The UTAS Stadium redevelopment is jointly funded by the Federal and Tasmanian Governments. Photo/Artwork: Infrastructure Tasmania.
Plans for the redevelopment of the University of Tasmania (UTAS) Stadium in Launceston have been confirmed following the release of the $130 million scope of works.
The 19,500-seat stadium in the heart of Launceston – formerly known as York Park – plays host to major sporting events, functions and entertainment. It has hosted Hawthorn home-away-from-home AFL matches and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) cricket, and future men’s BBL games are also planned.
The redevelopment is jointly funded between the Federal and State Governments. It will see a new eastern stand and plaza entry with better links to public transport, light tower upgrades, a new centre-west stand, an upgrade to match day facilities, sport lighting upgrades and a replacement LED ribbon board.
The new stands will include new media and broadcasting facilities, more accessible facilities and seating, new coaches’ boxes, and at ground level a new integrated interchange bench. The upgrades will also bring the stadium into line with other AFL Tier 2 venues.
New corporate and hospitality facilities and improved food and beverage outlets and amenities will also be added.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the Federal Government’s $65 million contribution towards the redevelopment would support 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,” she said.
“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 he was proud to deliver the upgrade and to be supporting 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.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Concept art of the improvements planned for UTAS Stadium. Image: Infrastructure Tasmania.
The CEO of Stadiums Tasmania James Avery said he was 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,” he said.
“By investing in this infrastructure now we are locking into place a bright future for sport and entertainment in northern Tasmania.”
Construction on the redevelopment is expected to commence later this year and be completed in 2027.
