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York Park is a sports ground in the Inveresk and York Park Precinct, Launceston, Australia. Holding 21,000 people, York Park is known commercially as University of Tasmania (UTAS) Stadium[3] and was formerly known as Aurora Stadium under a previous naming rights agreement signed with Aurora Energy in 2004. Primarily used for Australian rules football, its record attendance of 20,971 was set in June 2006, when Hawthorn Football Club played Richmond Football Club in an Australian Football League (AFL) match.

Key Information

The area was swampland before becoming Launceston's showgrounds in 1873. In the following decades the grounds were increasingly used for sports, including cricket, bowls and tennis. In 1919, plans were prepared for the transformation of the area into a multi-sports venue. From 1923, the venue was principally used for Australian rules football by the Northern Tasmanian Football Association, and for occasional inter-state games. Visiting mainland football clubs regularly played mid-season or end-of-season matches at the ground. Other sports such as cricket, tennis, bowling, cycling and foot-racing have been played at the venue.

Hawthorn has played between two and five AFL matches each season since 2001, and the St Kilda Football Club played two games a year between 2003 and 2006. In 2007, the Tasmanian Government signed a $16.4 million, five-year sponsorship deal with Hawthorn, under which the club will play four regular season games and one National Australia Bank Cup pre-season match at the venue each year. The venue hosted its first VFL/AFL finals during the 2021 AFL finals series.

Throughout its history, York Park has hosted major pop concerts and other entertainments. Since 2001 it has been a venue for international sports events, and in 2005 was redeveloped at a cost of $23.6 million. On 21 February 2009 York Park became home to the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame.

History

[edit]

The area now known as York Park was originally "swampy, sour, and choked with weeds".[4] After European settlement, it was used for landfill before becoming the Launceston showgrounds in 1874.[5] By 1881, 47 acres (0.19 km2) of land (now York and Invermay Parks) had been taken over by the Launceston City Council "for the purpose of recreation, health and enjoyment". The area was ready to be used for two cricket games by the end of 1886. Cricketers were full of praise for the ground, but because winter rain caused it to become waterlogged, footballers (Australian rules) were often unable to use the facility.[4]

At a council meeting in July 1901, one member, Alderman Storrer, proposed that Inveresk Park be renamed York Park in honour of the Duke of York (later King George V), who visited Tasmania during the Federation celebrations of 1901. The proposal was passed 4–2, although another member, Alderman Sadler, noted that "Launceston was well known as a loyal community and did not need to change the park's name"[6] to prove their fidelity to the monarchy. A bowling green and tennis courts were completed by 1910, along with the main oval which was used for state school sports.[6] In 1919, the council held a competition for the design of the York Park sports ground, the winner to receive £20. The final design had to include two full sized tennis courts, a bowling green, a cycling track, cricket and football grounds with dressing rooms and facilities for spectators.[6] Although not fully complete, York Park was officially opened by the St Andrews Caledonian Society on 1 January 1921. A cycling track surrounding the perimeter fence[7] was in use by September of the same year.[8][9] On 4 May 1923 The Examiner reported on that "Work on the grandstand was completed for the opening of the 1923 football season, when the game was transferred from the NTCA Ground to York Park. Work on the grandstand and the seating round the oval has been proceeded with at top speed, and spectators at the game tomorrow should have little to complain of."[6] The first game between teams representing the northern and southern halves of Tasmania took place at the oval in August 1923 in front of a crowd of 9,441. A reporter from The Examiner commented: "The oval is in good order and well grassed and the new motor mower copes with the latter very effectively under favourable conditions. The whole five acres can be cut in six hours, as compared with twenty hours by the horse mower."[6] When the ground was harrowed, glass and other debris would surface; a contemporary observer, John Orchard, later remembered: "they'd line up a whole group of people, perhaps thirty or forty players, and we'd go along with a container alongside each other and we'd pick up everything that was likely to hurt a player."[6]

Heavy floods in 1929 caused substantial damage to the ground, destroying the cycling track, which was subsequently rebuilt.[6][10] In the 1930s the Launceston Football Club, who played regularly at the ground, won six consecutive premierships before World War II intervened. As a consequence of the war NTFA matches were cancelled after the 1941 season, not to resume until May 1945. Three years later, 12 ornamental trees were planted at the ground, in memory of NTFA players who had lost their lives in the war.[11]

In 1960, York Park was the venue of a football match in which Tasmania defeated Victoria for the first time. The match was attended by a record crowd of approximately 15,000.[12][13] Four years later, the southern stand (demolished in 2004) was completed. In the 1970s another stand was added, capable of holding 650 spectators and incorporating sales kiosks and committee rooms.[11]

A grey coloured function centre with glass windows. Spectators and an interchange bench are in front of the structure.
Aurora Function Centre

Up to 1999 York Park had remained a sports ground used predominately for local events, generally attracting modest crowds; according to ground manager Robert Groenewegen, supporters were able to "park [their] car[s] next to the boundary fence".[8] However, before the 1998 federal election the local member of parliament (MP) representing the Division of Bass, Warwick Smith—a minister from the ruling Liberal Party—promised public funding for the redevelopment of York Park. Although Smith lost his seat, the Liberals retained power and kept the promise.[8] The $6.4 million redevelopment completed in 2000 was the first major phase in the process of raising the ground to Australian Football League (AFL) standard. Work included the construction of the Gunns Stand, a two-level grandstand originally holding 2,500 (now extended to 5,700) which incorporates corporate facilities.[14][15] Other improvements added were five 45 m (148 ft) television standard light towers, a watering and drainage system able to disperse up to 100 millimetres (3.9 in) of rain an hour, and 85 in-ground sprinklers capable of rising 15 centimeters (5.9 in).[14][16][17][18][19][20]

