UTAS Stadium redevelopment plans announced
The next step in plans to upgrade UTAS Stadium has been confirmed with the scope of works for the $130 million redevelopment project being announced.
The Australian and Tasmanian governments have each committed $65 million to the redevelopment and upgrade of the Launceston sports venue.
In addition to the new eastern grandstand and plaza entry announced last year, the upgrade of the stadium will also include a new centre-west stand, an upgrade to match day facilities, sport lighting upgrades and replacing the LED ribbon signage.
The redevelopment will also include new corporate and hospitality facilities, food and beverage outlets and patron amenities on the eastern and western side of the stadium, along with improved facilities for users.
Construction is expected to begin in late-2024 and the entire project is expected to be completed in 2027.
UTAS Stadium currently hosts four AFL and one pre-season match for the Hawthorn Football Club per season and at least one BBL match for the Hobart Hurricanes, plus additional events across the year. Tasmania’s future AFL team will also play some matches at the Launceston venue.
The redevelopment aims to attract national sporting and entertainment events to Launceston, supporting the City of Launceston’s vision to make the city a premier business, retail and lifestyle hub.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said, “The Australian Government is investing $65 million towards the proposed UTAS Stadium redevelopment in Launceston, supporting economic activity and the proud sporting legacy of Tasmania’s north.
“We are committed to working in partnership with the Tasmanian Government to revitalise UTAS Stadium in a way that benefits everybody who uses it and wants to be part of it.
“Today is an important step towards bringing this vision for urban renewal, civic pride and sporting success closer to reality.
“This investment is part of our Government’s commitment to creating a sustainable investment framework for growing cities such as Launceston.”
Tasmanian Minister for Stadia and Events Nic Street said, “These upgrades of the UTAS stadium will not only improve the overall experience of players and attendees, it will deliver significant economic knock-on effects for the wider community here in Launceston and provide a state-of-the-art, accessible facility for entertainment, sporting and cultural gatherings.
“We are proud to deliver this upgrade and to be supporting the City of Launceston’s vision to make the city a premier location as not just a sporting and entertainment location but also a business, retail and lifestyle hub.
“I want to thank the Australian Government and Launceston City Council for their commitment to this key project and for recognising the importance of UTAS stadium to the people of Tasmania.”
Stadiums Tasmania CEO James Avery said, “I am excited to see a critical piece of Tasmania’s sporting infrastructure receive such strong support from all levels of government.
“We know what powerful economic multipliers stadiums are, from the building phase to game day revenue, they provide significant benefits to the entire local community.
“By investing in this infrastructure now we are locking into place a bright future for sport and entertainment in northern Tasmania.”
