4 July 2026
Bridget Archer, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing
Footy fans at today’s AFL match at UTAS Stadium will be the first to experience upgraded sections of the ground’s Western Stand.
The Western Stand is being upgraded as part of the $130 million joint Australian and Tasmanian Governments’ redevelopment, with each contributing $65 million.
The completion of this section of works delivers an extra 900 seats available for this weekend’s match, taking the total capacity to approximately 11,500.
Once complete, the venue’s capacity for sporting events will increase to 17,500 and about 33,000 for major concerts, providing about 2,000 extra seats, and importantly bringing fans closer to the action.
The redevelopment remains on budget and on track for completion in 2027.
The works are being delivered by Tasmanian building firm Fairbrother.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer:
“UTAS Stadium is a cornerstone of Tasmania’s major events infrastructure and is particularly important as a premier venue for northern Tasmania.
“It’s exciting to see the project’s staged key reopening milestones being met, including part of the Western Stand reopening this week ahead of the next Hawthorn game.
“This redevelopment will secure AFL content into the future with the venue to host our Devils when they enter the AFL competition in 2028.
“Importantly, while the venue undergoes redevelopment, it continues to host prime content, such as the Foo Fighters concert event and four AFL Hawthorn matches throughout the 2026 and 2027 AFL seasons.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bass, Jess Teesdale:
“UTAS Stadium is one of the best regional sporting venues in the country, and it is fantastic to see more fans able to enjoy it from these upgraded sections of the Western Stand.
“This redevelopment is about making a great stadium even better, with improved accessibility, better amenities and modern infrastructure that delivers a better experience for every patron.”