Final stage of Kardinia Park development secures funding

KARDINIA Park has secured a $40 million funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government to complete the ground’s transformation.

The funding will complete Stage 5 of the Kardinia Park redevelopment which will see the construction of a 14,000 capacity, two-tier northern stand to replace the ageing Ford Stand and Ablett Terrace. Importantly, this will see the stadium’s capacity grow to over 40,000 and increase Geelong’s ability to attract national and international events as well as the football club’s chance of hosting AFL finals.

The new stand will include facilities for all levels including new professional standard unisex change rooms and a home for the Geelong Cricket Club. Meaning the region’s next generation of cricketers will also benefit from the creation of a regional cricket hub.

Minister for Tourism, Sports and Major Events Martin Pakula said the $142 million Stage 5 would ensure Geelong continues to attract high-level sporting events.

“Kardinia Park is a much-loved part of Geelong and Victoria and we’re proud to be backing its development for the benefit of fans and users now and for generations to come,” he said.

“With new and improved facilities and a bigger capacity, the stadium will continue to attract A-grade sport and entertainment to Geelong and ensure that the city’s name is known around the globe.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens echoed the Minister’s thoughts.

“The final stage of the Kardinia Park redevelopment means construction jobs for Geelong and the completion of the best and largest regional sporting facility in the country.”

The most recent stage of the stadium redevelopment was completed in 2017 and included the new Brownlow Stand, a community-based rehabilitation centre and training and administration facilities for the Geelong Football Club. The Victorian Government contributed $75 million towards those works.

Kardinia Park attracts more than 400,000 spectators in a standard year across a diverse calendar that includes regular AFL, BBL, WBBL and A-League matches.