Tasmania's AFL stadium design world first cricket plans

Concept designs for an AFL stadium in Hobart have been released. (HANDOUT/TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT)

A stadium built as part of a deal to get a Tasmanian team in the AFL will be the first all-weather cricket stadium in the world.

Concept designs for the Macquarie Point stadium were released on Sunday.

The 23,000-seat roofed stadium planned for the Hobart waterfront site is a condition of Tasmania's entry into the AFL, slated for 2028.

Concept designs for Hobart's new AFL stadium
The stadium will have the largest timber-roofed stadium in the world.

Sport and Events Minister Nic Street said the government had worked to design a "welcoming, functional and uniquely Tasmanian" multipurpose stadium.

“While developing this stadium is an important step in realising our dream of seeing our own AFL and AFLW teams running out on our own field, this facility will offer so much more," he told reporters on Sunday.

The design features a woven-style facade that is based on the roundhouse structure that used to be part of the Hobart Rail Yard at Macquarie Point.

“The maritime heritage of the broader area has also been taken into account, and culturally informed under the guidance of Aboriginal community members,” Mr Street said.

“The transparent roof, which is supported by an internal steel and timber frame, provides an opportunity to showcase Tasmanian timber."

Cox Architecture CEO Alistair Richardson said he was excited about bringing the unique all-weather stadium to Tasmania.

The naturally ventilated roof will increase the grass growing season - which the cricket fraternity is especially excited about as it has the potential to extend the cricket season.

"Cricket's biggest concern was the height of the roof ... they cited concerns with Marvel Stadium (in Melbourne) where the ball could potentially hit the roof," Mr Richardson said.

The height of the roof meant it was unlikely to get hit, and there would be no need for rain breaks, he said.

Concept designs for Hobart's new AFL stadium
The 1500-person function room will have views to Kunanyi/ Mount Wellington.

Greens MP Cassy O’Connor said building a stadium at Macquarie Point was still the wrong project for the site.

The concept designs failed to show how it would look from the Cenotaph, Derwent River or Constitution Dock, she said.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the designs were another step forward in the establishment of the Tassie Devils Football Club.

Tasmania's Liberal government, which signed the AFL and stadium deal, has pledged to cap the state's spend at $375 million - with private investment to cover overruns.

Stadium features:

* A 1500-person function room with views to Kunanyi/ Mount Wellington

* A design informed by modelling cricket ball trajectory data to ensure the best quality cricket games

* A stage pocket in the northern stand to support concerts and events, which will minimise impact on the field and reduce costs

* Accessible design features, including a single continuous concourse that services the whole stadium

* A seating bowl design will bring crowds closer to the action

* Separated back of house and catering facilities with a below ground service road to separate vehicles and stadium visitors and users.

Source: Tasmanian Government

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store