In 2003, the Government of Tasmania allocated $2 million to erect a roof above 6,000 terrace seats, in readiness for the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup; this meant that almost all of the seating area was protected from the weather.[21] In 2004, the ground became known as Aurora Stadium as the result of six-year naming rights sponsorship deal with Aurora Energy.[5] During 2006, the state government supplied $150,000 for new gates and ticket boxes at the stadium entry. The gates were later named after recently deceased Tasmanian Premier Jim Bacon.[22] These gates, and the heritage-listed Northern Stand, have been placed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register as culturally significant to the state.[23] The two-storey Cameron-Tyson stand was in 2005, replaced by an extension of the Gunns Stand.[citation needed]

A grassed sporting oval with an old stand with a yellow and red roof, filled with spectators
Northern Stand after fire damage in 2008. The stand was consequently moved to the nearby Invermay Park in 2010.

In March 2008, an arson attack destroyed part of the Northern Stand, causing between $300,000 and $500,000 damage.[24][25] In December 2008 the Launceston City Council proposed a $7 million development for a replacement Northern Stand. The project includes the relocation of the old Northern Stand's heritage roof into part of the redevelopment of facilities at Invermay Park. The old structure at York Park will be replaced with a 2,125-seat grandstand which will include three AFL compliant changerooms, an AFL umpire changeroom, a corporate facility for 936 people in corporate boxes, suites and function rooms, coaches boxes, along with statistician, timekeepers and print media rooms. Post-match press conference, drug testing, and radio rooms will also be included. The stand has increased the ground's capacity to 21,000 and the seating capacity to 13,825. These works were designed by Tasmania-based architects Philp Lighton Architects.[26] The Australian Government was expected to contribute $4 million, the Tasmanian Government $2 million and Launceston City Council $500,000. The Hawthorn Football Club asked for a "sizeable" contribution from the AFL towards the development, and Inveresk Precinct Authority chairman Robin McKendrick has indicated that a contribution of $1 million was possible.[27][28][29][30]

Redevelopment

[edit]

As the Tasmanian Government sought to secure a license for a Tasmanian team in the Australian Football League (AFL), redeveloping York Park became an active pursuit of the government. In March 2022 Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein announced the government intended pursue a significant redevelopment of the stadium. The premier revealed the development would occur within the following five years, though was contingent on the state government's $65 million contribution being matched by the federal government and ownership of the stadium ownership being transferred from the Launceston City Council to the state government-run Stadiums Tasmania agency.[31][32] The federal funding was secured in April 2023 in an announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.[33] Shortly after this announcement the Tasmania Football Club was approved for entry in the AFL for the 2028 season.

In November 2024 the Launceston City Council voted to transfer ownership of the stadium from the council to Stadiums Tasmania,[34] paving the way for construction works on improved matchday facilities to commence and bringing umpires rooms, changing rooms and other facilities to Australian tier 2 sporting guidelines.[35] Major construction at the stadium commenced in September 2025.[36] The redevelopment will include a new centre-west stand incorporating function, corporate and media facilities, a new seating bowl in the lower section of the western stand and a revitalised eastern stand. It is expected be complete in 2027 and result in a total stadium capacity of 17,500.[37]

Sports and events

[edit]

Australian rules football

[edit]
Two young male athletes contest the football. One is wearing a light blue, black and white sleeveless shirt and white shorts, while the other is wearing a brown and gold striped sleeveless shirt and brown shorts.
Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide AFL match in 2007
See also: Australian rules football in Tasmania

Australian rules football is the main sport played at the stadium which has hosted Australian Football League (AFL) games since 2001, when the state government started paying interstate clubs to relocate their home games. Melbourne-based Hawthorn played one game in 2001 and two in 2002, and in 2003 were joined by another Melbourne team, St Kilda. In 2004, it was estimated that the cost to the government per game was between $300,000 and $500,000, but Tasmanian Premier Jim Bacon stated that the government was making a profit on its investment, estimating that each game injected between $1 million and $1.5 million into the Tasmanian economy.[38][39]

The number of AFL matches peaked in 2006, when Hawthorn played three home games and one pre-season game, while St Kilda played two home games. The games drew an average crowd of 17,108, with a record attendance of 20,971 for the match between Hawthorn and Richmond.[40]

A two tier stand and scoreboard filled with people in the backdrop of an oval grass playing surface.
Gunns Stand during Hawthorn vs Brisbane AFL match in 2009

Controversy occurred at York Park when, in a game between St Kilda and Fremantle, the final siren was too quiet to be heard by any of the umpires; play was restarted in error, and in the subsequent confusion St Kilda levelled the scores. After a protest, the AFL Commission convened and overturned the result, awarding Fremantle the victory. The stadium's sirens were replaced, and the old ones were put on display at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.[41]

In 2007 York Park benefitted from a five-year, $16.4 million sponsorship of Hawthorn by the state government. Under the sponsorship agreement the stadium is the venue for five of Hawthorn's matches each year—one pre-season and four premiership games.[42] Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has expressed interest in his club playing higher profile teams, such as Collingwood, at the stadium.[14]

As well as being an AFL venue, York Park is the long-term base of North Launceston, and thus hosts regular Tasmanian State League matches.[43] The ground also hosted occasional Tasmanian Devils Football Club home games in the Victorian Football League, from 2001 until the club's demise in 2008.[40]

