Hawks Extend Tasmanian Partnership To Continue Playing Games At Utas

The Hawthorn Football Club has extended its long-standing and successful partnership with the Tasmanian Government to play home games at UTAS Stadium at least until the end of 2027.

The two-year extension means that the Hawks will continue to host four home matches per season at the Launceston venue, where the club has enjoyed an impressive winning record for more than two decades.

Since 2001, Hawthorn has won 61 of a possible 82 games at UTAS Stadium (75% winning record), making it one of the most successful records for any club at any venue in the league.

Hawthorn President Andy Gowers said, “Launceston has long been a happy hunting ground for the Hawks, and we’re thrilled about hosting games there until the end of 2027.

“With the Tasmanian Devils due to make their debut in the competition in 2028, this extension is the perfect fit for the footy-loving public in Launceston.”

Upgrade works commenced at UTAS Stadium late last year, with more substantial improvements to come in the near future, including the construction of a new grandstand, as part of the $130 million redevelopment.

Off the field, the Hawks continue to have a meaningful impact in the Tasmanian community, with programs that address mental health, literacy, food education, physical education and road and safety education.

Coupled with an investment in junior football, curriculum-aligned school programs and efforts to make the club’s match days accessible to all, Hawthorn has prided itself on its immense footprint in the Tasmanian community.

Hawthorn CEO Ash Klein said, “We can't wait to continue our special connection with Tasmania in 2025 and beyond.

“Since playing our first game in Tasmania almost 25 years ago, Hawthorn is proud to be bringing AFL games to the state, whilst positively impacting locals through meaningful community programs.

“There are obviously many economic benefits that the matches bring to the local community but what is clear is that our team absolutely loves playing in Launceston, winning almost eight out of every 10 games we play there.”

Hawthorn is celebrating its centenary in 2025 and more than 1,600 members attended its recent Family Day event at Waverley Park. This year will be the club’s last at its Waverley base, before it moves to its new facility at Dingley later in the year.

The club this week provided an update on the Kennedy Community Centre.

Key internal works are now underway on the Harris High Performance Centre, including level 1 wall framing, ceiling works, and facade cladding. Over at the Community Pavilion, facade cladding is also set to take place after the steel structure was completed. And after turf was laid down on our two training ovals at the end of last year, both fields are almost nearing the end of their establishment period.

As the Hawks prepare to relocate from Waverley Park to Dingley, Gowers provided an update to members last week.

“Towards the end of last year, we shared that the club had begun exploring what the sale or lease of our existing home at Bunjil Bagora, Waverley Park might look like. We expect to be taking some steps in this space over the next couple of weeks so you may see some media coverage about it.”