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An Introduction to Blundstone Arena
Formerly known as the Bellerive Oval, the Blundstone Arena is the premier sports venue in Tasmania.
Enjoying a stunning waterfront location, very good amenities, and a relaxed atmosphere it is a lovely venue to watch cricket or AFL.
At well over 100 years old, the venue has a rich history and has played host to some memorable events in Australian sporting history.
As part of our series of major professional sports grounds in Australia, in this article, we’ll explore some of the key features and attractions of Blundstone Arena. Revealing just why it’s one of the most loved venues in the country.
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About the Stadium
The Blundstone Arena resides on the Derwent River’s eastern shores just about a ten-minute drive from downtown Hobart.
Although it opened all the way back in 1914, it wasn’t until the 1987-88 season that it became the official headquarters of first-class cricket in the state.
Accommodating a capacity of 20,000, the ground is notable for having a longer playing surface than the MCG. Although at 175 metres by 135 metres, the dimensions are slightly narrower than that iconic stadium.
The stadium features a 6,000-seat Southern Grandstand (known as the David Boon Stand), indoor cricket nets and two Members buildings. It also comprises the Ricky Ponting Stand, as well as its traditional hill which is located on the eastern boundary.
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What Sports Are Played at Blundstone Arena?
The main sports played at the venue are cricket and Australian Rules Football.
In cricket, the stadium is the home ground of the Tasmanian Tigers and both the men’s and women’s BBL teams for the Hobart Hurricanes.
The Australia men’s cricket team also plays there on occasion, most notably on the last Ashes tour in January 2022. In fact, it is the only venue in Tasmania that hosts international cricket matches, with the first ODI being held there in 1988 and the inaugural test match in 1989.
For Aussie Rules, the venue acts as North Melbourne’s second home ground, who host three home games there every season.
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Museum
The Blundstone Arena isn’t just one of the country’s prettiest stadiums, it also boasts one of its best
cricket museums too.
Providing visitors with an insight into the rich history of cricket in the state, and Australia as a whole, the museum features an extensive collection of memorabilia.
Exhibits include cricket bats, balls, uniforms, and photographs, as well as interactive displays and exhibits that showcase the evolution of the game and its importance in Australian culture.
Some of the highlights of the museum include the Don Bradman collection, which features personal items belonging to the legendary cricketer, and the Ricky Ponting exhibit, which pays tribute to one of Tasmania’s greatest sporting icons.
The Museum is open from 10 am to 3 pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays.
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Library
As well as the museum, the Blundstone Arena also features the unique Max Atwell Memorial Library, which is dedicated to the history of cricket in Tasmania, Australia and the rest of the world.
The library is located within the stadium itself and contains a collection of over 3000 books, journals, and other materials related to cricket and its role in Australian society.
Some of the highlights of the library include rare and out-of-print volumes, as well as modern works on topics such as cricket strategy and coaching techniques.
Visitors can access the library by appointment and are welcome to browse the shelves and engage with the knowledgeable staff to learn more about the history and culture of cricket in Tasmania and Australia.
New and second-hand books are available for sale at both the museum and library.
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Facilities
After a recent upgrade, the Blundstone Arena now boasts an impressive range of facilities to cater to the needs of spectators.
The venue features several seating areas, including reserved grandstand seating, general admission seating, and corporate boxes, which offer an unparalleled view of the action on the field.
The stadium also boasts a big screen scoreboard and floodlights that enable night matches to be played, as well as excellent wheelchair access throughout it and a designated disabled seating area.
Other state-of-the-art facilities at the stadium include modern public toilets, baby change rooms, and a first aid station staffed by qualified medical professionals.
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How to get to the stadium
When it comes to getting to the ground, there are several ways you can do that, depending on your location and preferences.
If you’re driving, it will take you about 10 minutes to get here from the CBD. Although once you arrive, you will find limited parking around the stadium. Therefore, you should check out the parking situation at the Kangaroo Bay and South Street Reserve Bellerive. However, as they are both free car parks you should be aware that these fill up quickly too.
Subsequently, you might be better advised to take public transport to the arena, as several bus routes stop nearby to it. They include the 601, 615, 625 and 634 which leave from the Hobart City Interchange and make their way down to the Blundstone Arena.
If you are staying in the city centre, you can also walk to the arena, although it will take you approximately 30-40 minutes to do so. Another option is to take a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber. You’ll find the pick-up point and drop-off zone for them on Douglas Street.
For those travelling from out of state, the Hobart International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the stadium. You’ll find plenty of car rental services available at the airport. Additionally, it is also possible to get to the venue via ferry, with services arriving at both Brooke Street and Bellerive Piers.
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Food in ground
The stadium offers a nice range of food options to suit most tastes and dietary requirements.
For classic stadium fare, head to one of the many food stands located throughout the venue. These stands offer traditional favourites like hot dogs, burgers, and fries, as well as snacks like popcorn and ice cream.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, the onsite Hurricanes Cafe serves a good range of breakfast, brunch and lunch options. Its menu includes hearty meals like seared salmon, eggs benedict, beef burgers and beer-battered fish, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
At other outlets, you can also buy sandwiches, pies and salads, as well as other food items that are gluten-free and vegetarian. The venue also features several bars and beverage stations that serve up a nice range of beers and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
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Accommodation near the ground
If you are needing a place to stay near the Blundstone Arena in Hobart, there are several accommodation options available to suit different budgets and preferences.
One popular option for those who want to treat themselves is the Wrest Point Hotel. Situated in Sandy Bay, the luxury resort is just a short drive from the arena. It also presents stunning views of the Derwent River, as well as a casino, multiple restaurants, and a pool.
At the cheaper end of the scale, the Hobart Central YHA is an excellent budget-friendly hostel which is situated in the heart of the city, not too far from the stadium. The hostel offers private and shared rooms, as well as communal spaces like a kitchen and lounge area.
For a more unique experience, consider the Mayfair Plaza Motel. Also in Sandy Bay, this family-run boutique motel features charming Art Deco-inspired rooms and a restaurant that serves up delicious
Italian cuisine.
Other good alternatives include the Kangaroo Bay Apartments, Bella Vista on Beach and Marina View Apartment, all of which are less than 500 metres from the stadium.
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Good pubs to visit
For those who want to enjoy a pre- or post-match drink, there are several good pubs to visit near the Blundstone Arena, each of which has its unique atmosphere and charm.
One of the best ones to check out is The Whaler, which is a cosy, nautical-themed pub that serves up a terrific range of local craft beers, wine, single malt whisky, gin and hand-crafted cocktails.
Another very good option is The Post Street Social in the Franklin Wharf. A modern gastropub, it boasts an impressive selection of craft beers and an extensive menu of share plates and small bites.
For those who want a more laid-back experience, The Brunswick Hotel is a popular local favourite with sports fans. Opened over 100 years ago, it presents regular live music performances, an excellent beer garden and lots of sport on the big screen TVs.
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Quick Stats
Address: 15 Derwent St, Bellerive TAS 7018
Capacity: 20,000
Opened: 2014
Field size: 175 m × 133.5 m
Record attendance: 18,149 – Hobart Hurricanes v. Perth Scorchers, 10 January 2016