Work commences on overhaul of Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium

The $53 million redevelopment of Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium has commenced with A-League club Adelaide United releasing new computer-generated images of the concept for the finished venue.

The planned upgrades include a major overhaul of the venue’s change rooms and internal facilities, preparing it for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

One of the most noticeable upgrades will be a new shade structure covering the eastern grandstand and a new façade and entry area.

The redevelopment will also include a full replacement of the pitch, new stadium lighting, LED signage and two massive video replay screens.

Media facilities, entry gates, food and beverage outlets, toilet facilities, disability access and event operations centre will all be overhauled to bring the former Hindmarsh Stadium up to global standard.

Saying the start of construction this week was a “significant milestone” for football in the state, Adelaide United Chief Executive, Nathan Kosmina advised “while the upgrades will modernise and enhance the entire match day experience for our fans and the broader South Australian community, it will also provide the perfect stage to showcase the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.”

South Australian Infrastructure and Transport Minister Corey Wingard said the overhaul was a major part of securing Adelaide as a host city of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Minister Wingard explained “plans for a major overhaul of the stadium were part of our winning bid to bring the Women’s World Cup to South Australia, which will see the world’s best female soccer players take to the pitch in front of a global television audience of more than one billion people.

“This redevelopment is a huge win for our state, where the revamped stadium puts us in the best possible position to continue attracting major international sporting events going forward.”

Other upgrades to Adelaide’s sporting infrastructure include construction on Memorial Drive Stage 2 and the redevelopment of Netball SA Stadium, the Adelaide Super Playing Fields and the SA Athletics Stadium.

Construction firm Hansen Yuncken will oversee the Coopers Stadium project, which is expected to be completed by December 2022.

Images: Concepts for the overhaul of Coopers Stadium including a more modern facade (top), a new shade cover over the Eastern Stand (middle) and a more modern facade (below). Credit: Adelaide United.