$53m Coopers Stadium upgrade underway as updated renders are released

Major works have officially kicked-off for the $53 million transformation of Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium, as updated renders have been revealed of how the venue will look once completed.

The home of football in South Australia is being significantly improved to host matches for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as well as being the ongoing home of Adelaide United in the A-League and W-League.

$45 million has been committed to the redevelopment of the stadium which will include a full replacement of the pitch, new stadium lighting, a roof for the eastern grandstand and a major overhaul of the stadium’s change rooms.

Extensive upgrades will also be carried out on the venue’s game day amenities, including media facilities, entry gates, food and beverage outlets, toilet facilities, disability access and event operations centre.

As part of the works, Adelaide Venue Management will fund $8 million in technology enhancements, including two giant video replays screens, pitch LED signage and a new stadium speaker system.

Initial works commenced last month on the rectangular stadium and construction is expected to be completed by December 2022. Work will be completed in three stages, with the first focusing on the western and northern stands including four new change rooms to be constructed before the start of the 2021/22 A-League season.

Stage two works will start from October and is highlighted by upgrading the eastern stand including the new roof and corporate facilities, as well as improved stadium lighting.

Stage three will see the pitch replaced immediately following the conclusion of the 2021/22 A-League season as well as the technology upgrades.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said the Marshall Liberal Government’s commitment to upgrading the stadium played an integral role in securing Adelaide as a host city for the Women’s World Cup.

“Plans for a major overhaul of the stadium were part of our winning bid to bring the Women’s World Cup to South Australia, which will see the world’s best female soccer players take to the pitch in front of a global television audience of more than one billion people,” Minister Wingard said.

“This redevelopment is a huge win for our state, where the revamped stadium puts us in the best possible position to continue attracting major international sporting events going forward.

The lead managing contractor for the project build has been awarded to South Australian-based Hansen Yuncken, with 218 jobs to be created through construction for the project which was first revealed in November last year.

Adelaide United Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Kosmina, welcomed the upgrades and said the improved amenities will benefit the entire footballing community.

“I’d like to applaud the South Australian Government and Adelaide Venue Management for their funding commitments,” Mr Kosmina said.

“This is a significant milestone for football in this state and will ensure Coopers Stadium remains one of the best football venues in the country.

“While the upgrades will modernise and enhance the entire match day experience for our fans and the broader South Australian community, it will also provide the perfect stage to showcase the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.”

Surrounding streets around Coopers will also be revitalised under plans mooted by the City of Charles Sturt to enhance the ambiance and create a better pedestrian journey to the venue.

The new 2021/22 A-League season commences on October 30, with the W-League season starting a fortnight later on November 13, in what is a new era for the competition – now run independently of the FFA and with a new broadcast rights partner in Paramount Plus.

The upgrade of Coopers (Hindmarsh) Stadium is one of several projects being funded by the South Australian Government, with works also either underway or due to start on the construction of Memorial Drive Stage 2 and the redevelopment of Netball SA Stadium, the Adelaide Super-Drome, the Women’s Memorial Playing Fields and the SA Athletics Stadium.

The $24 million Centre of Football at Gepps Cross, featuring a 5000-capacity main pitch, is also currently under construction and is due for completion early next year.