Geelong’s Stead Park to become Victoria’s go-to hockey destination

Millions will be needed to upgrade a Corio venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which organiser’s plan to make the state’s premier hockey destination.

Corio’s Stead Park is expected to become Victoria’s go-to hockey destination under state government plans, although details of how remain unclear.

The site will undergo upgrades as it gears up to host the hockey competition for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, including bringing two existing pitches to international standard.

Victoria 2026 Organising Committee chief executive Jeroen Weimar said the works will largely build on what is already in place at the park and will make Geelong a hockey destination for Victoria.

He stopped short of detailing the cost of the upgrades, and the extent to which they would expand on the facilities to make this a reality.

“This is going to be a significant presence for hockey for the whole state, for many years to come, so we want to get it right,” he said.

“There’s a huge amount to do.

“I reckon we can have a pretty good go at building something really fantastic … not only for the clubs that are here today, but for all those players (who) are going to come through here in years to come.”

Geelong Hockey Association president Peter Stuart outlined several improvements needed to get the site to a “great” standard.

Jacinta Allan with hockey family Harrison, Cassandra, Cate and Shannon Calder. Picture: Alan Barber

“While it’s been a great facility, it is now showing its age,” Mr Stuart said.

“We will need additional, larger facilities (including) access for public toilets where they’re not sharing with the players.

“(It’s) a good facility, which we hope soon will become a great facility as we move forward.”

Mr Stuart said the prospect of extensive government-funded upgrades was one of the most exciting things to happen for local hockey.

“It is fantastic,” he said.

“What I’m looking for and hoping is that we’ll see inspiration for our current young players, that we’ll see better facilities for families and our older players as we move through, and that in time, we will see a major legacy.

“The future is bright.”

Mr Weimar said the park, and the Geelong region as whole, will be showcased during the Games.

“We have a fantastic program to really celebrate the Commonwealth Games and really bring thousands of people here to see the wonders of this region,” he said.

Commonwealth Games Delivery Minister Jacinta Allan said now venues are confirmed, discussions around supportive infrastructure can take place.

“Other civil works, like road networks … those are the conversations that we’ll now be having with council,” she said.

Ms Allan said she was starting discussions with the City of Greater Geelong on Wednesday afternoon.

Hockey Victoria were contacted for comment on an estimated cost of the upgrades.

Originally published as Geelong’s Stead Park to become Victoria’s go-to hockey destination