Work Commences On Matchday Facility Upgrades At Utas Stadium

Construction is underway on the UTAS Stadium redevelopment in Launceston with work on the matchday facility upgrades commencing last week.

Arrangements have now been finalised with local firm Fairbrother for the works, which are within the existing Carlton and United Breweries Stand.

As part of the first stage of the UTAS Stadium upgrade, the existing matchday facilities will be brought up to Australian tier 2 sporting code guidelines. Umpires, officials and players will enjoy refurbished change rooms, medical, massage and strapping rooms, a briefing room, warm up and training spaces.

The UTAS Stadium Redevelopment Project is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments with each contributing $65 million.

The redevelopment aims to attract national sporting and entertainment events to Launceston, supporting the City of Launceston’s vision to make the city a premier business, retail and lifestyle hub.

This milestone reinforces the Australian and Tasmanian governments’ dedication to delivering a premier sports and entertainment venue for the region, enhancing the overall experience for visitors and the local community.

The matchday facility upgrade works are expected to be completed before Hawthorn’s round three AFL clash with the GWS Giants at UTAS Stadium on March 29, while the full program of upgrades is scheduled to be completed by early 2027, ahead of the Devils entry to the AFL in 2028.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said, “The City of Launceston is pleased to once again be working collaboratively with the State and Federal Governments to support these transformational upgrades to Northern Tasmania's premier sporting facility.

“UTAS Stadium is one of the region's most important community assets.

“While it's best known as a venue for national sporting competitions like football, cricket and soccer, this facility brings a host of associated benefits to the region, economically, socially and culturally.

“The work currently being progressed represents the unlocking of more than $130m in investment by the State and Federal Governments that will ensure UTAS Stadium continues to deliver fantastic outcomes for Northern Tasmanian sports and events for decades to come.”

The commencement of works coincided last week with the progression of the transfer of ownership of the venue from the City of Launceston to Stadiums Tasmania. The Council last Thursday formally voted to transfer the ownership to the statutory entity which was formed in 2022.

The move unlocks $130 million in investment from the state and federal governments, with the upgrades to ensure the venue is a suitable long-term home of AFL matches, while also attracting new content to Launceston.

Stadiums Tasmania CEO James Avery said, “This is an important milestone for the redevelopment of UTAS Stadium, which will significantly enhance the venue’s match day facilities and ensure the ongoing attraction of marquee events, while providing community users with an elevated event-day experience.

“The upgrade of these facilities is critical for key venue users and cements UTAS Stadium’s standing as a premier sports and entertainment venue that delivers a range of economic, cultural and social outcomes for Northern Tasmania.”

Hawthorn will host its first prime time Friday night home game at UTAS Stadium in 2025, following the release of next year’s AFL fixture last week, with the Hawks to face Adelaide on June 13.