In 2021, due to COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns preventing matches from being played in Melbourne and Sydney, York Park hosted its first two AFL finals matches: both first-week elimination finals, the first a Western Bulldogs victory over Essendon, and the second a Greater Western Sydney Giants win over the Sydney Swans in Sydney Derby XXII.[44]

Hawthorn Football Club

[edit]

Hawthorn are the AFL club with the longest tenancy at York Park, having played up to four relocated home games per season at the venue since 2001, and having exclusivity over the ground since the mid-2000's. In 2025 the club extended its partnership with the stadium to the end of the 2027 season. As of the end of the 2024 season, Hawthorn have won 61 of the 82 premiership matches it has played at the venue, one of the league's most successful win-loss records.[45]

Tasmania Football Club

[edit]

Hawthorn's tenancy at York Park is expected to end in 2027. From 2028 the stadium will be the shared home ground of the Tasmania Football Club (nicknamed the Devils), who are scheduled to begin competing in the league in the 2028 season. The club will split home games between the venue and the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium in Hobart.

Other uses

[edit]

York Park hosted its first international sporting fixture in the group phase of the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup, when Romania and Namibia played in front of 15,457 spectators. As a soccer venue the stadium has hosted one National Soccer League match and three A-League pre-season games.[15] Melbourne Knights and Perth Glory played a national league match at the stadium during the 2001–02 NSL season.[11] In July 2006, after the A-League replaced the NSL, the stadium hosted Tasmania's first A-League match when Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United played in the pre-season competition. In 2007, 8,061 attended the corresponding match, which has since become a regular fixture.[46][47] In addition to pre-season matches, Aurora Stadium has also hosted regular season A-League matches: on 1 February 2012, Melbourne Victory played Gold Coast United FC in a regular season A-League game in front of a crowd of 5,268 people[48] and on 12 January 2013, Melbourne Victory played against Central Coast Mariners in front of a crowd of 6,238 people. Inveresk Precinct Authority chairman Robin McKendrick has stated that ground authorities are attempting to win hosting rights for Australian national soccer team matches.[49] On 30 December 2017, the ground played host to its first ever Big Bash League match when the Hobart Hurricanes took a home game to York Park with the Sydney Thunder being their opponents. The Thunder won by 57 runs in front of 16,734 fans.[50] Western United FC has also played home games at the stadium.[51]

Among non-sporting events, before its redevelopment the stadium hosted an Ike & Tina Turner concert and a Billy Graham religious revival meeting.[8] The Crusty Demons performed at the stadium during 2006 and March 2008.[52][53] Elton John performed at York Park during his Rocket Man: Greatest Hits Live Tour at the end of 2007; this remains his only appearance in Tasmania as of August 2009.[54]

Structures and facilities

[edit]
York Park is located next to a road, with its biggest stand near the road. There are seven different stands surrounding the perimeter of the grassed oval, with varying shapes and sizes.
Stadium map

York Park is an oval-shaped grassed arena surrounded by several different stands, the largest being the two-tier Gunns Stand on the ground's western side. The stand originally had a capacity of 2,500, which was increased by an extension in 2005 to 5,700.[16][55] The stand has two corporate box areas, the Gunns Function Centre and the Corporate Function Centre.[56] Immediately north of the Stand is the Aurora Function Centre, which also houses coaches' boxes,[57][58][59] and is next to the heritage listed Northern Stand connecting the Northern, Southern and Eastern Terraces. The stands have a collective capacity of 6,000, bringing the ground's total seating to 11,700.[15][60] The Railway Workers Hill is a small, uncovered stand located at the eastern side of the ground between the Northern and Eastern Terraces. The ground has a parking capacity of approximately 2,500, from the use of large grassy areas at the adjacent Inveresk site, with an option of street parking.[61][62]

York Park has often been criticised for its large playing surface, which is blamed for producing unattractive low-scoring football. Prior to the start of 2009, only 11 of 28 matches saw a score beyond 100 points.[63] For a pre-season match in 2009, 13 metres of width was removed from the outer wing "in a bid to produce more attractive games."[64] Before the match, Groenewegen said, "Because that outer wing was so wide, once they [a team] chipped wide out there it was very easy for teams to flood back because you were so far away from the goals."[63][64] The ground is also known for its strong wind, which hinders the accuracy of long-distance kicks that are propelled high into the air.[65]

A grant of $50,000 from the Tasmanian Community Fund in 2005 helped the Launceston City Council and AFL Tasmania construct a permanent Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame at York Park. The ground was chosen as the site because it is regarded as the home of Australian rules football in Tasmania.[66] AFL Tasmania initiated the Hall of Fame nomination process, and since 2005 various clubs, players and grounds have been inducted.[67] The Hall of Fame opened to the public on 21 February 2009.[68] As of May 2009, $23.6 million had been spent re-developing the stadium.[15][17]

Naming rights

[edit]

On 22 October 2016, the University of Tasmania bought the naming rights to the stadium for a five-year contract that would take effect on 1 January as the university campus would sit next to York Park, bringing an end to a 13-year partnership with Aurora Energy.[69]

Crowds

[edit]
Average AFL attendances[70]
Season Average
2022 12,060
2021 9,213
2019 13,922
2018 12,578
2017 13,197
2016 13,855
2015 13,851
2014 13,825
2013 13,238
2012 15,688
2011 15,716
2010 16,173
2009 17,420
2008 17,528
2007 17,403
2006 17,108
2005 15,772
2004 16,615
2003 16,707
2002 16,589
2001 17,460
Total 16,849

