AFL Cairns reveals Cazalys Stadium Masterplan

AFL Cairns has revealed its Cazalys Stadium Masterplan which it describes as “an ambitious vision for Cairns, combining community connection, elite sports infrastructure, and economic growth to secure the region’s future as a world-class sporting and entertainment hub.”

Intended to see Cairns play a prominent role as a co-host city for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Masterplan, managed by Project Management and advisory COHA Group in collaboration with Cox Architecture, local firm CA Architects reflects over years of planning to make Cazalys Stadium a venue suitable for the future.

Introducing the masterplan, Craig Lees, General Manager of AFL Cairns, explained “our ambition is to ensure Cazalys Stadium is front of mind for hosting Olympic and Paralympic content in 2032, as part of Cairns’ role as a co-host city.

“This project delivers for the community today while ensuring we’re ready for the opportunities of tomorrow, from elite International events to local sporting pathways.”

The Masterplan prioritises:

20,000-seat capacity: Accommodating major events while retaining a community-friendly feel.

Event-ready infrastructure: Designed to host concerts, international artists, and global conferences, revitalizing Cairns’ entertainment scene.

Reviving Cairns’ Concert and Event Scene
Cazalys Stadium has previously hosted major events, including the Elton John concert in 2017, which drew a record crowd of 20,000. The redevelopment aims to see Cairns attract global artists, large-scale concerts and International events into the future. With upgraded facilities, improved crowd capacity, and world-class amenities, Cazalys Stadium will become a destination venue capable of hosting the biggest names in music, entertainment, and sport, bringing significant tourism and economic benefits to the region.

AFL Content Opportunities
While discussions about a potential 20th AFL license remain ongoing and undeclared, Lees noted “the Cazalys Stadium Masterplan ensures we can continue to host additional AFL and AFLW premiership matches in the short to medium term.

“The enhanced infrastructure will position Cairns as a stronger contender for marquee AFL events, including blockbuster fixtures and expanded AFL and AFLW content for Far North Queensland which could include a future AFLW Gather Round. This Masterplan positions AFL Cairns to host more premiership matches and elite AFL/AFLW content, solidifying the stadium as a premier regional hub for high-performance sport.”

Meeting future needs
Lees went on state “this redevelopment is about creating a lasting legacy for Cairns - addressing both our current and future needs - while positioning us to compete for opportunities in the lead-up to, during, and beyond the Games.

“It also opens the door to decentralising elite sports and entertainment events across the regions in Queensland, ensuring our community has a stadium to enjoy every day. We look forward to collaborating with all levels of Government as we move into 2025.”

Australasian Leisure Management comment
While the Cazalys Stadium Masterplan presents an attractive option for an improved major venue in Far North Queensland, the Federal and Queensland Governments have already committed funding for the redevelopment of Cairns’ rectangular stadium, Barlow Park, as a 2023 Games venue.

Images: Concept for the upgraded venue from the Cazalys Stadium Masterplan. Credit: AFL Cairns.