We want a new stadium for Hobart. But there must be a less terrible place for it.
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra musicians, staff, management and board are united in support for Tasmania’s AFL and AFLW team and a high-performance stadium in Hobart.
But the orchestra is calling for a ‘less terrible’ location than 170 metres from Tasmania’s existing performing arts centre, the Federation Concert Hall.
TSO Chief Executive Officer Caroline Sharpen says that like the TSO, the Tasmania Devils AFL and AFLW team will be a high-performance team that’s a source of immense pride for Tasmania.
‘The Devils need a purpose-built stadium. For high-performance, you need purpose-built facilities. Can’t we find a location for our new high-performance stadium that does not jeopardise our own high-performance arena – our concert hall?’ Ms Sharpen says.
‘We’re certain there must be a less terrible location for our new stadium. There must be a spot that does not compromise our state concert hall, our Cenotaph and war memorial, and the famous maritime heritage of our waterfront.’
‘We’ve done a lot of searching and we’re yet to find another example of a government anywhere in the world prepared to build a 23,000-seat stadium 170m from the perimeter of their state performing arts centre,’ Ms Sharpen says.
Read opinion piece by TSO Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Sharpen.
Read transcript of Caroline Sharpen's speech at the Cenotaph vigil on 10 November 2024.
Close up of the adapted Precinct Plan mockup to represent the 170m distance from the stadium wall to TSO and Federation Concert Hall.
Adapted Mac Point Precinct Plan mockup to represent the close proximity of the proposed stadium location to cultural landmarks.
How can you get involved?
1 – Cenotaph Vigil, 10 November 2024
More than 2000 people came to the Hobart Cenotaph to honour and commemorate Australia's oldest state war memorial. Organised by the RSL and featuring music by TSO musicians, the event aimed to highlight the importance of the Cenotaph, including its surrounding vistas and sightlines.
TSO Chief Executive Officer Caroline Sharpen spoke at the event about the power of important music and places to help us remember and commemorate.
Read our CEO's speech
2 – Get in touch
Send us a short email of support to community@tso.com.au so we can show our elected members that the community’s behind us as we call for a better solution for Hobart’s stadium.
We’re a creative, resourceful, dogged state. Surely we can find a solution that delivers a stadium for Hobart without threatening our precious state assets: Federation Concert Hall, the Cenotaph and war memorial and our maritime heritage precinct.
Email us
3 – Support your orchestra
The best way to show your support is to come along to a TSO concert, to experience one of the world’s best orchestras for yourself!
See upcoming events
Is the TSO against an AFL stadium in Hobart?
- Not at all.
- TSO musicians, staff, and board are united in our support of a high-performance stadium in Hobart.
- We are advocating for a different location which does not jeopardise our own high-performance arena - Federation Concert Hall and our rehearsal, recording and film studios and international export hub at 1 Davey Street.
Does the TSO support a local AFL and AFLW team?
- 100%
- The TSO is highly supportive of the Tasmania Devils AFL and AFLW teams, who will be a source of immense pride for all Tasmanians.
From our home on Hobart’s waterfront in Federation Concert Hall, the TSO performs hundreds of concerts and events across Tasmania and reaches millions of listeners annually via radio, recordings and streaming.
Support your orchestra, take action
1 – Cenotaph Vigil, 10 November 2024
More than 2000 people came to the Hobart Cenotaph to honour and commemorate Australia's oldest state war memorial. Organised by the RSL and featuring music by TSO musicians, the event aimed to highlight the importance of the Cenotaph, including its surrounding vistas and sightlines.
TSO Chief Executive Officer Caroline Sharpen spoke at the event about the power of important music and places to help us remember and commemorate.
Our CEO's speech
2 – Get in touch
Send us a short email of support to community@tso.com.au so we can show our elected members that the community’s behind us as we call for a better solution for Hobart’s stadium.
We’re a creative, resourceful, dogged state. Surely we can find a solution that delivers a stadium for Hobart without threatening our precious state assets: Federation Concert Hall, the Cenotaph and war memorial and our maritime heritage precinct.
Email us
3 – Support your orchestra
The best way to show your support is to come along to a TSO concert, to experience one of the world’s best orchestras for yourself!
See upcoming events
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