Afl Cairns Unveils Cazalys Stadium Masterplan

AFL Cairns has unveiled a masterplan for Cazalys Stadium, to future-proof the venue for the next 30 years.

The masterplan features a 20,000 capacity for the far north Queensland stadium, to accommodating major events while retaining a community-friendly feel, plus LED lighting and drainage and accessibility improvements.

A new multi-use indoor centre also forms part of the plan and would complete the venue’s status as a first-rate sporting precinct.

Managed by Project Management and advisory COHA Group in collaboration with Cox Architecture and local firm CA Architects, the self-funded $250,000 masterplan is designed to meet the needs of elite International events and grassroots participation, while setting the stage for Cairns to play a prominent role as a co-host city for the 2032 Olympics.

Craig Lees, General Manager of AFL Cairns, said, “This redevelopment has been a body of work spanning the best part of several years, driven by the expertise of COHA Group, Cox Architecture, CA Architects and Gleeds.”

“Our ambition is to ensure Cazalys Stadium is front of mind for hosting Olympic and Paralympic content in 2032, as part of Cairns’ role as a co-host city.

“This project delivers for the community today while ensuring we’re ready for the opportunities of tomorrow, from elite International events to local sporting pathways.”

It would feature a gym, a swimming pool, and the capability to host professional hockey as well as other sports.

Major events are crucial to a stadium’s earning power and Mr Lees said the current ageing facility was missing out on millions of dollars worth of sporting and entertainment events, which were being won by Townsville and Mackay’s newer facilities – Queensland Country Bank Stadium and Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Once funded, the project would be built incrementally over four stages, providing a 30-year benefit to the city and estimated to be worth about $500m, becoming a destination venue capable of hosting the biggest names in music, entertainment, and sport, bringing significant tourism and economic benefits to the region.

Cazalys Stadium has previously hosted AFL matches and international cricket as well as major concerts including Elton John concert in 2017 in front of a record 20,000 spectators.