Manuka Oval will become known as StarTrack Oval Canberra under a naming rights agreement between the GIANTS and Australia's leading freight and logistics provider, StarTrack.
The partnership was announced at StarTrack Oval Canberra on the eve of the first ever AFL premiership match played under lights in the nation's capital between the GIANTS and St Kilda.
The naming rights of StarTrack Oval Canberra are for an initial two year period and are part of the agreement between the ACT Government and the AFL/GIANTS to play AFL matches in the nation's capital.
As part of the agreement, StarTrack will have naming rights to the oval for the duration of the football season including the NAB Cup, Foxtel Cup and NEAFL games as well as year-round signage.
StarTrack has been solely owned by Australia Post since last year and transports more than one million freight articles across the country each week.
Ahmed Fahour, CEO and Managing Director of Australia Post and Chairman of StarTrack said: "As Canberra celebrates its centenary year, we’re delighted to bring StarTrack and the GIANTS together here at one of the nation's historic sporting venues.
"We’re delighted that StarTrack will now be playing a significant role in promoting sport and major events in Canberra at the StarTrack Oval as well as bringing football to the local community through the GIANTS’ games.
“Star Track Oval is not just a great venue for AFL matches but also other events and this year Canberra hosted a one day international between Australia and the West Indies and it is fast becoming one of the country’s premier sporting venues.”
Stephen Cleary, CEO of StarTrack said: “StarTrack’s main operational base is in GWS GIANTS’ heartland in Western Sydney.
“So this was a great opportunity to develop a partnership with a really professional team like the GIANTS that’s a flag-bearer for Western Sydney, while at the same time building awareness of the StarTrack brand in our national capital and engaging with the business community here.”
David Matthews, GIANTS CEO said: "This is a great endorsement of one of Australia's iconic sporting venues here in the nation's capital, Canberra.
"With the recent installation of light towers, StarTrack Oval is a brilliant venue to watch not only AFL but also NAB Cup, Foxtel Cup and NEAFL games and also hold events, something StarTrack has recognised with this partnership.
"The GIANTS have made a genuine commitment to Canberra and on behalf of the club I want to thank StarTrack for its commitment and what I am sure will be a successful partnership for all concerned.
"It will also help secure our long term future in Canberra and allow us to continue to be part of this community. We want to not just play AFL matches in Canberra but also give something back through our community program such as our annual Australia Post AFL Community Camp in the ACT.
“The GIANTS presence in Canberra has helped develop AFL in the region with a 7% increase in participation in the ACT in 2012. The GIANTS have also had a significant economic and tourism impact with thousands of people from interstate visiting Canberra to attend GIANTS matches.”
The GIANTS Co-Captain Phil Davis, who was born and raised in Canberra, said it was another important step forward for sport in the ACT.
"To have a brand like StarTrack be involved with such an historic venue says a lot about the strength of sport here in Canberra.
"We have been welcomed with open arms by the people of Canberra and feel right at home here. We were especially thrilled to have had our first ever win here last year against Gold Coast and look forward to many more victories at StarTrack Oval Canberra."
The agreement also includes hospitality at StarTrack Oval in Canberra and Skoda Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park and access to other GIANTS benefits including player appearances.
The GIANTS will play three home matches at StarTrack Oval in 2013 starting with tomorrow's twilight fixture against St Kilda. They will also play the Gold Coast Suns on April 27 and the Western Bulldogs on July 6.
As part of a 10 year agreement with the ACT Government, the GIANTS will play three Toyota AFL Premiership matches and a NAB Cup match each year in Canberra. The ACT will also host the club's annual Australia Post Community Camp.