The ground's record attendance is 20,971, at an AFL match between Hawthorn and Richmond on 18 June 2006. This match occurred before the Northern Stand was damaged and the stadium's capacity reduced.[71] An AFL match between Hawthorn and St Kilda on 8 August 2009 saw a capacity crowd of 20,011, the largest crowd since the fire.[72] The stadium's lowest AFL attendance is 9,007 for the match between Hawthorn and Gold Coast on 23 June 2018.[70]

The highest recorded attendance for an interstate match at York Park is 15,000 for the 1960 clash between Tasmania and Victoria.[73]

The highest recorded attendance for a Tasmanian Football League match at York Park is 6,755 for the 1989 Second Semi Final played between North Launceston and North Hobart on 2 September 1989.[citation needed]

The highest recorded attendance for a soccer match is 8,061, when Melbourne Victory played Adelaide United on 16 July during a 2007 A-League Pre-Season Challenge Cup match.[74] The Billy Graham religious revival meeting on 17 March 1959 attracted 17,000 attendees, a record for a non-sporting event at the ground.[75][76]

View of a grassed sporting field and a variety of small stands. Some people on field and in the stands.
York Park during the half-time break of an A-League pre-season game in July 2006

The highest recorded attendance for a Rugby Union match is 15,457, when Romania played Namibia on the 30 October 2003 during the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Attendance records

[edit]

Top 11 sports attendance records

No. Date Teams Sport Competition Crowd
1 18 June 2006 Hawthorn vs. Richmond Australian rules football AFL 20,971[77]
2 8 August 2009 Hawthorn vs. St Kilda Australian rules football AFL 20,011[78]
3 9 August 2008 Hawthorn vs. Brisbane Lions Australian rules football AFL 19,929[79]
4 31 May 2008 Hawthorn vs. Western Bulldogs Australian rules football AFL 19,378[80]
5 4 July 2004 St Kilda vs. Port Adelaide Australian rules football AFL 19,223
6 29 April 2012 Hawthorn vs. Sydney Australian rules football AFL 19,217
7 29 July 2007 Hawthorn vs. Kangaroos Australian rules football AFL 19,114
8 26 August 2006 Hawthorn vs. Kangaroos Australian rules football AFL 18,836
9 26 May 2007 Hawthorn vs. West Coast Australian rules football AFL 18,112
10 30 July 2016 Hawthorn vs. Carlton Australian rules football AFL 18,112
11 30 October 2003 Romania vs. Namibia Rugby Union 2003 Rugby World Cup 15,457

Last updated on 19 June 2025

Sources

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References

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Bibliography

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

York Park

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
York Park, commercially known as University of Tasmania Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, primarily used for Australian rules football matches. Opened in 1921 with first-class Australian football hosted since 1923, the venue has a capacity of 19,500 spectators, including 17,000 seated positions, making it the largest stadium in Tasmania. The stadium, formerly named Aurora Stadium, gained prominence in 2001 as the site of Hawthorn Football Club's inaugural AFL game in Tasmania against Adelaide, marking the start of a long-term affiliation that brought regular interstate matches to the state and boosted local attendance records. Significant developments include the 2000 redevelopment featuring the EE Gunns Stand, enhancing corporate and broadcast facilities, while the venue has also accommodated cricket, soccer, rugby, and concerts, including a 2003 Rugby World Cup match between Romania and Namibia attended by over 15,000 spectators. Its role in Tasmanian sport underscores economic and cultural ties to the AFL, with peak crowds such as 20,971 for a 2006 Hawthorn-Richmond clash highlighting its capacity to draw substantial regional support despite geographic isolation from mainland leagues.

Historical Development

Origins and Early Use

The site of York Park, located in Launceston's Invermay suburb, originated as swampland that served as a refuse dump following European settlement. Development began in 1873, transforming it into Launceston's showgrounds, which hosted the inaugural agricultural exhibition in September of that year under the National Agricultural and Pastoral Society of Tasmania. In 1881, ownership passed to the Launceston City Council, which designated the area for public recreation amid growing demand for community facilities. The council renamed the site York Park in July 1901 to honor the , reflecting imperial naming conventions common in Australian municipalities at the time. Over the subsequent decades, the grounds accommodated informal sporting activities such as , , and alongside continued agricultural events. Formal redevelopment as a sports venue commenced in 1919 with a council-sponsored design competition for new facilities, including grandstands and playing fields. The upgraded ground opened to the public on January 1, 1921, marking its transition to a structured recreational hub. York Park's early prominence in organized sport emerged in 1923, when it became the primary venue for under the Northern Tasmanian Football Association, hosting league games and interstate fixtures. The inaugural match took place on May 8, 1923, initiating a century of continuous use for the code in the region.

Pre-AFL Era and Initial Upgrades

York Park underwent significant transformation in the early , evolving from swampland and a public rubbish tip into a dedicated recreational ground by 1921 through council-led development starting in 1919. Originally named Inveresk Park, it was renamed York Park in July 1901 by the Launceston City Council to honor the . From April 1, 1923, the Northern Tasmanian Football Association (NTFA) relocated its matches to York Park from the NTCA Ground, establishing it as the premier venue for in northern . The ground hosted regular NTFA competitions, serving as the home for clubs including North Launceston and Launceston Football Club. North Launceston dominated the era, winning five consecutive NTFA premierships between 1945 and 1950 under coach Gordon Collis. York Park also accommodated interstate and state representative fixtures, notably Tasmania's historic 16.12 (108) to 14.13 (97) victory over Victoria on June 11, 1960, drawing a crowd of around 15,000. These events underscored its role in Tasmanian football prior to national AFL involvement. Initial upgrades in the 1920s focused on infrastructure enhancements by the Launceston City Council, including fencing, drainage improvements, and basic spectator facilities to support organized sporting events and eliminate prior unsanitary conditions. These developments laid the foundation for its sustained use as a multi-sport venue, with ongoing minor additions to stands and amenities through the mid-20th century to accommodate growing attendances.

