Work on the new Western Stand at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium has been completed, marking another major milestone in the $130 million redevelopment jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the upgraded venue would strengthen northern Tasmania’s economy and provide improved facilities for sport and major events.
“This upgrade means cricket and AFL fans will be closer to the action and Launceston has a world-class venue, ready to host the next big concert,” Albanese said.
The new stand makes use of previously unused space between the existing stand and the pitch, adding 1,500 seats and bringing more fans closer to the action.
Spectators will also benefit from wider concourse areas, improved circulation and upgraded match-day facilities, while 39 purpose-built accessible seating areas will provide improved options for people with accessibility needs and their families.
The Western Stand is the latest stage of upgrades at the stadium, following new changerooms, an interchange bench and LED ribbon boards ahead of the 2026 AFL season.
The redevelopment is being delivered in stages so the venue can continue hosting sporting and other events during construction.
Once the Eastern Stand is completed early next year and the new Centre-West Stand is finished towards the end of 2027, the stadium’s capacity is expected to increase to around 17,500.
Tasmanian construction company Fairbrother is delivering the redevelopment, which is expected to create 566 jobs, with overall completion scheduled for November 2027.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff described the Western Stand completion as a significant milestone for Northern Tasmania, highlighting increased seating, improved views and accessibility.
The stadium is set to become the second home of the Tasmanian Devils when the state’s AFL team enters the competition in 2028. Cricket will also return to the venue when the Hobart Hurricanes face the Adelaide Strikers in January 2027.
Albanese said the redevelopment would help attract visitors to Launceston, noting that major sporting and entertainment events could generate broader tourism and economic activity across Northern Tasmania.
Stadiums Tasmania CEO James Avery said completing the Western Stand while the venue remained operational demonstrated the organisation’s ability to deliver major infrastructure works without stopping events.
The $130 million redevelopment is jointly funded, with the Australian and Tasmanian governments each contributing $65 million.
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