Victorian Government announces funding for completion of Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium as a 40,000 seat venue

November 9, 2020

Finance / Government / Sport / Venues /

The Victorian Government has announced a $40 million injection into the final stage of the redevelopment of Geelong’s GMHBA/Kardinia Park which will bring the venue up to a capacity of 40,000.

The new funding announcement comes on top of the Victorian Government’s previous commitment of $102 million to the project which will involve the construction of a 14,000 capacity, two-tier northern stand to replace the ageing Ford Stand and Ablett Terrace, increasing the venue’s capacity to over 40,000 and boosting Geelong’s ability to attract national and international events.

Announcing that the funding will be included in the state’s 2020/21 Budget, Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula stated “Kardinia Park is a much-loved part of Geelong and Victoria and we’re proud to be backing its development for the benefit of fans and users now and for generations to come.”

“With new and improved facilities and a bigger capacity, the stadium will continue to attract A-grade sport and entertainment to Geelong.”

The $142 million Stage 5 works will include facilities such as new professional standard unisex change rooms and a home for the Geelong Cricket Club.

Stadium operations will be bolstered through the delivery of a new administration area for stadium and event staff and dedicated sustainability measures.

Welcoming the funding, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, Chair Stephen Gough advised “we’re delighted with this investment from the Victorian Government which will deliver a world-class stadium designed to serve its community.”

The most recent stage of the stadium redevelopment was completed in 2017 and included the new Brownlow Stand, a community-based rehabilitation centre and training and administration facilities for the Geelong Football Club. The Victorian Government contributed $75 million towards those works.

Kardinia Park attracts more than 400,000 spectators in a standard year across a diverse calendar that includes regular AFL, BBL, WBBL and A-League matches.

Work on the project is expected to begin early next year.

Images: Artist impressions of the new two-tier stand at GMHBA Stadium (top) and venue’s new Plaza entrance (below). Courtesy of Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.

5th November 2020 - Victorian Government launches online sustainability resource for local recreation and sport facilities

4th November 2020 - New $84 million elephant sanctuary to be developed at Victoria’s Werribee Zoo

2nd November 2020 - Victorian Government appoints new members to Parks Victoria Board

2nd September 2020 - MCG secures AFL Grand Final contract extension

3rd July 2020 - AFL’s Victorian teams to move interstate

18th February 2020 - Western United reaches 5,000 members milestone in first A-League season

2nd November 2020 - City of Greater Geelong reopens indoor gyms and pools under strict COVID -19 conditions

21st September 2020 - Geelong Council pushes for funding to complete design stages of Waterworld site redevelopment

2nd July 2020 - Stephen Gough named Chair of Geelong’s Kardinia Park Stadium Trust

27th November 2019 - Geelong Arena to become Victoria’s home of gymnastics

14th October 2019 - Major events contribute $99.3 million to Geelong economy

19th August 2019 - New football facilities opened in Geelong

8th May 2019 - Kardinia Park launches new water station initiative

3rd May 2019 - Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and Geelong FC partner to offer sensory inclusive experience

30th April 2019 - New Kardinia Park Stadium Trust partnership aims for positive environmental impact

9th April 2019 - Kardinia Park Trust names new Chief Executive

24th December 2017 - Final stage of Kardinia Park redevelopment to cost $100 million

2nd December 2019 - Sydney FC slams security at GMHBA Stadium following fan expulsions

4th April 2019 - GMHBA Stadium becomes Australia’s first Sensory Inclusive Stadium

21st September 2018 - Labor makes election pledges to upgrade Geelong Performing Arts Centre and GMHBA Stadium

2nd November 2017 - Geelong FC announces GMHBA Stadium naming rights deal

19th May 2017 - New Brownlow Stand officially opened at Geelong’s Simonds Stadium

4th May 2017 - Victorian budget confirms next stage of Geelong’s Simonds Stadium upgrade

28th July 2015 - AFL backs funding for Simonds Stadium redevelopment

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.