State government and Cricket Tasmania reach Mac Point agreement
In a move that could bring the Ashes back to Tasmania — the sport’s state governing body has signed a landmark deal on its use of the proposed Mac Point stadium. Here’s why the roof will work.
Elite international cricket could one day be played at the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium after Tasmania’s peak cricketing body reached an agreement with the state government.
The government confirmed on Sunday it had signed a new Heads of Agreement with Cricket Tasmania, resolving long-held concerns about the stadium roof’s impact on play and paving the way for elite-level matches currently held at Bellerive’s Ninja Stadium to be played at Mac Point.
This would include Big Bash League matches and Sheffield Shield cricket, with the potential of hosting international T20s and One Day Internationals in the future.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff labelled the agreement a “tremendous result”.
“It’s tremendous because we’ve always said this was a multi-purpose stadium,” he said.
“It’s not just about AFL, but about events, concerts, entertainment, community and many sports, including cricket.”
Cricket Tasmania flagged concerns about the roof’s design – specifically the impact of shadows on player visibility – in March.
Cricket Tasmania CEO Dominic Baker said after “two years of work” on the revised design those concerns had since “vanished”.
“This is a fantastic, landmark day not just for Tasmanian cricket but also for global cricket,” he said.
“For us to be signing up for this innovative new stadium and to potentially be able to play first class international cricket underneath a roof for the first time is a challenge we’re going to take on.”
Macquarie Point Development Corporation CEO Anne Beach said the dome-shaped roof – designed by a Gold Coast-based firm – will use a two-layer translucent system that disperses natural light evenly across the field.
She said a specialised steel-and-timber structure will further maximise sunlight while also preserving the height and conditions required for elite-level cricket.
“The number one thing that we want to guarantee is the safety of our players,” Mr Baker said.
“It could be quite ironic that we might be playing in the only stadium in Australia that has no shadows.”
Mr Baker said the agreement positioned Hobart as potentially having capacity to once again be able to host major cricket events including the Ashes.
He emphasised cricket’s growing global reach.
“We’d love to do it again,” he said.
“The reach of cricket is undeniable.
“We’re talking about billions of watches.
“That’s the power of cricket and what it can do for Tasmania, but it can only be done when you’ve got the right facilities to attract it.”
The deal – signed less than two weeks before a crucial upper house vote on the stadium – also includes increased investment for Cricket Tasmania, including for a Community and Cricket Academy at Seven Mile Beach.
Premier Rockliff said he hoped the announcement would inspire the next generation of Tasmanian cricketers.
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