Plans for a $130 million upgrade of the University of Tasmania (UTAS) Stadium in Launceston have been officially confirmed.
Both the state and federal governments will each chip in $65 million for the redevelopment, which is scheduled to begin construction in late-2024 for a 2027 completion date.
The upgraded facility will include the construction of a new eastern stand and plaza entry, upgrades to the centre-west stand, improvements to match day facilities, sports lighting and the replacement of the LED ribbon board.
The redevelopment will also include new corporate and hospitality facilities, food and beverage outlets and patron amenities on the eastern and western side of the stadium, along with improved facilities for users.
“These upgrades … will not only improve the overall experience of players and attendees, it will deliver significant economic knock-on effects for the wider community here in Launceston and provide a state-of-the-art, accessible facility for entertainment, sporting and cultural gatherings,” Minister for Stadia and Events Nic Street said.
“We are proud to deliver this upgrade and to be supporting the City of Launceston’s vision to make the city a premier location as not just a sporting and entertainment location but also a business, retail and lifestyle hub.”
Stadiums Tasmania CEO James Avery said it was exciting to see a “critical piece of Tasmania’s sporting infrastructure” receive such strong support from all levels of government.
“We know what powerful economic multipliers stadiums are, from the building phase to gameday revenue, they provide significant benefits to the entire local community,” he said.
