A $90 MILLION upgrade of Geelong’s Simonds Stadium has begun, Sport Minister John Eren has announced.
About 90 jobs in construction and 320 indirectly-created positions would flow from the stage four redevelopment works, Mr Eren said at the home of the Cats today.
State Government will spend $80 million on the project, with the Cats and Geelong’s council covering the rest of the bill.
The project will replace the Brownlow and Jennings stands with a new grandstand while also delivering a rehabilitation centre and a medical centre.
The work will expand the stadium’s capacity to 36,000.
Mr Eren said the completion of the development would allow the stadium to host more major events on top of A-league soccer and Big Bash cricket.
“Simonds Stadium is at the heart of sport in Geelong and is a treasured part of this great city. We’re upgrading it so it can offer world-class facilities and attract the best events, said Mr Eren, also the state Member for Lara.
“The big AFL games are just the start. Twenty20 Cricket, A-League blockbusters and many more events will head the way of Geelong when this upgrade is complete. We’ve already elevated Simonds Stadium to trust status, to ensure the character of this iconic venue can never be compromised.
“Simonds Stadium has a bright future.”
