UTAS Stadium Redevelopment

We’re improving the University of Tasmania (UTAS) Stadium in Launceston, an iconic precinct that has been hosting great sporting events since 1921.

The Australian and Tasmanian governments have each committed $65 million to the redevelopment and upgrade of this important community infrastructure.

This redevelopment aims to attract national sporting and entertainment events to Launceston, supporting the City of Launceston’s vision to make the city a premier business, retail and lifestyle hub.

In addition to the new eastern stand and plaza entry, the upgrade of the stadium will include a new centre-west stand, an upgrade to match day facilities, sports lighting upgrades and replacing 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.

The scope of works for this exciting project has now been finalised. The scope has been developed with key stakeholders, including the City of Launceston. This has helped to identify and prioritise works that will enhance the venue and help secure its future.

Now that the scope of works has been confirmed, completion of the concept designs is the key priority for early 2024. This will enable development application and planning approvals to be prepared for lodgement in mid-2024.

The construction program is currently expected to start later in the year and is expected to consist of several works packages, aiming to maximise the opportunities available to local industry.

The works program is expected to be completed by early 2027.

Project Status Update 22 June 2024

Infrastructure Tasmania has sought tenders from suitably qualified construction contractors to complete the Matchday Facility Upgrades, with construction expected to begin in October 2024.

The tender was released on Saturday 22 June and closed on Friday 2 August 2024.

Project Status Update 18 November 2024

Construction has started on the University of Tasmania (UTAS) Stadium redevelopment project with matchday facility upgrades commencing 11 November 2024. Following a RFT process, Infrastructure Tasmania has engaged local firm Fairbrother to facilitate the works within the existing Carlton and United Breweries Stand.

These upgrades will align with Australian tier 2 sporting code guidelines, enhancing facilities for players, umpires, and officials. Improvements include refurbished change rooms, medical and massage rooms, strapping rooms, a briefing room, and upgraded warm-up and training spaces.

The Main Works Development Application (DA) will be lodged with the City of Launceston (CoL) this month. The Department of State Growth has been working closely with CoL and Stadiums Tasmania. The DA will be publicly advertised with a decision expected in Q1 2025.

This redevelopment is part of an ongoing effort to improve facilities at UTAS Stadium and ensure it meets modern sporting standards.

Project Status Update 20 December 2024

Infrastructure Tasmania is now seeking tenders from suitably qualified construction contractors to complete the Main Works Package.

The tender was released on Saturday 14 December 2024 and closes on Friday 28 February 2025 at 2.00pm.

You can find the tender here.

Project Status Update 27 January 2025

We will be testing the lighting system on site  between 9:00 pm and midnight, 29 January 2025.

This testing will assist us in understanding what level of lighting will be required while the new Centre West tower is under construction.

This redevelopment is part of an ongoing effort to improve facilities at UTAS Stadium and ensure it meets modern sporting standards.

Project Status Update 5 March 2025

The Development Application (DA) for the UTAS Stadium Redevelopment Project, Main Works, has now be released for public exhibition by the City of Launceston you can  see the application here.

The "Request for Tender - Main works" closed on Friday 28 February and we are now reviewing and assessing the submissions.

We look forward to progressing this exciting project through the next stages

If you have a query about the project, please email projects@infrastructure.tas.gov.au

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the University of Tasmania (UTAS) Stadium Redevelopment Project?

The Tasmanian and Australian Governments have committed $130 million to undertake a major redevelopment of the UTAS Stadium in Launceston. The redevelopment will deliver new and improved spectator amenities, new and upgraded player and official matchday facilities to Tier 2 sporting code guidelines, new corporate and hospitality facilities, an economically sustainable and a more accessible venue.

What will the redevelopment include?

The redevelopment will include several programs of work, including:

New centre-west stand:

• New seating options and more accessible seating and spectator amenities.
• New and more contemporary player/home team change room facilities and amenities.
• A new integrated interchange bench and new coaches’ boxes for use on matchdays.
• New corporate and hospitality facilities, including premier seating within the new seating tier.
• New media and broadcasting facilities.

Redeveloped eastern stand and entry plaza:

• New and more accessible spectator facilities and seating.
• Improved spectator amenity and atmosphere, including bringing fans closer to the playing field.
• The capacity for new toilets, food and beverage and associated amenities.
• Landscaping to the south-east entry which will help to spread entry/exits around the venue.
• A stronger connection and links with the wider Inveresk precinct, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, and the University of Tasmania.

What other works will be happening as part of the redevelopment?

• Matchday facility upgrades within the existing Carlton and United Breweries stand.
• New infill seating to the western stand, which will provide new accessible seating options and enable spectators to become closer to the on-ground action.
• Sports lighting upgrades.
• Replacement of the current LED ribbon board.
• Accessibility and compliance upgrades, including all new works complying with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and a series of identified small works, to upgrade and future proof the stadium and provide an increased atmosphere and venue experience.

What do the DDA upgrades look like?

The project aims to create an inclusive stadium environment that prioritises the needs of all attendees, including additional seating for those with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.

The accessibility objectives of the redevelopment are to ensure equal access to all members of the community to venue facilities, services, information, and opportunities, enhancing the overall experience for all stadium users to truly deliver a ‘fan first’ venue.

The Premier’s Disability Advisory Council (PDAC) is engaged with the project to inform and provide advice on accessibility principles.

When are works expected to start?

The works across the stadium will be completed in a staged approach to ensure that stadium operations can continue and minimise disruptions to scheduled game days and events.

Construction works for the matchday facility upgrades started in November 2024 and will be finished in April 2025.

Will the Stadium meet the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide)?

The upgrades have been designed in accordance with best practice principles including the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide), that maximise the health and safety of players, staff, and spectators at the venue.

Will there be more seating options?

The project is proposed to deliver new and increased (general admission and premium) seating options and facilities, including approximately 2,000 new seats, over 50 new accessible seats, and better spectator experiences that provide new seating options closer to the action.

Will the stadium upgrades benefit Launceston?

The upgrades will provide enhanced economic outcomes for Launceston and the region by increasing the stadium’s capacity to host content and increase visitation to Tasmania. UTAS Stadium will be an economically sustainable and accessible venue for the community.