2000 Redevelopment and AFL Integration

In 2000, York Park underwent its first major redevelopment to elevate the venue to (AFL) standards, primarily through the addition of the two-tiered EE Gunns Stand on the western side. This structure provided approximately 2,000 covered seats, corporate boxes, and dedicated facilities for television broadcasting, significantly enhancing spectator amenities and media operations. The project addressed prior limitations in capacity and infrastructure, positioning the stadium to host elite-level matches. The redevelopment directly supported Tasmania's efforts to integrate York Park into the AFL calendar via a sponsorship arrangement with the . Under this deal, funded by the , Hawthorn committed to playing a quota of home games at the venue annually, beginning with the club's first match there against on 6 May 2001. This affiliation marked York Park's transition from regional Tasmanian football to a regular host for national AFL fixtures, drawing crowds and fostering local engagement with the professional league. Subsequent upgrades built on this foundation, but the 2000 works were pivotal in enabling consistent AFL programming.

Naming Rights and Ownership

Evolution of Naming Sponsors

York Park, established in 1901 and named after the , operated without commercial for its first century, retaining its original designation as a public recreational ground owned by the City of Launceston. No evidence exists of prior sponsorship deals altering its name, reflecting the era's limited commercialization of regional sports venues in . In September 2004, Tasmanian energy retailer Aurora Energy secured a six-year naming rights agreement, rebranding the stadium as Aurora Stadium effective immediately; this marked the venue's entry into commercial sponsorship, aligning with post-2000 redevelopment efforts to host professional . The partnership extended beyond the initial term, enduring for 12 years total until its conclusion in late 2016, during which the stadium hosted AFL matches and benefited from associated marketing visibility. On 22 October 2016, the acquired through a five-year commercial deal commencing 1 January 2017, renaming it University of Tasmania Stadium (commonly abbreviated as UTAS Stadium) and supplanting Aurora Energy's longstanding arrangement. This transition emphasized educational and community ties, with UTAS positioning the sponsorship to promote regional knowledge-based development; the agreement has since been maintained or extended, as the venue continues under this name amid ongoing infrastructure upgrades and AFL usage as of 2025. Despite commercial designations, the site retains its non-sponsored identity as York Park in official and heritage contexts.

Recent Ownership Transfers

In December 2022, the City of Launceston announced its intention to transfer ownership of York Park, including associated land and assets at 2 Invermay Road, Invermay, to Stadiums Tasmania, a state government authority responsible for managing major sporting venues. This move aligned with plans for a $130 million funded jointly by and n governments, aimed at enhancing the stadium's capacity and facilities for AFL and other events. The formal transfer was approved by a City of Launceston council vote on November 14, 2024, completing the handover to Stadiums Tasmania and enabling accelerated construction works, including a new central grandstand and improved spectator amenities. Prior to this, the Launceston City Council had owned and managed the venue since its early development, overseeing upgrades such as the AFL-era expansions. The shift centralizes control under state oversight, supporting 's entry into the AFL with the Tasmania Devils team using the stadium as a primary home ground. No further transfers have occurred as of 2025, though the arrangement positions Stadiums Tasmania to potentially assume additional venue responsibilities.

Sports and Events Usage

Australian Rules Football

York Park, known variously as Aurora Stadium and now , has served as a central venue for in northern since 1923, when it became the primary ground for the Northern Tasmanian Football Association. The stadium hosts matches across various levels, from local competitions to elite (VFL) and (AFL) fixtures, contributing to the sport's prominence in the region.

Hawthorn Football Club Era

The established a long-term presence at York Park starting in 2001, playing regular season AFL home games there as part of a state government-backed partnership aimed at fostering development in . Typically scheduling four matches per season, Hawthorn has treated the venue as a secondary home ground, achieving a dominant record that underscores its status as a "fortress" for the club. This arrangement, renewed through 2026 with commitments for eight games over two years valued at $9.1 million, has drawn consistent crowds exceeding 15,000, boosting local engagement and infrastructure upgrades.

Tasmania Devils Home Ground Role

York Park hosted occasional home games for the Tasmanian Devils during their tenure in the VFL from to 2008, though the team primarily played at in . Following the club's entry into the AFL in 2028, the stadium will function as the northern home ground for the Devils, accommodating a minority share of their fixtures—potentially four to five games annually—while the majority occur at a new venue. This dual-site model reflects geographic considerations for 's population distribution, with ongoing upgrades at York Park enhancing its suitability for AFL-level play.

