New Geelong grandstand named in honour of Selwood
The new 14,000-seat northern grandstand at GMHBA Stadium will be named in honour of legendary Geelong Football Club captain and record-holder Joel Selwood.
The $142 million grandstand is the fifth and final stage of the Kardinia Park redevelopment and once complete, will boost the stadium’s capacity to 40,000.
Initially due to be completed earlier this year, steel defects have delayed the project, with the grandstand now due to be completed in time for the 2024 AFL season.
Gerard Griffin, CEO of Kardinia Park Stadium Trust welcomed the decision to name the Joel Selwood Stand after the retired champion, one of several new elements named as part of the redevelopment officially announced today.
“As the Stage 5 redevelopment approaches conclusion, the names announced today formalise the 23-year redevelopment of the stadium. We look forward to the future events we will be able to host using this multi-purpose venue managed on behalf of and for the regional community of Victoria” Griffin said.
Selwood, who became captain at the age of 23, played 355 games for the Cats, setting a club record and winning four AFL premierships during his remarkable 16-year career from 2007 to 2022. His name has become synonymous with Kardinia Park, and this legacy will endure for generations.
As part of the redevelopment, a notable addition is the Djilang Plaza, acknowledging the traditional Wadawurrung name for the region. Kardinia Park has been a gathering place for Wadawurrung People for thousands of years. Djilang Plaza, located at the northern end of the stadium, will serve as a welcoming entry point for thousands of spectators each year, sharing the rich history of the Wadawurrung people.
Assets of the Geelong Cricket Club, such as the Bruce Moore Stand, Merriman Balcony, and the Philip Marshall Stand, will retain their existing names.
The naming process involved extensive consultation with various stakeholders, including the general public, Geelong Football Club, and the community, in collaboration with Geographic Names Victoria.
The ongoing construction managed by the Trust will further enhance the stadium. This includes the new grandstand, a northern entry plaza, the Geelong Sports Museum, an indoor cricket hub, function rooms, and various technological upgrades.
Upon completion, the venue will offer world-class facilities year-round, hosting a diverse range of sports and entertainment events, solidifying Kardinia Park's significance to Geelong and the broader region.
