Princes Park is an Australian rules football ground located at Princes Park in the inner Melbourne suburb of Carlton North, Victoria.
Prior to a partial redevelopment the ground had a capacity of 35,000, making the ground the third largest Australian rules football venue in Melbourne after the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Docklands Stadium. Its current capacity is unknown by most people since two stands were removed and replaced with an indoor training facility and administration building.
It is a historic venue, having been the home ground of the Carlton Football Club since the formation of the VFL/AFL in 1897. It has the second oldest grandstand associated with the VFL/AFL competition.
On 5 May 2005, Carlton would host its last ever game at the venue. This day was a particularly sad one for many Carlton supporters that had been attending the ground for many years.
The last game which was called "farewell to princes park" was Carlton V Melbourne. The Blues trailed early only to have a late surge but still fall short and admit defeat.
After the match had ended. Carlton Captain at the time Anthony Koutuofides gave the game ball to a Carlton legend in John Nicholls. Where he held the ball up to the crowd symbolising the end of an amazing and historic era. This was called "The Final Play".
History
Princes Park was first used in 1897 by the Carlton Football Club, during the inaugural season of the AFL/VFL. The club went on to win 673 of its 962 VFL/AFL games at the venue.
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