The Macquarie Point Development Corporation has submitted planning documents with the Tasmanian Planning Commission for a proposed 23,000-seat, roofed multi-purpose stadium in Hobart, Australia.
The cost of developing the Macquarie Point stadium has increased to AU$775 million (US$ 527 million), up from the previous estimate of AU$715 million (US$ 486 million), an AU$60 million (US$ 40.8 million) rise. However, the state government has confirmed its contribution will remain capped at AU$375 million (US$ 255 million). The federal government has pledged AU$ 240 million (US$ 163 million) towards the Macquarie Point precinct, with the AFL contributing AU$ 15 million (US$ 10 million) for the stadium. The corporation expects the stadium to be completed in time for the 2029 AFL season. The development plan projects at least 36 to 38 events annually, with a hopeful estimate of 48 to 51 events. The stadium will cater for a range of sports, including cricket, and will also have a 1,500-person function room. The facility will feature the largest timber-supported roof covering a stadium anywhere in the world. The curved, translucent roof, which will be 51 m high, will come for AU$190 million (US$ 129 million).
The stadium will not have a public car park, and spectators will be encouraged to use public transport options such as buses, ferries, and bicycles. A roof is considered essential to avoid additional expenses and design challenges, such as the need for light towers and issues with noise. Without a roof, light towers would be required, adding both costs and visual complexity. The project also involved extensive environmental analysis, focusing on factors like noise and sound.