With Geelong officially announced as one of four regional hubs for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Andrews Labor Government is getting on with plans to deliver this global sporting event.
Geelong's Kardinia Park Stadium will host T20 cricket matches as part of Victoria 2026.
In addition, Geelong will also host aquatics, para swimming, beach volleyball, gymnastics, hockey, table tennis, para table tennis, triathlon and para triathlon, with the venues for each sport to be determined as part of the Games' final sport program.
Work on Kardinia Park's $142 million Stage 5 redevelopment is already underway, delivering a 14,000 capacity, two-tier northern stand that replaces the old Ford Stand and Ablett Terrace and boosts the stadium's capacity to more than 40,000 people. Previous stages of the redevelopment have delivered new stands, broadcast-quality lighting and function rooms.
A process to assess what further infrastructure upgrades will be required to host these events as part of the 2026 Commonwealth Games has commenced.
Victoria 2026 will deliver significant economic and social benefits to the Geelong region, including housing and world-class sports facilities. With up to 2,950 athletes and officials set to be housed in Geelong's athlete village, the region will benefit longer term from more affordable housing following the Games.
Geelong is also expected to benefit greatly from the influx of visitors and sporting fans travelling to watch the Games be played at Kardinia Park and other venues across the region.
It is estimated the 2026 Commonwealth Games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria's economy, creating more than 600 full-time equivalent jobs before the Games, 3,900 jobs during the Games and a further 3,000 jobs beyond the Closing Ceremony.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
"Regional Victoria will win big from hosting the Commonwealth Games, with locals getting to enjoy world class athletes in their own back yard and businesses getting a boost from spectators arriving to watch the action."
As stated by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
"We can't wait for athletes and officials from around the world to call Geelong home for Victoria 2026. The infrastructure which will be developed in time for the Victoria Games will provide a lasting impact to our local communities."
As stated by Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville
"This is a real win-win - the Commonwealth Games will inspire our next generation of athletes and the global media coverage will showcase our beautiful region to the world."
As stated by Member for Lara John Eren
"We have ensured Geelong boasts some of the finest regional sporting facilities in Australia and hosting several key events will give the region a major jobs and economic boost."
As stated by Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
"With Geelong being one of the regional hubs to host the Commonwealth Games, it will leave a lasting legacy for growth and development of sport in our region."
