York Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
University of Tasmania Stadium

Former names	Aurora Stadium
Location	Launceston, Tasmania
Coordinates	41°25′33″S 147°08′20″E / 41.42583°S 147.13889°E / -41.42583; 147.13889
Owner	Launceston City Council
Operator	AFL Tasmania
Capacity	19,500
Field size	175 x 145 m
Surface	Grass
Construction
Broke ground	1919
Opened	1921
Construction cost	A$23.6M (redevelopment)
Tenants
Tasmanian Devils Football Club (VFL) (2001–2008) Hawthorn Hawks (AFL) (2001–present) St Kilda Saints (AFL) (2003–2006) North Launceston Football Club (NTFL and TSL) (1923–present) Western Storm Football Club (TSL) (2014–2015) Hobart Hurricanes (WBBL) (2015–present) Hobart Hurricanes (BBL) (2017–present)
Ground information
As of 30 December 2018 Source: Cricinfo

York Park is a large sports ground in Launceston, Australia. It can hold 19,500 people, making it one of the biggest stadiums in Tasmania. Today, it is officially known as University of Tasmania Stadium. Before that, it was called Aurora Stadium. This stadium is mostly used for Australian rules football. In 2006, a record 20,971 fans watched a game here between the Hawthorn Football Club and Richmond Football Club.

The area where the stadium now stands used to be a swamp. In 1873, it became a showground for Launceston. Over time, it was used more and more for sports like cricket, bowls, and tennis. In 1919, plans were made to turn it into a big sports venue. Since 1923, it has been a main home for Australian rules football. Many different sports and events have taken place here over the years.

The Hawthorn Hawks have played several Australian Football League (AFL) matches here every year since 2001. Another team, the St Kilda Saints, also played games here from 2003 to 2006. In 2007, the Tasmanian Government made a deal with Hawthorn. This deal means Hawthorn plays four regular season games and one pre-season game at the stadium each year.

York Park has also hosted big music concerts and other fun events. Since 2001, it has been a venue for international sports. In 2005, it was upgraded for $23.6 million. The Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame opened here in 2009. The stadium will also host some matches for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Stadium's Story: How York Park Began

The land that is now York Park was once a wet, weedy swamp. After European settlers arrived, it was used to dump waste. Then, in 1874, it became the Launceston showgrounds. By 1881, the Launceston City Council took over 47 acres of land. They wanted to use it for fun activities and sports.

The ground was ready for cricket games by late 1886. Cricketers loved it, but in winter, it got too wet for football. In 1901, the council decided to rename Inveresk Park to York Park. This was to honor the Duke of York, who later became King George V.

Building the Sports Ground

By 1910, a bowling green and tennis courts were finished. The main oval was also used for school sports. In 1919, the council held a competition to design the new York Park sports ground. The winning design needed to include tennis courts, a bowling green, a cycling track, and areas for cricket and football. It also needed changing rooms and places for fans to watch.

York Park officially opened on January 1, 1921. A cycling track around the edge was ready by September of that year. In May 1923, a newspaper reported that the main grandstand was finished. This was just in time for the football season. Football games moved from another ground to York Park.

The first game between teams from northern and southern Tasmania happened in August 1923. Almost 9,500 people watched. The oval was in great shape, with good grass. Workers had to pick up glass and other trash from the field to keep players safe.

Challenges and Growth

Big floods in 1929 badly damaged the ground, destroying the cycling track. It was rebuilt later. In the 1930s, the Launceston Football Club played here and won many championships. During World War II, football matches stopped but started again in 1945. After the war, 12 trees were planted to remember players who died.

In 1960, a football game at York Park made history. Tasmania beat Victoria for the first time ever, with about 15,000 fans watching. A new stand was added in the 1970s, which could hold 650 people. It also had snack kiosks and meeting rooms.

Aurora Function Centre

Before 1999, York Park was mainly for local sports events. Not many people came to watch. But before the 1998 federal election, a politician promised money to improve York Park. This promise was kept, and in 2000, a $6.4 million upgrade began. This was the first big step to make the ground ready for the Australian Football League (AFL).

The upgrade included building the Gunns Stand, a two-level grandstand. It could hold 2,500 people at first, but now holds 5,700. It also has special areas for businesses. Other improvements included tall lights for TV broadcasts, a watering system, and many sprinklers.

In 2003, the Tasmanian Government spent $2 million to add a roof over 6,000 seats. This was for the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup. This meant most of the seating area was protected from bad weather. In 2004, the stadium was renamed Aurora Stadium. This was part of a six-year deal with Aurora Energy.

In 2006, the government provided money for new gates and ticket boxes. These gates were later named after Jim Bacon, a Tasmanian Premier who had passed away. These gates and the old Northern Stand are now protected as important historical sites. The Cameron-Tyson stand was replaced in 2005 by an extension of the Gunns Stand.

Northern Stand after fire damage in 2008. The stand was consequently moved to the nearby Invermay Park in 2010.

