Blundstone Arena (Bellerive Oval, Hobart) — Tasmania’s AFL Home

Blundstone Arena in Hobart is the AFL’s Tasmanian outpost, and it’s about to be supplanted by a brand-new stadium that may or may not exist yet. A 19,500-seat ground in the suburb of Bellerive, on the eastern shore of the Derwent River, Blundstone has hosted Hawthorn home games for two decades and is the spiritual home of Tasmanian AFL. With the Tasmania Devils set to enter the AFL in 2028, Blundstone’s role is shifting — secondary venue, regional fortress, or genuine premier ground depends on what actually gets built at Macquarie Point.

The History: Bellerive Oval to Blundstone Arena

Bellerive Oval was developed in 1914 as a Tasmanian cricket ground. The ground hosted Sheffield Shield, club cricket, and occasional state-level Australian Rules. The first AFL match at Bellerive was a North Melbourne home fixture in 2001; from there the Tasmanian state government negotiated a long-term partnership with Hawthorn for the venue to become a regular AFL home ground.

The naming rights have moved through:

• Bellerive Oval (1914–2010, traditional name still in casual use)
• Blundstone Arena (2010–present)

Capacity: ~19,500 for AFL fixtures, with grass embankments expanding the standing total.

The Footy: Hawks’ Tasmanian Home

Hawthorn played 3–4 home AFL games per season at Blundstone Arena from 2001 onwards. The partnership was lucrative for the Hawks (Tasmanian state government subsidies) and a footy lifeline for Tasmanian AFL fans (Hobart had no other access to AFL fixtures). Crowds typically sold out for marquee fixtures; the Tasmanian Hawks supporter base is as parochial as any in the league.

The pitch is ~155m × 130m, with a hybrid couch/rye surface that handles Tasmania’s mild winters well. The wind off the Derwent River is a factor in afternoon games.

The Tasmania Devils Era

In 2023, the AFL formally announced the Tasmania Devils as the league’s 19th franchise, with a planned 2028 debut. The deal was contingent on a new 23,000-seat roofed stadium being built at Macquarie Point in central Hobart. Cost estimate: $775 million. Funding: state and federal government plus AFL contribution.

If Macquarie Point is built, Blundstone shifts to secondary status — likely hosting AFLW games, secondary AFL fixtures, and Tasmanian state cricket. If Macquarie Point is delayed or scrapped, Blundstone becomes the Devils’ primary home (likely with a redevelopment to ~25,000 capacity).

As of late 2025, the Macquarie Point timeline is uncertain. Cost overruns, political bunfights, and Tasmania’s budget constraints have made this the most-watched construction project in Australian sport.

Famous Moments

• Round 1, 2001 — North Melbourne’s first AFL home fixture at Bellerive Oval.
• Round 3, 2002 — Hawthorn’s first home fixture at Bellerive, beginning the long-term Hawks partnership.
• Round 11, 2008 — Hawks defeating Geelong at Bellerive Oval, an upset that signalled the Hawks’ 2008 premiership push.
• Round 17, 2014 — Hawks defeating Sydney in a top-eight fixture en route to their 2014 flag.
• Cyril Rioli’s debut goal at Blundstone in 2008 — the venue erupted; a Tasmanian Indigenous star at the home of Tasmanian AFL.
• 2024 final Hawks Tasmanian fixture — emotional farewell as Tasmania prepared for its own franchise.

The Stadium Itself

Blundstone is a tight, heritage cricket-and-footy ground with a strong Tasmanian flavour. The eastern grandstand is the main covered seating; the southern grass embankment is where the locals gather. The corporate facilities are modest by AFL standards but adequate.

Transport access is by road (no rail nearby); the venue is about 8km from Hobart CBD across the Tasman Bridge. Public transport is bus-only on game days.

Trivia for the Pub

• Blundstone Arena is on Bellerive Oval — the eastern shore of the Derwent River.
• The venue hosts Test cricket in some years.
• The naming rights deal with Blundstone (Tasmanian boot company) has been continuous since 2010 — one of the most stable AFL stadium sponsorships.
• Hawthorn’s home record at Blundstone since 2001 is over 65% wins.
• The pitch dimensions are nearly identical to Marvel Stadium.
• The 2018 Sheffield Shield final was held at Blundstone.
• Tasmanian AFL membership grew significantly during the Hawks partnership era.

The Rumours

The persistent rumour: Macquarie Point timeline slipping to 2030+. Cost overruns and political fights are real. If this happens, Blundstone gets a major redevelopment to host the Devils’ early years.

The other rumour: Hawks-Tasmania transition agreement. As Tasmania enters the AFL, Hawthorn will gradually wind down their Tasmanian fixtures. Some commentary suggests a phased approach; others argue for an immediate shift in 2027.

The wildcard: Blundstone redevelopment to 30,000+ seats. Has been speculated as a Macquarie Point alternative. State government has not confirmed.

The Future

Blundstone Arena’s future is bound up with the Macquarie Point decision. Either the new stadium gets built and Blundstone becomes secondary, or Macquarie Point is delayed/scrapped and Blundstone becomes the Devils’ primary home with a major redevelopment. Tasmanian footy fans are watching this closely.

The Verdict

Blundstone Arena has been the AFL’s Tasmanian home for two decades. The Hawks-Bellerive partnership built one of the AFL’s most parochial regional supporter bases. Whatever happens with Macquarie Point, Blundstone will retain a meaningful place in Tasmanian footy history. If you’re in Hobart, work an AFL fixture into your trip — the Tasman Bridge crossing, the Bellerive views, and the Derwent River backdrop make this a one-of-a-kind footy experience. The Devils era is coming; Blundstone’s role is shifting; but for now, it’s still the heart of Tasmanian AFL.