AFL backs funding for Simonds Stadium redevelopment

The AFL Commission has approved $4 million in funding towards the fourth stage of development work at Geelong's Simonds Stadium.

The Commission’s financial commitment will match the Geelong Cats’ own input of $4 million on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

The new work at Simonds Stadium will see the replacement of the Brownlow and Jennings stands, at a total cost of $90 million with the bulk of funding support already committed by the Victorian Government.

Once completed, the stadium will have a capacity of 36,000 spectators and will be of multi-use for various sports and events, not just AFL.

Commenting on the funding commitment, AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan stated “the fourth stage of the redevelopment of the ground will strengthen the venue as an AFL location but will also provide Geelong with the ability to attract other key events such as Big Bash cricket, concerts and high-level matches in other sports.

“The Geelong Council and the Geelong Cats have done a tremendous job over the last decade in the way they have transformed Simonds Stadium and the AFL Commission remains committed to providing funding support to those venues where we fixture AFL matches.

“The AFL is also greatly appreciative of the financial support of the Victorian State Government and Federal Government through the various stages of this development work in their support of Simonds Stadium as a world-class sporting venue.”

Geelong Cats’ Chief Executive Brian Cook added in a statement: “the AFL has supported each of the redevelopments at Simonds Stadium, and we’re again pleased that the commission and executive of the AFL understand how important these facilities are for the club, the people of Geelong and the region.

“Further upgrades will ensure that Simonds Stadium is the pre-eminent regional sporting stadium in Australia, and it also helps cement the club in Geelong for the long term.

“There will be a greater ability to attract additional events to the stadium and the region following these upgrades. Supporters of all sports that use the stadium will have access to world class facilities.”

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