Work has started on the installation of a new big screen in the southeast corner of GMHBA Stadium, with the unveiling set for Geelong’s Round 1 meeting with Fremantle on March 15.
Up to 85m2 bigger than its predecessor, the $3m upgrade has been funded by the Victorian Government via last year’s state budget, which drew criticism from some quarters, coming only two months after the $142m Joel Selwood Stand was officially opened.
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST) CEO Gerard Griffin says the old screen was “failing in sections” and “its electronics were being patched together”.
“(The) quality will naturally improve after 15 years of technology change in that space, so it’ll be a clearer, sharper board,” Mr Griffin told K rock Football.
“One of the reasons why it’s a fraction bigger is to help the sight lines and get it seen by more people in the Selwood Stand because the old one, there were parts of the Selwood Stand where you can’t see it or can’t see it that well.
“It’ll still have to do the things we need it to do to make sure we’re compliant with all our minimum standards for cricket and footy.
“You can be a bit cleverer with it as far as integrating it with your PA (public address) system, your lighting system, and your ground LED.
“So it’s all much better integrated to do what I ‘whole of ground moments’.”
Mr Griffin says modern big screens capable of handling a range of content are crucial for GMHBA Stadium.
“They are the things you need to have to be an international and national venue where you’re trying to attract diverse content, whether it’s cricket or rugby league or footy or concerts or anything like that,” he said
“It’s got to do our emergency management messaging. But it’s got the ability to be more cleverly used in a similar vein to places like Marvel (Stadium) and MCG have done with their more recent board upgrades.”
Mr Griffin confirmed the KPST has been working to address the constant bugbear of GMHBA Stadium attendees in recent years.
Large crowds at the venue have caused issues for those trying to access the mobile network, with those living in neighbouring streets also having problems.
Attendees are encouraged to use the free Wi-Fi in the venue, which has been in place for several years.
“After that free Wi-Fi was installed, we focused on getting some improved mobile phone coverage in all the safety and operational parts of the venue, particularly underneath, where we had to get things done,” Mr Griffin said.
“But some of it was a little bit delayed until we could get Stage 5 done – that work’s pretty much done.
“The latest phase of the project is working with the carriers to get a whole-of-stadium mobile phone coverage solution.
“We’ve done site surveys, they’ve bought equipment out and tested certain things.”
A temporary tower was installed next to Anthony Costa Oval (St Mary’s) in 2024, and Mr Griffin hopes to have at least two in place this year as the Cats host ten AFL home-and-away matches for the first time since 1996.
“There’s a bit of a change in the technology in this space in U. S. stadiums, and we want to lean into that. We want to find out a bit more about that,” he said.
“The days of sticking towers on the corners of roofs and churches and things like that can be superseded by some more clever kit, particularly in stadiums. So we’re doing some homework on that clever kit.
“It’s a two-and-a-half, three-year-old project.
“We’ve done certain phases. We’re not stopping until we get to the end of it, and I hope we can bring the most modern, up-to-date kit into the place that you see in the most modern stadia that’s been built either in Europe or in the U. S., such as Las Vegas (Allegiant Stadium) and those sorts of places.
“We’re very aware of the frustrations that have been had over the years, but we’re very active in this space trying to sort out how to do it for the most cost-effective price tag.”
Geelong will play its AFL match simulation against Hawthorn and Community Series clash with Essendon next month.
Before the Cats take on the Dockers, the Kardinia Park Precinct will host the annual Festival of Sport on the evening of Friday, March 7, with around 30 activations.
“We’re going to use the main stadium for the first time in a few years and the Djilang Plaza,” Mr Griffin said.
“I would say it’s going to be as good as it’s ever been. Kirsten (Blake) and her team are working diligently on that, and it should be a good little vibe setter for the Labor Day long weekend and another example of the place being used for things in addition to AFL footy.”
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