Premier

Simonds Stadium Upgrade Now Underway

05 October 2015

The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with turning Simonds Stadium into Australia’s top regional venue for the biggest and best events.

Minister for Sport John Eren today joined Geelong Cats chief executive Brian Cook and representatives from the Simonds Stadium Trust to mark the start of construction works that will lift the iconic stadium’s capacity to 36,000. The Government is contributing $75 million towards the upgrade.

The Brownlow and Jennings stands will make way for a new grandstand, while new amenities will give fans the ultimate experience. The new rehabilitation centre will give the Cats the world-class facilities they need, and the community a medical clinic they deserve.

One of the AFL’s most successful teams, Geelong is on the cusp of an exciting new era. A bigger and better Simonds Stadium means more fans can watch Joel Selwood and his Cats teammates at home. The Labor Government is elevating Simonds Stadium to trust status, so that its future is secure.

Geelong already hosts Melbourne Victory A-league outings and will soon welcome the West Indies and Melbourne’s KFC Big Bash teams for a festival of cricket. The city will be able to bid for more big events when the upgrade is complete.

The Labor Government has secured an additional $80 million for Victoria’s events war chest, to help regions land the big events and ensure our state grows its $21 billion tourism and events industry.

Top design giant Populous will lead the project, after key roles in some of world sport’s most significant sports architecture upgrades, including London’s Emirates Stadium, Wembley and Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast.

Construction will create approximately 90 jobs, and 320 ongoing positions.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

“Simonds Stadium is at the heart of sport in Geelong and is a treasured part of this great city. We’re upgrading it, so that it can offer world-class facilities and attract the best events.”

“The big AFL games are just the start. Twenty20 Cricket, A-League blockbusters and many more events will head the way of Geelong when this upgrade is complete.”

“We’ve already elevated Simonds Stadium to trust status, to ensure the character of this iconic venue can never be compromised. Simonds Stadium has a bright future.”

Reviewed 10 February 2021

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