Geelong’s Kardinia Park has reaffirmed its position as Australia’s premier regional venue for sport and major events, generating over $190 million for the Victorian economy in the past financial year.

The latest report released by the Victorian Government, the Social and Economic Value of Kardinia Park Stadium Trust in 2024/25, reveals the stadium welcomed more than 480,000 visitors across 44 events, further cementing its importance to both the local community and broader Victorian tourism and events landscape.

GMHBA Stadium’s year-round calendar was headlined by a busy AFL and AFLW schedule featuring the Geelong Cats, along with two Big Bash League cricket matches and a return visit from the Matildas, who faced Chinese Taipei in an international friendly. 

The Kardinia Park precinct also played host to a range of community events, attracting over 21,000 local participants.

A significant 190,000 visitors travelled from outside the region to attend major events at the stadium, highlighting its role as a key driver of tourism and economic activity for the Geelong and Bellarine area.

These strong figures come off the back of the $142 million Stage 5 redevelopment of Kardinia Park, which included the new Joel Selwood Stand and boosted the venue’s total capacity to 40,000.

Other recent additions include a new video screen, Djilang Plaza, the Barwon Regional Cricket Centre, and the Geelong Sports Museum.

The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, which managed the redevelopment, continues to oversee the venue's growth as a community hub and elite sporting destination. The Victorian Government has now invested $121 million across the stadium's first four redevelopment stages.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said: “This report shows how vital Kardinia Park Stadium is for the local community and Victoria, pumping millions into our visitor economy, supporting jobs and showcasing our state to the world.”

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens added: “Kardinia Park Stadium is one of Geelong’s most recognised landmarks and helps drive visitors to the region ─ backing local jobs, businesses and our economy.”

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust Chair John Eren commented: “The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust social and economic report highlights how important the stadium is within Victoria and how we must continue to evolve to meet the growing needs of the community.”