The area now known as Whitten Oval has undergone many transformations over the years. 

Originally a stone quarry used by the railways from 1860, the site was converted into public botanical gardens in 1866.  

In 1912, a new wooden grandstand was constructed, later replaced in 1930 by the John Gent Stand, which still stands today to the left of the café terrace.  

In 1955, the E.J. Smith Stand - a terraced structure along the Gordon Street wing - was erected, though it was demolished in the early 2000s. A second grandstand, named in honour of Bulldogs legend E.J. Whitten, was officially opened in 1969.  

That stand has since been completely rebuilt during a major redevelopment of the precinct. Completed in 2024, this transformation also delivered a new indoor training field and Bulldogs Museum.