12/01/2022

The first stage of the $53 million upgrade of Hindmarsh Stadium is now complete with the works allowing for a series of A-League double-headers to take place at the iconic venue this season.

Stage One focused on upgrades to the stadium’s western stand including the construction of new female changerooms.

The new changerooms – which now sees the venue equipped with two sets of unisex facilities – have enabled the stadium to host A-League women’s games followed immediately by A-League men’s clashes. The first double-header at Hindmarsh Stadium was held on New Year’s Day, with another scheduled this weekend (Saturday, 15 January) with Adelaide United’s A-League women and men’s teams taking on Melbourne City FC in back-to-back games.

A third double-header match is scheduled for Saturday, 26 February.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said the new changerooms will also be put to good use when the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup comes to Adelaide.

“A major overhaul of this stadium was long overdue and our upgrade plans played a critical role in our winning bid to bring the Women’s World Cup to South Australia,” Minister Wingard said.

“This redevelopment, which is supporting 218 jobs, is a huge win for our state and helped us attract four group stage fixtures and a round of 16 clash.

“The World Cup will see the world’s best female soccer players take to the pitch in front of a global television audience of more than one billion people – that’s a lot of eyes on our great state.

“Since 2018 the Marshall Government has committed close to $100m to South Australian soccer.”

Other works completed as part of Stage One included upgrades to the stadium’s game day amenities, function space and retail outlets.

Stage Two works, which will be completed after Season 2021 and during Season 2022, will focus on upgrades to the eastern grandstand, including the installation of a roof and new function space.

Extensive upgrades will also be carried out on the venue’s media facilities, entry gates, food & beverage outlets, toilet facilities, disability access and event operations centre. Full construction on the project is on track to be completed by December 2022.

Coopers Stadium General Manager Phil King said the works were progressing well and are ahead of schedule.

“The new changerooms in particular are a very exciting addition and will certainly enhance the player experience, enabling us to provide equal opportunity across both A-League men and women’s matches, as well as showcase the best of both on the same day,” Mr King said.

“While works are progressing with some further exciting upgrades to come, it’s been great to welcome fans back to the stadium for the 2021/22 A-League season.”

Adelaide United Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Kosmina, echoed these comments.

“With the completion of Stage One, we are now provided with the opportunity to unify our men’s and women’s programs with matches played together at Coopers Stadium,” said Mr Kosmina.

"We were pleased to see the first double-header take place on New Year’s Day when our women’s side played Perth Glory and our men played Wellington Phoenix — a wonderful occasion.

"With Stage Two and Three upgrades currently underway and due for completion later next year, South Australian football is already benefiting from the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 legacy.”

As part of the $53m upgrade, Adelaide Venue Management will fund $8m in technology enhancements, including two giant video replay screens, pitch LED signage and a new stadium speaker system.