Almost 900 new seats have opened at UTAS Stadium in Launceston, marking the major boost to crowd capacity from the venue’s $130 million redevelopment.
The seats opened on Saturday ahead of the Hawthorn and Melbourne AFL game, which had sold out well in advance.
The upgrade is jointly funded by the state and federal governments and includes 50 new accessible seats, with wheelchair spaces and companion seating.
Minister Bridget Archer said the extra capacity would help the venue attract more than just football.
“Increasing the capacity of the stadium here allows much better opportunities for football fans, for other sports fans and also to attract other events here to Tasmania,” Archer said.
Federal Bass MP Jess Teesdale said the new seats were close to the ground and offered clear views of the action.
“You’ll be able to hear every second of the game, see it clear as day,” she said.
Teesdale said the stadium held strong memories for people across northern Tasmania.
“With the extra $130 million, this stadium, one of the best in regional Australia, will continue to provide those memories for families and for our community,” she said.
Stadiums Tasmania chief executive James Avery said the opening offered a preview of what to expect once the redevelopment is finished.
The redevelopment is due to be complete by the end of 2027.
Avery said the new seating had been several months in the making, with the project on time and on track.
He said the latest section added up to 900 seats, with another area close to completion.
The full redevelopment will deliver more than 2,000 extra seats overall.
Avery said the increased accessible seating was an important part of the project.
Fairbrother senior project manager Chad Glover said the team had worked closely with Stadiums Tasmania to hand over some seats early for community use this season.
More seats will be made available over the coming weeks and months.
