- New Tasmania stadium designs have been revealed
- 23,000-seat stadium will be built for the new AFL team
- Designers promise cricket can be played in all weather
A stadium built as part of a deal to get a Tasmanian team in the AFL will be the first all-weather cricket stadium in the world.
Concept designs for the Macquarie Point stadium were released on Sunday.
The 23,000-seat roofed stadium planned for the Hobart waterfront site is a condition of Tasmania’s entry into the AFL, slated for 2028.
Sport and Events Minister Nic Street said the government had worked to design a ‘welcoming, functional and uniquely Tasmanian’ multipurpose stadium.
‘While developing this stadium is an important step in realising our dream of seeing our own AFL and AFLW teams running out on our own field, this facility will offer so much more,’ he told reporters on Sunday.
The design features a woven-style facade that is based on the roundhouse structure that used to be part of the Hobart Rail Yard at Macquarie Point.
‘The maritime heritage of the broader area has also been taken into account, and culturally informed under the guidance of Aboriginal community members,’ Mr Street said.
‘The transparent roof, which is supported by an internal steel and timber frame, provides an opportunity to showcase Tasmanian timber.’
Cox Architecture CEO Alistair Richardson said he was excited about bringing the unique all-weather stadium to Tasmania.
The naturally ventilated roof will increase the grass growing season – which the cricket fraternity is especially excited about as it has the potential to extend the cricket season.
‘Cricket’s biggest concern was the height of the roof … they cited concerns with Marvel Stadium (in Melbourne) where the ball could potentially hit the roof,’ Mr Richardson said.
The height of the roof meant it was unlikely to get hit, and there would be no need for rain breaks, he said.
Greens MP Cassy O’Connor said building a stadium at Macquarie Point was still the wrong project for the site.
The concept designs failed to show how it would look from the Cenotaph, Derwent River or Constitution Dock, she said.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the designs were another step forward in the establishment of the Tassie Devils Football Club.
Tasmania’s Liberal government, which signed the AFL and stadium deal, has pledged to cap the state’s spend at $375 million – with private investment to cover overruns.
Stadium features:
- A 1500-person function room with views to Kunanyi/ Mount Wellington
- A design informed by modelling cricket ball trajectory data to ensure the best quality cricket games
- A stage pocket in the northern stand to support concerts and events, which will minimise impact on the field and reduce costs
- Accessible design features, including a single continuous concourse that services the whole stadium
- A seating bowl design will bring crowds closer to the action
- Separated back of house and catering facilities with a below ground service road to separate vehicles and stadium visitors and users.