Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania are warning that the fixed roof structure that is proposed for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart could compromise turf quality and playing conditions for elite-level cricket.
In a formal submission to the Tasmanian Government, cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg and cricket Tasmania chief Dominic Baker expressed strong reservations about the stadium’s “grid-like” fixed roof, citing concerns over uneven sunlight exposure on the playing surface during daylight hours.
The potential for significant shadowing across the pitch has been labelled “unacceptable” by the national governing body. Variable light levels can influence turf health, ball visibility, and player safety, making consistent sunlight access critical during test and limited-overs matches.
Essential component
Once completed, Macquarie Point stadium will serve as the primary home ground for the Tasmania football club, commonly known as the Tasmania Devils. The Devils are set to enter the Australian Football League (AFL) in 2028, with the stadium’s completion anticipated by the start of the 2029 season.
In addition to hosting AFL and cricket matches, the stadium is designed as a multipurpose venue and is expected to accommodate various other sports and events, including AFL Women’s (AFLW) matches for the Tasmania Devils, Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) cricket matches, international and domestic soccer matches, rugby league and union games as well as concerts and cultural events.
The roof is a key component to accommodate these.
Unacceptable for cricket
The fixed roof design may cast shadows that move unpredictably over the pitch area throughout the day. This not only affects turf growth and performance but also has implications for broadcast quality—particularly during high-profile summer test matches where visual consistency is paramount.
Both cricket organisations have called for a design rethink, recommending either the removal of the roof entirely or a shift to a retractable system to better accommodate cricket’s unique lighting and turf needs.
The stadium’s viability as a multi-sport venue—an essential component of its business case—now hinges on its ability to host top-tier cricket. Should the concerns remain unaddressed, Cricket Australia has signalled it may continue to favour Bellerive Oval, a long-established cricket venue with proven turf performance, over the new build.
Additionally, remedial proposals put forward by the Macquarie point development corporation have been deemed “unworkable” by the cricketing bodies, further intensifying pressure on the stadium’s planners to revisit the design.
With AFL expansion plans locked to the successful completion of a new roofed stadium, the future of Tasmanian elite sports infrastructure may well depend on a compromise that meets the turf and lighting demands of both codes.