UTAS Stadium Redevelopment
Date
2 September 2024
We're improving the University of Tasmania (UTAS) Stadium in Launceston, an iconic precinct that has been hosting great sporting events since 1921.
The Australian and Tasmanian governments have each committed $65 million to the redevelopment and upgrade of this important community infrastructure.
This 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.
As the future owner/operator of the Stadium, Stadiums Tasmania has led the development of all prospective venue user requirements throughout the early design process of this transformational project, to ensure the project meets the aspirations of the wider Tasmanian community.
In addition to the new eastern stand and plaza entry, the upgrade of the stadium will include a new centre-west stand, an upgrade to match day facilities, sports lighting upgrades and replacing the LED ribbon board.
The redevelopment will also include new corporate and hospitality facilities, food and beverage outlets and patron amenities on the eastern and western side of the stadium, along with improved facilities for users.
The scope of works for this exciting project has now been finalised. The scope has been developed with key stakeholders, including the City of Launceston. This has helped to identify and prioritise works that will enhance the venue and help secure its future.
The construction program is currently expected to start later in the year and is expected to consist of several works packages, aiming to maximise the opportunities available to local industry.
The works program is expected to be completed by early 2027.
Details
The Tasmanian and Australian Governments have committed $130 million to undertake a major redevelopment of the UTAS Stadium in Launceston. The redevelopment will deliver new and improved spectator amenities, new and upgraded player and official matchday facilities to Tier 2 sporting code guidelines, new corporate and hospitality facilities, an economically sustainable and a more accessible venue.
The redevelopment will include several programs of work, including:
New centre-west stand:
- New seating options and more accessible seating and spectator amenities.
- New and more contemporary player/home team change room facilities and amenities.
- A new integrated interchange bench and new coaches’ boxes for use on matchdays.
- New corporate and hospitality facilities, including premier seating within the new seating tier.
- New media and broadcasting facilities.
Redeveloped eastern stand and entry plaza:
- New and more accessible spectator facilities and seating.
- Improved spectator amenity and atmosphere, including bringing fans closer to the playing field.
- The capacity for new toilets, food and beverage and associated amenities.
- Landscaping to the south-east entry which will help to spread entry/exits around the venue.
- A stronger connection and links with the wider Inveresk precinct, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, and the University of Tasmania.
- Matchday facility upgrades within the existing Carlton and United Breweries stand.
- New infill seating to the western stand, which will provide new accessible seating options and enable spectators to become closer to the on-ground action.
- Sports lighting upgrades.
- Replacement of the current LED ribbon board.
- Accessibility and compliance upgrades, including all new works complying with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and a series of identified small works, to upgrade and future proof the stadium and provide an increased atmosphere and venue experience.
The project aims to create an inclusive stadium environment that prioritises the needs of all attendees, including additional seating for those with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
The accessibility objectives of the redevelopment are to ensure equal access to all members of the community to venue facilities, services, information, and opportunities, enhancing the overall experience for all stadium users to truly deliver a ‘fan first’ venue.
The Premier’s Disability Advisory Council (PDAC) is engaged with the project to inform and provide advice on accessibility principles.
The works across the stadium will be completed in a staged approach to ensure that stadium operations can continue and minimise disruptions to scheduled game days and events.
Construction works for the matchday facility upgrades is scheduled to start in October 2024 and be finished in February 2025.
The upgrades have been designed in accordance with best practice principles including the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide), that maximise the health and safety of players, staff, and spectators at the venue.
The project is proposed to deliver new and increased (general admission and premium) seating options and facilities, including approximately 2,000 new seats, over 50 new accessible seats, and better spectator experiences that provide new seating options closer to the action.
The upgrades will provide enhanced economic outcomes for Launceston and the region by increasing the stadium’s capacity to host content and increase visitation to Tasmania. UTAS Stadium will be an economically sustainable and accessible venue for the community.