New seating installed at TIO Stadium
New grandstand seating has been installed at Darwin’s TIO Stadium ahead of AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round where the Gold Coast Suns host the Western Bulldogs.
A joint initiative between AFL Northern Territory and the Northern Territory Government, the new seat installation in the Maurice Rioli Grandstand was designed by Larrakia descendant, traditional owner, and custodian of the Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri people, Trent Lee.
Trent’s design was adapted by Smartform, leaders in architecture with specialist experience in the design and delivery of sports precincts and stadiums using the individual seats and colours to bring the artwork to life.
AFL Northern Territory commissioned both the design and architecture of the new seat installation.
Trent said, “this design is my representation of the connection we have with the land, sea and sky, and the importance of keeping culture alive through our art stories and living on country.”
Built in 1991, TIO Stadium has played host to formative historic moments for both local and national football and becomes the first predominately AFL stadium in the country to be transformed.
Trent reflects on stories from his past and tells the story of his families totem.
“The overall design is to represent the connection between my sister’s totem and my totem, in the background you can see the orange which represents crocodile (Dungalaba) scales in reverse. Dungalaba is a totem for the Larrakia people.
“I went through a wave of emotions when I was told it was the first AFL stadium in Australia to have seating like this. I am very humbled and proud; I hope it represents us all as Larrakia. Showing that we’re still here, we’re still thriving and surviving.”
Minister for Sport, the Honourable Kate Worden said, “the new seats will improve the fan experience for patrons attending events at TIO Stadium, like the upcoming matches with our adopted home town team the Gold Coast Suns.
“The investment in upgrading the seating will also be of benefit at other major events hosted at TIO Stadium in the future.”
Sam Gibson, Head of AFL Northern Territory said, “It's special to see the grandstand transformed into a rich piece of art connected to the Larrakia people. We thank Trent for working with us to create a design and Smartform for bringing it to life. We look forward to welcoming Territorians and visitors from far and wide to TIO Stadium to see the design and enjoy the action.”
The project has also been recognized as the winner of the Ken Gannon Award for the Northern Territory.
The award recognises best practices in community football facility development across Australia, along with the people, clubs, and other stakeholders driving the best projects. The awards are funded by the AFL’s Australian Football Facilities Fund which partners on $50M worth of community football facility projects benefitting more than 100 clubs each and every year.
