Establishment Melbourne Showgrounds

aerial photo of royal melbourne showgrounds before world war ii

the 30-acre (12 ha) site @ ascot vale given national agricultural society of victoria (predecessor of royal agricultural society of victoria) in 1882. first show held next year , on next few decades number of pavilions erected on site. during both world war , world war ii showgrounds requisitioned military purposes. main arena played host harness racing annual show; in fact, main harness racecourse in metropolitan melbourne 4 decades until 1980s, when major victorian harness meetings moved moonee valley racecourse. during 1970s first major attractions built, such 1,800 feet long chairlift, 112 chairs covered journey in 7 minutes. in 1977 new government pavilion completed, costing $1,800,000 , covering area of 2,839 square metres. iconic pie in sky built same year, , heritage listed in 1999.

as hosting harness racing, 610 metres (670 yards) melbourne showground track semi regular host of speedway. during 1980s , 1990s showground saw such motorcycle speedway riders world champions ivan mauger, hans nielsen, michael lee, shawn moran, simon wigg , tommy knudsen, australian s phil crump, rod hunter, mark fiora , todd wiltshire. during time showground hosted 2 annual speedway events, boxing day spectacular , , mr melbourne title held in january. winners of these events included simon wigg, tommy knudsen , todd wiltshire.