By Melissa Meehan
Concept designs for Tasmania’s new AFL stadium at Macquarie Point, complete with a transparent roof, were released on Sunday.
The 23,000-seat stadium planned for the Hobart waterfront site is a condition of Tasmania’s entry into the AFL, slated for 2028.
One of the images shows what the Tasmanian AFL stadium will look like inside.
But it will also be used for cricket, and other major sporting and cultural events, including concerts.
In fact, the government said on Sunday the stadium’s design was informed by modelling data on the trajectory data of cricket balls to ensure it would also host the best quality games in that sport.
Tasmania’s sport and events minister Nic Street said the design was a “welcoming, functional and uniquely Tasmanian” multipurpose stadium and would feature timber from the state.
“When completed, the stadium will be the largest timber roofed stadium in the world,” Mr Street said.
An artist’s impression gives the bird’s-eye view of the proposed 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.”
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.
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“The transparent roof, which is supported by an internal steel and timber frame, provides an opportunity to showcase Tasmanian timber.”
That frame will support a fully transparent roof, which will allow light in, support natural turf growth and avoid the need for large light towers.
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.
Among the stadium features spruiked by the state government on Sunday were:
- A 1500-person function room with views to Kunanyi/ Mount Wellington;
- Designed using 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 to bring crowds closer to the action; and,
- Separated back-of-house and catering facilities, with a below-ground service road to separate vehicles and stadium visitors and users.
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