- New stadium designs for Tasmania revealed
- A 23,000-seat stadium is being built for the new AFL team
- Designers promise cricket can be played in all weather conditions
A stadium built as part of a deal to get a Tasmanian team into the AFL will become the world’s first all-weather cricket stadium.
Concept designs for Macquarie Point Stadium were released on Sunday.
The 23,000-seat covered stadium, set to be built on Hobart’s waterfront, is a condition of Tasmania’s entry into the AFL, scheduled for 2028.
Sport and Events Minister Nic Street said the government had been working to design a “welcoming, functional and uniquely Tasmanian” multi-purpose stadium.
“The construction of this stadium is an important step in realising our dream of seeing our own AFL and AFLW teams play on our home ground, but this stadium offers so much more,” he told reporters on Sunday.
The design features a woven facade based on the circular shed that was formerly part of the Hobart Rail Yard at Macquarie Point.
“The maritime heritage of the region has also been taken into account and cultural interpretation has been provided under the leadership of members of the Aboriginal community,” Mr Street said.
‘The transparent roof, supported by an internal steel and timber frame, provides an opportunity to showcase Tasmania’s timber.’
Designs for new stadium in Tasmania revealed
The 23,000-seat stadium will be built as the home ground for Tasmania’s new AFL team
Alistair Richardson, CEO of Cox Architecture, said he was excited to bring the unique all-weather stadium to Tasmania.
The naturally ventilated roof will extend the grass growing season. The cricket community is particularly excited about this as it has the potential to extend the cricket season.
“The biggest concern in cricket was the height of the roof. They mentioned concerns about Marvel Stadium (in Melbourne) where the ball could potentially hit the roof,” Richardson said.
The height of the roof meant there was little chance of it being hit and no rain breaks were needed, he said.
GreenLeft MP Cassy O’Connor said building a stadium at Macquarie Point was still the wrong project for the site.
It will have a special roof design so that cricket can be played in all weather conditions
The concept designs did not show what it would look like from the Cenotaph, the Derwent River or Constitution Dock, she said.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the designs represent another step forward in the establishment of the Tassie Devils Football Club.
Tasmania’s Liberal government, which signed the deal for the AFL and the stadium, has pledged to cap state spending at $375 million, with any overspending to be covered by private investment.
Features of the stadium:
- A 1,500 seater venue with views of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington
- A design based on modelling cricket ball trajectory data to ensure the best quality cricket matches
- A stage area on the north stand to support concerts and events, minimising impact on the pitch and reducing costs
- Accessible design features including a single continuous concourse serving the entire stadium
- A seating area design brings the audience closer to the action
- Separate rear building and catering facilities with an underground service road to separate vehicles and stadium visitors and users.