The bureau is especially pleased with the inclusion of a 1,500-pax function room in the design of the stadium, which will be located at Macquarie Point.
“BET is excited by the new concept stadium renders that feature a Tasmanian timber exterior and roof, we think it’s a great design and uniquely Tasmanian,” said Business Events Tasmania chair Dom Baker.
“Specifically, we are pleased that as a fully enclosed venue, the concourse, field and corporate areas provide opportunities for a range of larger events and exhibitions.
“Other notable features of the design include a stage pocket in the northern stand to support concerts and events, which will minimise impact on the field and reduce costs for event operators and separated back of house and catering facilities with a below-ground service road to separate vehicles, visitors and users.”
While expressing satisfaction for the new stadium, Baker also emphasised the importance of business events to Tasmania’s visitor and broader economy.
“They have far-reaching benefits for restaurants, retailers, entertainers and transport,” he said.
“And the extra function capacity will support the increasing accommodation options around Hobart.”
Hilton is about to debut its first property in the island state – a 206-room DoubleTree by Hilton – only 11 minutes’ walk from the stadium.
Other relatively recent hotel openings in Hobart are also nearby the stadium – The Tasman from Marriott’s Luxury Collection, which opened at the end of 2021, is 13 minutes’ walk from the stadium precinct, while Crowne Plaza Hobart, which opened mid-2020, is 17 minutes’ walk.
Business events are worth $199 million to Tasmania’s economy each year with Baker positing that this figure will grow with the increased venue capacity provided by the stadium.
The Tasmanian Government has committed $5 million to support business events in the state over the next two years, $3.8 million of which will go towards Tasmania’s subvention fund, the Business Events Attraction Fund.