Hawthorn Football Club Era

Hawthorn Football Club commenced hosting Australian Football League (AFL) home games at York Park in Launceston, Tasmania, in 2001, marking the venue's entry into the national competition. The inaugural match occurred on 6 May 2001 against Adelaide, initiating a long-term partnership aimed at expanding the AFL's presence in the state. From 2007 onward, Hawthorn scheduled four home games annually at the stadium, later renamed Aurora Stadium and subsequently University of Tasmania Stadium, while retaining the Melbourne Cricket Ground as their primary venue. The arrangement yielded a strong performance record for Hawthorn, with 61 victories in 82 games played at the venue through early 2025, equating to a 75% win rate. Crowd attendances frequently exceeded 15,000, contributing to the 's economic impact on northern . Notable high-attendance fixtures include Hawthorn's 2006 clash with Richmond, drawing a venue record of 20,971 spectators, and a 2009 game against St Kilda with 20,011 attendees. In February 2025, the partnership extended through the 2027 season, ensuring continued four-game scheduling at the prior to the Devils' AFL entry in 2028. This extension underscores Hawthorn's established role in fostering AFL support in Launceston, where the club has maintained community engagement over more than two decades.

Tasmania Devils Home Ground Role

The University of Tasmania Stadium, historically known as York Park, functions as the northern home ground for the Tasmania Football Club, branded as the Devils, commencing with their Australian Football League entry in 2028. This arrangement allocates a minority portion of the team's annual home fixtures to the Launceston venue, specifically four men's games per season, while the majority—seven games—occur in . In preparation for the Devils' debut, the initiated a $130 million of the in 2025, with stage two starting on September 10, 2025, to upgrade infrastructure and expand capacity to support AFL-standard events. The enhancements aim to position the venue as a world-class facility capable of hosting professional matches, preseason events, and community AFL activities, while preserving its role for other users like the . Despite these upgrades, the 's projected capacity remains insufficient for it to serve as the Devils' primary base, underscoring the necessity of the planned for the team's operational viability.

Rugby and Other Sports

York Park has hosted rugby union events, most notably a pool match during the between and on 30 October 2003, which attracted over 15,000 spectators and briefly elevated local interest in the sport. This fixture, part of Pool A, represented the venue's debut as an international rugby ground and drew a crowd that filled the stadium, fostering a temporary surge in rugby fandom in Launceston despite the region's dominant focus on . Subsequent or league activity at the stadium has been limited, with no regular competitions or based there, reflecting Tasmania's modest rugby participation compared to mainland states. In addition to rugby, the stadium accommodates cricket, having hosted List A, women's List A, and Twenty20 matches as recorded in official cricket archives. Domestic fixtures include Women's Big Bash League games, such as the Hobart Hurricanes versus Sydney Thunder on 30 October 2023 and versus Perth Scorchers on 20 October 2023. One-day cup matches, like Tasmania's Marsh Cup encounter with Victoria, have also occurred, typically drawing smaller crowds suited to the oval's dimensions. Historically, the ground supported diverse activities including tennis, bowling, cycling, and foot-racing, though these have largely given way to modern organized sports. No professional basketball or soccer leagues regularly utilize the venue, with future plans for adjacent multi-purpose facilities potentially expanding options for netball and basketball.

Non-Sporting Events and Concerts

Prior to major upgrades, York Park hosted significant non-sporting gatherings, including a religious led by evangelist on 17 March 1959, which drew 17,000 attendees and set a record for non-sporting events at the venue. The ground also accommodated a by Ike and on , 26 January 1976, with an audience of approximately 4,500 spectators witnessing performances amid the duo's revue style. Following the 2000s , the —then known as Aurora Stadium—emerged as a venue for major music acts. performed there on 8 December 2007, delivering a set including classics such as "Your Song," "Rocket Man," and "Daniel." Similarly, Jimmy Barnes headlined on 7 November 2009, featuring songs like "Choirgirl," "Lay Down Your Guns," and covers such as "Shake, Rattle and Roll." These events highlighted the venue's capacity for large-scale outdoor concerts post-upgrade, though specific attendance figures for them remain undocumented in available records. While primarily utilized for sports, the stadium has supported other entertainment formats, such as stunt spectacles by the , blending motorsport elements with performative shows. In 2024, Stadiums Tasmania introduced a "concert mode" configuration to optimize acoustics and staging, aiming to attract more music events amid ongoing enhancements. No major have been recorded at the rebranded Stadium since 2009, reflecting its focus on athletic programming.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Stadium Layout and Capacity

Stadium maintains an oval-shaped grass playing surface suited for , surrounded by a mix of grandstands and terraced areas. The principal structure is the two-tiered RACT Grandstand (formerly Gunns Stand) along the western sideline, featuring covered seating, corporate suites, and a prominent . Eastern seating includes the Stand with 2,125 seats, while northern and southern ends incorporate terraced banking such as Railway Workers Hill for general admission. This configuration yields seven distinct viewing zones encircling the field, blending fixed seating with flexible terracing to optimize sightlines and event versatility. As of 2025, the stadium holds a seated capacity of 13,106, expanding to 14,871 total viewing positions including standing areas, though practical limits align closer to 15,500 for major events under current licensing. Redevelopment works, commencing major phases in September 2025, preserve full capacity for the 2025 AFL season post early upgrades but project temporary reductions to around 9,000 for 2026 before expanding toward 17,000 by 2027.

Playing Surface and Technical Features

The playing surface at University of Tasmania Stadium, formerly known as York Park and Aurora Stadium, consists of a natural turf oval designed primarily for Australian rules football. The field measures 160 meters in length by 132 meters in width, providing ample space for high-speed play characteristic of the sport. This surface has earned acclaim as among the finest in Australia, with turf managers employing meticulous maintenance techniques to ensure optimal condition, including patterned mowing to enhance aesthetics and playability. Technical infrastructure supports professional-level events, featuring television-standard floodlighting installed during the 2000 redevelopment to facilitate night games and broadcasts. A video screen enhances spectator experience by displaying replays, statistics, and other game-related content. The venue lacks a roof over the playing area, exposing the turf to natural weather conditions, which necessitates robust drainage and irrigation systems to maintain usability year-round, though specific capacities remain undocumented in public technical reports beyond general praise for reliability.

