The Brisbane Lions Historical Society - in conjunction with the Brisbane Lions and Etihad Stadium - are set to reveal a new permanent home for the display of historic Fitzroy memorabilia in Melbourne.

All Victorian-based Lions fans will be treated to a trip down memory lane on the night of Wednesday 23 November 2011 when the Club’s new showcase is officially opened to the public.

Etihad Stadium will house the display which features a vast collection of Fitzroy artefacts - including seven VFL Premiership Cups (1898, 1899, 1904, 1905, 1916 and 1922) - while also recognising the Brisbane Bears’ contribution to our Club’s unique history.

The Club’s historic evolution culminates in the acknowledgement of the merged Brisbane Lions’ modern achievement of winning a hat-trick of AFL Premierships.

Historical Society Custodian Arthur Wilson has been at the forefront of this project which has been proudly supported by the Brisbane Lions AFC, Historical Society, Fitzroy-Brisbane Lions Past Players & Officials Association and Etihad Stadium.

It will feature the most comprehensive collection of Fitzroy photos, trophies and membership materials - some of which are more than 100 years old - giving our Club’s rich history a more permanent, prominent and visible presence in Victoria.

The grand opening of the new exhibition will be headlined by a number of special guests - including former Fitzroy greats Kevin Murray, Garry Wilson, Bernie Quinlan, John Murphy, Norm Brown, Bill Stephen and George Coates - who will be in attendance on the night.

The Club is also extending the invitation to all Victorian-based Lions fans to be part of this exclusive unveiling at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 23 November 2011.

Attendance at this historic event costs just $10 per adult, while children aged 15 or under will be admitted for FREE. All proceeds from the night will go directly back into the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the display, so your support is critical.

Guests are also encouraged to book for dinner beforehand in the Captain’s Bar at Etihad Stadium from 5:30pm, with a range of special meals available for less than $15.

Alternatively, you can simply be there for the official unveiling which will commence at 7:30pm in the Endeavour Room (access via Captain’s Bar).

This evening will prove a significant one in our Club’s history, and we look forward to sharing the occasion with our members, supporters and past players.

Full details are as follows:

DATE: Wednesday 23 November 2011

VENUE: Etihad Stadium, 740 Bourke Street, Docklands (Please enter via Gate 2)

TIME: Dinner in the Captain’s Bar (located at Gate 2 on Level 2) from 5:30pm (optional)

Official unveiling at 7:30pm (staff will escort guests to the Endeavour Room from the Captain’s Bar)

DRESS: Casual

COST: Adults/Concession - $10, Children (15 years or under) - FREE
(All proceeds from the night will go directly back into the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the display)

PARKING: Etihad Stadium will provide guests with a $10 flat rate (contact the Club for details)

RAFFLE: A raffle will be coordinated on the night with the following prizes up for grabs including:

• One night’s accommodation in a deluxe Queen Room at the Rydges Melbourne inclusive of a full buffet breakfast for two and late check-out
• A family pass for five (5) people to Adventure Park in Geelong
• Fitzroy Football Club 1995 team print
• Brad Boyd signed print
• Alastair Lynch print
• Brunswick Street Oval print
• Fitzroy Football Club 1996 signed team print
• Fitzroy Football Club 1990 team print
• Plus five (5) $50 vouchers to the Lobster Cave Restaurant in Beaumaris

RSVP: Please notify the Club by calling 03 8850 5600 or email melbourne@lions.com.au by no later than Friday 18 November should you wish to attend.

NB: Dinner is optional and at your own cost. However, if you could please RSVP for attending dinner and/or the opening it will allow us to manage your night better.

CAPTAIN’S BAR MEAL OPTIONS
The Captain’s Bar - located up on Level 2 at Etihad Stadium (access via Gate 2) -
opens from 5:30pm.

Meal options and prices are provided below:

• Captains’ Catch fish and chips - $11.50
• Chicken Parma with Chips and Salad - $11.50
• Beef Burger - $15.50
• Vegetarian Pasta - $14.50
• Bowl of Fries - $5.50
• Bowl of Wedges - $7.50
• Parma and pint/soft drink/glass of wine OR Fish and Chips and pint/soft drink/glass of wine - $14.50