Mineral Resources wins naming rights for Eagles' nest

The West Coast Eagles’ new $50 million training facility in Lathlain is now known as Mineral Resources Park, with the diversified mining group signing a sponsorship deal with the reigning AFL Premiers.

West Coast is expected to relocate its administrative headquarters to Mineral Resources Park by the middle of the year, completing its exit from Subiaco Oval.

The club has been training at the two ovals at Mineral Resources Park for the past 18 months.

West Coast Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett said the club was delighted to formalise a partnership with Mineral Resources.

“Joining forces with a Western Australian born and bred company that has achieved much success over the years through a combination of hard work and dedication is well-aligned to our club’s journey,” he said.

“It’s great to have Mineral Resources as inaugural naming rights sponsor of a facility we believe will be among the best in the Southern Hemisphere.”

Mineral Resources managing director Chris Ellison said the company had been attracted by the opportunity to help make a positive impact in the Lathlain area.

“The key aspect of this partnership for us is that Mineral Resources Park will focus on children and families, encourage more girls and women into sport, and enable disadvantaged youth and people with a disability to participate,” he said.

“Sport plays an incredibly important role in a community and can be used as a vehicle to encourage greater engagement in education, teach life skills, and help people develop a healthy lifestyle.

“The fact that the Wirrpanda Foundation will call Mineral Resources Park home will also deliver new programs and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, not just from the local community."

Designed by global architects Populous, Mineral Resources Park is part of the Town of Victoria Park’s wider Lathlain Precinct redevelopment project, which includes new public open space and recreation facilities at Lathlain Oval.

The precinct also includes an indoor training hall, a function centre, an interactive sports and cultural centre and community education centre.

The ovals will also be shared with WAFL side Perth Football Club.