Construction will begin this week on a new oval at the Kingborough Sports Precinct that will serve as a training ground for the Tasmania Devils and the home of the Kingborough Tigers Football Club.
Oval 3 is the first major construction milestone in the wider Kingborough Sports Precinct redevelopment, which includes the Devils’ high performance centre as the club prepares for its inaugural AFL and AFLW season in 2028.
Tasmanian company Batchelor Construction Group has been awarded the contract to build the facility, which is scheduled for completion in late 2027.
Devils chief executive Brendon Gale said the project was about more than just the club.
“Today marks another significant step on our road to 2028,” Gale said.
“What we’re building here goes well beyond our club. It’s laying the foundations for future generations of Tasmanian football and community engagement.”
“Oval 3 will give our athletes an elite environment to develop, while ensuring the Kingborough Tigers, a club with a proud history, continue to have a home they’re proud of.”
Acting Minister for Sport Gavin Pearce said the project was part of a broader investment in community sporting infrastructure.
“This project is part of a once-in-a-generation investment that will elevate Tasmanian football and create a lasting legacy for players, clubs and communities across the state,” Pearce said.
Under an agreement between the state government, the Devils and Kingborough Council, the Tigers will relocate to Oval 3 at the Kingborough Sports Precinct, which will feature a new oval, clubrooms and changing facilities.
The Tigers’ current main oval will transition to regular use by the Devils.
Acting Kingborough Mayor Christian Street said the project reflected a strong partnership between local government, the state and the club.
“The new oval will provide a home for the Kingborough Tigers while also delivering a valuable community asset that will benefit local players, clubs and the wider community for years to come,” Street said.
Kingborough Tigers president Dan Wylie called it “another landmark moment” for the club.
“Having a dedicated, high-quality facility at Oval 3 which we will operate year-round ensures our players, coaches, volunteers and supporters have an environment that supports both performance and development, while preserving the strong community spirit which has defined our club for 140 years,” Wylie said.
Oval 3 will be owned by Kingborough Council once completed.
The Devils are yet to announce the contractor for the broader high performance centre, with construction on that facility expected to begin in the coming months.
All sports and activities within the precinct will continue to operate throughout construction.