Spectator Amenities and Accessibility

University of Tasmania Stadium offers a mix of reserved seating in covered grandstands, terraced areas, and open grass embankments for general admission spectators, with a current effective capacity of approximately 19,000 including banking. Food and beverage concessions provide standard stadium options such as hot dogs, pies, and drinks, though selections are limited compared to larger metropolitan venues. Restroom facilities are available throughout the venue, with recent upgrades to player and official areas extending some improvements to spectator zones as part of stage one redevelopment works approved in April 2025. Accessibility features include designated wheelchair positions in multiple stands, companion seating, and accessible toilets. entry points comprise elevators in the Western Stand, ramps in the Northern Stand, and level access via certain gates. Wheelchair-accessible spaces are provided on-site and in adjacent areas, with free parking options including 800 spaces at the Round House car park on Foster Street and the Northern Inveresk car park offering direct pedestrian access to Gate 10. The venue is reachable by bus, , walking from central Launceston, or car, though parking demand peaks during major events. Ongoing redevelopment, with works commencing in 2025, prioritizes enhanced inclusivity through additional accessible seating, improved site circulation, and upgraded spectator facilities to meet Tier 2 AFL standards. These changes aim to increase viewing options and proximity to the field while addressing prior limitations in disabled access and overall amenity.

Redevelopment Projects

2021-2025 Planning and Approvals

In early 2021, the City of Launceston developed the Future Direction Plan for York Park, also known as the (UTAS) Stadium, to assess operational challenges, infrastructure risks, and economic opportunities for the venue. The plan, presented to the council in February 2021, emphasized upgrades to meet rising standards for elite sports events, including (AFL) matches, by enhancing training facilities, administration spaces, and spectator amenities while addressing limitations in capacity and modern event-hosting capabilities. It aligned with broader state strategies for regional stadia, recommending phased investments to position the stadium as a key asset for northern amid competition from upgraded mainland venues. Planning gained momentum after the Tasmanian government's successful AFL license bid in May 2023, which conditioned team entry on improved to host 7–10 games annually across the state, with York Park designated for northern fixtures. In February 2024, the Tasmanian and Australian governments committed $130 million total funding—$65 million each—for a redevelopment package, focusing on stand expansions, upgraded player facilities, and matchday enhancements to increase capacity from approximately 19,000 to around 20,000 while complying with AFL standards for covered seating and amenities. Key approvals progressed in 2024–2025 under oversight from Infrastructure and the newly established Stadiums Tasmania authority, formed in 2023 to manage state venues. The first tender for matchday facility upgrades was released in June 2024, marking an initial milestone, followed by lodging of the main works development application in the fourth quarter of 2024. In March 2025, the transferred project delivery from the of Launceston to Stadiums Tasmania, streamlining approvals; the main works package development application received conditional endorsement in the first quarter of 2025, enabling preparatory site works. These steps addressed prior masterplan recommendations but faced scrutiny over capacity limits relative to AFL requirements, with post-upgrade estimates projecting 17,500–19,000 effective seats for AFL use, necessitating complementary developments.

Ongoing 2025-2027 Works

The $130 million of UTAS Stadium (York Park) entered its main phase in 2025, following the completion of initial matchday facility upgrades in the second quarter of that year. These upgrades included enhancements to food, beverage, and toilet amenities to support immediate AFL match hosting, with the project then transferring to Stadiums for oversight. Key ongoing works through 2027 encompass the construction of a new Centre West Stand, additional seating expansions in the Western Stand, and a full of the Eastern Stand, which will add 3,629 seats equipped with modern concessions, restrooms, and improved accessibility features. The Eastern Stand is slated for practical completion by March 2027, while overall project completion is targeted for October 2027 to align with preparations for the Devils AFL team's entry in 2028. Construction activities will temporarily reduce the stadium's capacity to approximately 9,000 patrons during the 2026 AFL season due to and site works, before expanding to around 17,000 seats by 2027 as new structures come online. This phased approach minimizes long-term disruptions while enabling the venue to host four Devils home games annually from Launceston post-completion. comprises commitments from state and federal governments, with the works managed to deliver enhanced spectator experiences including better sightlines and event-hosting capabilities.

Projected Outcomes and Capacity Expansion

The $130 million redevelopment of UTAS Stadium (York Park) aims to expand its capacity to approximately 17,000 patrons upon completion, aligning the venue with Australian Tier 2 AFL standards required for hosting Devils matches. This includes the addition of a new Eastern Stand providing 3,629 seats equipped with modern food, beverage, and toilet facilities, alongside a redeveloped Centre West Stand and a South-East Entry Plaza to enhance access and flow. During construction, venue capacity will temporarily drop to around 9,000 for the 2026 AFL season due to demolition of the existing Centre West Stand starting in 2025, before rising to the targeted 17,000 figure by 2027. The Eastern Stand is slated for completion by March 2027, with full project handover expected in October 2027, enabling improved sightlines, premium seating options, and upgraded match-day facilities such as enhanced broadcast and media . These expansions are projected to support higher attendance for AFL fixtures, including up to four Tasmania Devils home games annually in Launceston, by providing better spectator amenities and compliance with league guidelines on seating, lighting, and operational standards. While earlier conceptual plans from envisioned a potential increase to 27,500 seats, current works focus on the more modest 17,000 target to prioritize functionality and cost efficiency amid fiscal constraints.

