- New Tasmania Stadium designs revealed
- 23,000-seat stadium to be built for new AFL team
- Designers promise cricket can be played in any weather
A stadium built as part of a deal for a Tasmanian team to join the AFL will be the world’s first all-weather cricket stadium.
Concept designs for Macquarie Point Stadium were unveiled on Sunday.
The 23,000-seat indoor stadium planned for the Hobart waterfront site is a condition of Tasmania’s entry into the AFL, scheduled for 2028.
Minister for Sport and Events Nic Street said the government had worked to design a multi-purpose stadium that was “welcoming, functional and uniquely Tasmanian”.
“While the development of this stadium is an important step towards realising our dream of seeing our own AFL and AFLW teams running on our home ground, this facility will offer so much more,” he told reporters on Sunday.
The design features a woven-style façade 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 wider area has also been considered and culturally informed under the guidance of Aboriginal community members,” Street said.
‘The transparent roof, supported by an internal steel and timber structure, provides the opportunity to showcase Tasmanian timber.’
Tasmania’s new stadium designs revealed
The 23,000-capacity stadium will be built to house Tasmania’s new AFL team
Alistair Richardson, managing director of Cox Architecture, said he was excited to bring this unique all-weather stadium to Tasmania.
The naturally ventilated roof will increase the growing season of the grass, something the cricket fraternity is particularly excited about as it has the potential to extend the cricket season.
“The biggest concern for cricket was the height of the roof… they cited concerns with Marvel Stadium (in Melbourne) where the ball could potentially hit the roof,” Richardson said.
The height of the roof meant it was unlikely to hit him and there would be no need for windbreaks, he said.
Green Party MP Cassy O’Connor said building a stadium at Macquarie Point remained the wrong project for the site.
It will feature a special roof design that will allow cricket to be played in any weather.
Conceptual designs failed to show what it would look like from the Cenotaph, the River Derwent or Constitution Dock, he said.
AFL chief executive 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 state spending at $375 million, with private investment to cover any overruns.
Stadium Features:
- A 1500-seat function room with views of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington
- A design based on cricket ball trajectory data modeling to ensure top quality cricket games
- A performance space in the North Stand to host concerts and events, which will minimise the impact on the pitch and reduce costs
- Accessible design features, including a single continuous concourse serving the entire stadium.
- A seating design will bring the crowd closer to the action.
- Separate rear and catering facilities with an underground service road to separate vehicles and stadium visitors and users.
