift – birthday/Christmas/engagement/wedding etc.
- we didn’t find the height as intimidating as expected – safety is paramount and we felt safe and secure at all times. Our 12 year old claimed it “wasn’t scary at all!”
- if you would like photos from the ground up of your climb, have a friend or family member who is not climbing with you watch from outside Adelaide Oval – they will be able to see you and take photos (zoom lens may be required!)
See the RoofClimb Facebook Page here for some action pics of climbers.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the RoofClimb website.
What: Adelaide Oval RoofClimb
When: 7 Days a Week
Where: Adelaide Oval, North Adelaide, South Australia
Who: Min age 8 years; must be 136kg or under; must be over 120cm tall
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: Play & Go and RoofClimb (issued to Play & Go)
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