In March 2008, a fire damaged part of the Northern Stand. It caused a lot of damage. In December 2008, the Launceston City Council planned a $7 million project to replace it. The old roof of the Northern Stand was moved to Invermay Park. The new stand at York Park has 2,125 seats. It also has new changing rooms for players and umpires. There are also special rooms for corporate guests, coaches, and media. These changes increased the stadium's total capacity to 21,000 people.

On October 22, 2016, the University of Tasmania bought the naming rights for the stadium. This five-year deal started on January 1. The university campus is right next to York Park. This ended the 12-year partnership with Aurora Energy.

What Happens at University of Tasmania Stadium?

Australian Rules Football Action

Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide AFL match in 2007

Australian rules football is the main sport played here. The stadium has hosted Australian Football League (AFL) games since 2001. The state government pays teams to play some of their home games here. The Hawthorn Hawks started playing games here in 2001. The St Kilda Saints joined them in 2003.

In 2004, it was thought that each game cost the government between $300,000 and $500,000. But the Premier of Tasmania said the government was making money. He estimated each game brought in $1 million to $1.5 million for Tasmania.

The most AFL matches played here was in 2006. Hawthorn played three home games and one pre-season game. St Kilda played two home games. The games had an average crowd of 17,108 fans. The biggest crowd ever was 20,971 for a game between Hawthorn and Richmond.

Gunns Stand during Hawthorn vs Brisbane AFL match in 2009

There was a problem at York Park during a game between St Kilda and Fremantle. The final siren was too quiet for the umpires to hear. Play continued by mistake, and St Kilda tied the score. After a complaint, the AFL decided to change the result. Fremantle was given the win. The stadium's sirens have been replaced since then.

In 2007, York Park got a big boost. The state government signed a $16.4 million deal with Hawthorn. This means the stadium hosts five of Hawthorn's matches each year. This includes one pre-season game and four regular season games.

Besides AFL, York Park is also the home ground for the North Launceston Football Club. It hosts regular Tasmanian State League matches. The ground also hosted games for the Tasmanian Devils Football Club from 2001 to 2008.

Other Exciting Events

York Park hosted its first international sports event in 2003. It was a 2003 Rugby Union World Cup match between Romania and Namibia. Over 15,000 fans watched the game. As a soccer venue, the stadium has hosted one national league match and three pre-season games.

In July 2006, the stadium hosted Tasmania's first A-League soccer match. Melbourne Victory played Adelaide United. This game has become a regular event. On December 30, 2017, the stadium hosted its first ever Big Bash League cricket match. The Hobart Hurricanes played the Sydney Thunder in front of 16,734 fans.

Beyond sports, the stadium has hosted concerts and other shows. Famous artists like Ike & Tina Turner and Elton John have performed here. The Crusty Demons also put on shows in 2006 and 2008.

Stadium Design and Features

Stadium map

York Park is an oval-shaped grass field surrounded by several stands. The biggest one is the two-level Gunns Stand on the western side. It can hold 5,700 people. This stand has special areas for businesses.

North of the Gunns Stand is the Aurora Function Centre. This building also has rooms for coaches. Next to it is the historic Northern Stand, which connects to other seating areas. These stands together can seat 6,000 people. This brings the stadium's total seating to 11,700.

The Railway Workers Hill is a small, uncovered stand on the eastern side. The stadium has parking for about 2,500 cars. There is also street parking nearby.

Some people have said that York Park's playing field is too big. They think this leads to lower scores in football games. In 2009, the field was made 13 meters narrower on one side. This was done to make games more exciting. The ground is also known for strong winds. These winds can make it hard to kick the ball accurately over long distances.

In 2005, money was given to build a permanent Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame at York Park. The stadium was chosen because it is seen as the home of Australian rules football in Tasmania. The Hall of Fame opened to the public on February 21, 2009. By May 2009, $23.6 million had been spent on upgrading the stadium.

Fan Attendance Records

The most people ever at York Park was 20,971. This happened at an AFL game between Hawthorn and Richmond on June 18, 2006. After the Northern Stand was damaged, the stadium's capacity was reduced. On August 8, 2009, 20,011 fans watched a game between Hawthorn and St Kilda. This was the biggest crowd since the fire. The smallest AFL crowd was 9,007 for a game between Hawthorn and Gold Coast on June 23, 2018.

The highest attendance for a game between states at York Park was 15,000 in 1960. That was when Tasmania played Victoria.

For a Tasmanian Football League match, the highest attendance was 6,755. This was for a game between North Launceston and North Hobart on September 2, 1989.

The most people at a soccer match was 8,061. This was when Melbourne Victory played Adelaide United on July 16, 2007. A religious meeting by Billy Graham on March 17, 1959, brought 17,000 people. This is the record for a non-sporting event at the ground.

York Park during the half-time break of an A-League pre-season game in July 2006.

Top 10 Sports Attendance Records

York Park at Austadiums