Tasmania’s capacity to attract and host major business events will be enhanced with approval granted for the Macquarie Point Stadium project.
The approval clears the way for construction to begin in 2027, with completion expected in 2029.
The project includes a significant investment in dedicated business event infrastructure that will allow Tasmania to compete for larger conferences, exhibitions and industry gatherings.
The 23,000-seat $1.13 billion stadium was approved by the Tasmania Government last week. It will be home to new Tasmanian AFL and AFLW teams, and is expected to attract a considerable number of non-sports related events annually.
Plans of the stadium include a new purpose-built event facility with capacity for 1700 delegates theatre-style and 1500 guests for gala dinners, with the space divisible into three separate rooms to suit a wide range of formats.
The redevelopment also includes the repositioning of the historic 1914 Goods Shed, which will sit alongside the stadium as a flexible and character-rich venue suitable for exhibitions and off-site conference experiences.
Business Events Tasmania CEO Marnie Craig said the decision marked a transformative moment for the state.
“This is an incredibly exciting day for Tasmania,” Ms Craig said.
“The approval of the Macquarie Point Stadium means we will soon have the infrastructure needed to host business events at a scale that has not been possible here before.
“Expanding our capacity beyond 1100 delegates opens new opportunities and strengthens our position in the national events landscape.”
The approval also provides a pathway for further business event infrastructure investment in northern Tasmania, including future upgrades to UTAS Stadium.
“Having confidence in statewide investment is critical,” Ms Craig said.
“Strengthening infrastructure in both Hobart and Launceston ensures Tasmania can offer capacity, capability and choice for event organisers. It allows us to support simultaneous events, rotate national conferences between regions and continue to attract high-value business visitors to the state.”
Currently events contribute $199 million annually to the Tasmanian economy. Once the stadium is up and running, this figure is e