Geelong’s pitch to host Games opening

THE state Opposition has called for the 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony to be in Geelong and pledged to move the event there if the party wins this year’s election.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy last week touted GMHBA Stadium, which is now undergoing a $142 million stage five redevelopment, as the ideal venue to kick off the event.

“There is no better choice to kick off regional Victoria’s Commonwealth Games than in the largest stadium outside of Melbourne,” Mr Guy said.

“If Daniel Andrews doesn’t rethink this decision, a Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will relocate the opening ceremony to Geelong.”

Liberal candidate for South Barwon Andrew Katos said the idea had support from Geelong residents and businesses.

“It’s being pitched as a regional Games, so what better thing to do than to have the ceremony in regional Victoria?” Mr Katos said.

“You’ve got the economic and tourism impact too, for hospitality and accommodation, and it showcases the Geelong region across the world.

“It’s a common sense decision.”

The government announced the MCG as the opening venue in April, and repeated this week that the central location would bring athletes from all sports together before dispersing across the state.

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman, who recently became Parliamentary Secretary for the Commonwealth Games, insisted the event would still bring significant benefit to Geelong.

“We will see huge benefits to the entire community including infrastructure upgrades, and significant exposure to major tourism markets such as India, the UK and many others,” Mr Cheeseman said.

Aquatics, beach volleyball, cricket, triathlon, gymnastics, hockey and table tennis are all pencilled in for the city in 2026, alongside an almost 3,000-capacity athlete’s village.

Geelong remains in contention to host the closing ceremony, with the government and organising body Commonwealth Games Federation yet to decide on its venue.

The Geelong region is one of four regional hubs, alongside Ballarat, Bendigo and Gippsland, to host sports and athletes as part of the 2026 Games.