Attendance and Economic Impact

Historical and Record Crowds

The stadium's attendance history is dominated by (AFL) matches, especially those under Hawthorn's long-term partnership with beginning in 2001, which brought mainland professional football to Launceston. Early AFL fixtures established growing interest, with the inaugural game drawing 17,460 spectators. Crowds peaked in the mid-2000s amid Hawthorn's competitive success and venue expansions, before stabilizing at lower levels in recent years due to factors including scheduling and regional competition for fans. The all-time record crowd of 20,971 occurred on June 18, 2006, during Hawthorn's AFL home game against Richmond, prior to further stand developments that adjusted official capacity. This marked the venue's highest attendance, exceeding its listed capacity of 19,500 at the time. Subsequent high-water marks include 20,011 for Hawthorn versus St Kilda on August 8, 2009—the first official sell-out—and 19,929 for Hawthorn against on August 9, 2008.
DateEventAttendance
June 18, 2006AFL: Hawthorn v Richmond20,971
August 8, 2009AFL: Hawthorn v St Kilda20,011
August 9, 2008AFL: Hawthorn v 19,929
May 31, 2008AFL: v Hawthorn19,378
August 8, 2009AFL: Hawthorn v St Kilda (alt)20,011
In 2025, AFL crowds averaged 13,802 across four Hawthorn games, with the highest at 15,129 for the June 13 matchup against —the largest since 2019—reflecting sustained but moderated regional support amid ongoing redevelopment.

Economic Contributions and Local Benefits

The hosting of (AFL) matches at York Park, primarily through Hawthorn Football Club's longstanding partnership with the , has generated substantial economic activity in Launceston. In 2017, five Hawthorn games at the stadium contributed $28.5 million to Tasmania's , including $19.8 million in direct spending by 61,301 attendees, of whom approximately 25% were interstate or overseas visitors, with 77% of non-locals staying overnight. This visitor influx supported 137 jobs across hospitality, accommodation, and related sectors. More recent analyses indicate a multiplier effect, with a 2025 study finding that each dollar invested in hosting Hawthorn games in Launceston yields over seven dollars in economic returns, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators. The stadium's role extends beyond AFL, serving as a venue for local sports, community events, and other gatherings that stimulate short-term economic boosts through ticket sales, concessions, and ancillary spending. A renewed two-year sponsorship deal announced in February 2025, valued at $9.1 million, secures eight Hawthorn games at York Park through 2027, projected to generate approximately $46 million in economic activity via increased patronage and . These events draw crowds that enhance regional visibility and support small businesses, though the net benefits depend on attendance levels and external visitor contributions, as local spending often recirculates without net new gains. Ongoing redevelopment works, including the $130 million project commencing in 2025 with $65 million each from Australian and Tasmanian governments, provide direct economic stimulus through construction employment by local Tasmanian firms and supply chains. The City of Launceston has described the stadium as a key economic driver for northern Tasmania, facilitating major events that amplify tourism and regional development, though quantitative data on non-AFL impacts remains limited to qualitative assessments of community and business uplift. Overall, these contributions underscore York Park's function as an anchor for visitor economies, albeit within broader debates on public subsidy efficiency for sports infrastructure.

Debates on Funding and Regional Prioritization

The of York Park, estimated at $130 million, has sparked debates over public funding allocation amid Tasmania's broader AFL push, with critics arguing that the state's limited resources should prioritize like hospitals and roads over sports venues. The committed $65 million to the project, supplemented by federal contributions under the administration, positioning it as a key upgrade for northern Tasmania's AFL hosting capacity. However, Launceston City has highlighted the stadium's status as a net financial drain, lacking capacity for major capital investments without external support, raising questions about long-term viability and taxpayer burden. Regional prioritization debates center on balancing investments between Tasmania's north and south, with proponents of York Park upgrades emphasizing equitable access to AFL games for northern residents, who comprise about 40% of the state's population but rely heavily on the venue for major events. Advocates, including independent senator , have urged blocking the $1.13 billion stadium at Macquarie Point in favor of enhancing York Park, citing its existing AFL-standard facilities and potential for cost-effective expansion to 25,000 seats without the fiscal risks of a new southern build. This view posits that over-prioritizing , home to two-thirds of Tasmanians, exacerbates north-south divides, as York Park already hosts 4-6 AFL games annually but faces capacity constraints for a dedicated Tasmanian team. Opponents counter that York Park's northern location disadvantages southern fans, who endure long travel, and its upgrades alone cannot meet AFL demands for a 23,000-seat home base with modern amenities, necessitating southern investment for statewide viability. Funding controversies intensified in 2025 amid Tasmania's $3.5 billion stadium commitments, with independent politicians like Craig Garland advocating York Park as a "fraction of the cost" alternative to Hobart's project, potentially freeing resources for northern economic drivers. Premier Jeremy Rockliff's administration has defended parallel funding by framing York Park works as complementary to the AFL deal, enabling 12 home games split across venues, though fiscal conservatives decry the combined $1.3 billion outlay as unsustainable given state debt projections exceeding $10 billion. These tensions reflect deeper causal tensions in , where empirical attendance data shows York Park averaging 15,000-18,000 for AFL matches—comparable to upgraded regional venues elsewhere—but debates persist on whether northern prioritization justifies diverting funds from statewide needs.

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