BLUNDSTONE ARENA BBL TICKETS 

All You Need To Know About Blundstone Arena

Blundstone Arena, also known as Bellerive Oval, is a cricket and Australian rules football venue situated in Bellerive, Hobart, Tasmania. With a capacity of 20,000, it's the largest stadium in the state and the sole venue for international cricket matches. Serving as the home ground for the Tasmanian Tigers and Hobart Hurricanes, it has hosted international Test matches since 1989 and one-day matches since 1988. Additionally, North Melbourne AFL club plays three home games annually at this venue, which has undergone substantial redevelopment to facilitate these events.

Evolution of Blundstone Arena

Bellerive Oval's sporting legacy traces back to the mid-to-late 19th century when football and cricket began in the area. Notably, in 1884, the first recorded football match occurred between Carlton and Bellerive. In 1913, the land encompassing Bellerive Beach, Church, and Derwent streets was sold to the Clarence council, leading to the establishment of the Bellerive recreation ground a year later. 

Until the mid-1980s, the ground remained largely unchanged, featuring a distinctive hump at its center and basic facilities like a shed for players. Minor upgrades occurred in the 1960s, including the construction of clubrooms in 1961 and a small grandstand in 1963.

Transition of TCA to Bellerive

In 1977, Tasmania joined the Sheffield Shield, prompting the TCA to relocate to Bellerive Oval. The ground underwent extensive upgrades, costing $2.2 million, including new grandstands and a Members' Pavilion. Despite turf damage delaying football matches in 1986, the move was completed in 1987, under TCA Chairman Denis Rogers. International and Test matches followed, with further developments such as an electronic scoreboard and the Northern Stand. Notably, Tasmania celebrated victories at the venue in the Pura Cup in 2007 and the Ford Ranger Cup final in 2008. Blundstone Arena secured a naming-rights sponsor in 2011, making it the first cricket facility in Australia to do so, though temporarily discontinued during the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Infrastructure and Amenities

In 1999, a $16 million upgrade commenced with contributions from the Federal Government, TCA, and Clarence City Council. Modern indoor nets and a 6,000-seat Southern Stand, housing a new media center, were constructed. The Members' Area, perimeter fence, and entry gates were also revamped. The reopening in 2003 featured a thrilling one-day match between Australia and England. To enable day-night matches, four light towers were installed in 2009. Further redevelopment was planned by 2015, including expanding the Southern and Members' Stands to accommodate events like the 2015 Cricket World Cup and AFL games. Notably, the new stand was named the Ricky Ponting Stand, while the existing Southern Stand became the David Boon Stand.

Event Highlights

Bellerive Oval: A Hub of Sporting Action

Apart from hosting domestic and international cricket, as well as serving as the home ground for the Clarence Football Club in the Tasmanian State League, Bellerive Oval also welcomed the Tasmanian Devils in the VFL in 2003. The first match drew a crowd of 6,970, the highest attendance for a VFL roster match since 1986. Additionally, the venue witnessed Tasmania's two finals matches, with 4,800 attending the elimination win against Geelong and 10,073 for the semi-final against Port Melbourne, won by Port Melbourne.

North Melbourne AFL Games at Bellerive Oval

In 2010, talks began about Melbourne-based AFL clubs playing home games at Bellerive Oval. By July 2010, North Melbourne emerged as the likely candidate due to their willingness to relocate more than two matches.

On June 7, 2011, North Melbourne announced a three-year partnership with TT-Line, committing to play two home games per year at Bellerive Oval from 2012 to 2014. This was later extended to three games annually from 2015 to 2021, sponsored by Hobart City Council and TT-Line.

From 2022 onwards, North Melbourne will play four home games each year at Bellerive Oval.

Record Attendance

Bellerive Oval has seen notable attendance milestones throughout its history. Before redevelopment, the highest attendance reached 16,719 during an Australia vs. England One Day International in 2003, while the venue's inaugural international match in 1988 drew 6,180 spectators. The addition of the Ricky Ponting Stand saw record numbers, with 18,149 attendees at a 2015–16 BBL match between Hobart Hurricanes and Perth Scorchers, and 17,844 spectators at an AFL game between North Melbourne and Richmond in 2016 marking the highest AFL crowd at the oval.

Transportation Challenges at Bellerive Oval

Metro buses and ferry services connect Bellerive Oval with Hobart City. However, the venue's growth as an international destination has strained local infrastructure, especially parking facilities, leading to congestion and accessibility issues for local residents during events.

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