The first-ever all-weather cricket stadium in the world will be constructed as part of an agreement to bring a Tasmanian team to the AFL. The Macquarie Point stadium’s concept designs were made public recently.
A first-of-a-kind cricket stadium
The larger plan includes building a 23,000-seat covered stadium and bringing the Tasmania team to AFL by 2028. Nic Street, Minister of Sport and Events, highlighted the facility’s versatility. The stadium’s woven facade, which is evocative of the famed Hobart Rail Yard roundhouse, was inspired by the history and culture of the area.
Stadium bearing Tasmania’s history
Members of the Aboriginal community have also given the project cultural direction. The most remarkable feature is probably the transparent roof. It displays Tasmanian wood and lets natural light shine on the playing surface. It is held up by an internal steel and wood frame.
“While developing this stadium is an important step in realizing our dream of seeing our own AFL and AFLW teams running out on our field. This facility will offer so much more,” Sport and Events Minister Nic Street told reporters.
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Longer cricket season to result in more cricket
The CEO of Cox Architecture, Alistair Richardson, emphasized the special advantages of the stadium’s layout for cricket. The grass growing season will be extended by the naturally ventilated roof, possibly enabling a longer cricket calendar. Concerns regarding the height of the roof were also addressed by Richardson, who assured that it wouldn’t likely impede play.