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read moreThe Victorian Government has announced that Geelong's Kardinia Park (GMBHA Stadium) will host the closing ceremony for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
With the venue to act as a showcase for regional Victoria, Geelong, which is to host nine sports during the Games, will also be the site of a new athletes’ village while up to $292 million to be spent in purpose-built sporting infrastructure in Waurn Ponds and Armstrong Creek, that will be converted into community infrastructure for these growing communities after the final medals are won.
The aquatics centre in Armstrong Creek will host swimmers, para swimmers and divers while the Commonwealth’s best gymnasts, weightlifters and Para powerlifters will aim for gold in Waurn Ponds.
After the Games, the aquatics centre will become a community pool facility, with multi-purpose courts and green open space preserved.
The artistic gymnastics and weightlifting venue in Waurn Ponds will become seven multi-sport courts, a dance studio, and a regional-level gymnastics centre.
Two Commonwealth Games-first sports will be hosted in the region with golf teeing off on the Bellarine Peninsula and Coastal Rowing making its debut in Torquay, the gateway to the iconic Great Ocean Road.
The Games village location is now also confirmed, with the Waurn Ponds Station Precinct to become the location for about 2,500 athletes and officials in March 2026.
The village will be designed in consultation with the local community and Traditional Owners, celebrating the rich culture of the Wadawurrung people and showcasing the lifestyle of Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast.
Kardinia Park’s hosting of the Games Closing Ceremony will see it welcome 40,000 spectators which will follow the venue hosting the final of the Games T20 Cricket competition.
During Victoria 2026, Geelong will also be home to a program of live sites including music, performance and art, showcasing its waterfront and Arts Precinct.
Commenting on Geelong’s role in the Games, Victorian Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery, Jacinta Allan noted “tens of thousands of people will come to Geelong for Victoria 2026, and we’re investing in the world-class housing and sporting infrastructure that will benefit not only Games delivery but the community for years to come.
“What a win for Torquay to see a new Commonwealth sport get underway at one of the world’s finest beaches, as a centrepiece of our regional Games.”
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are set to run from 17th to 29th March6 and will take place across multiple Victorian regional hubs in Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Geelong and Gippsland.
The opening ceremony is currently due to be held on 17th March at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Image: Geelong’s Kardinia Park. Credit: Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.
28th October 2022 - Kardinia Park Stadium Trust looks for operator for GMHBA Stadium Cricket Hub
14th October 2022 - Ballarat’s infrastructure to receive significant investment ahead of Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games
11th October 2022 - Shooting added to array of sports secured by Gippsland for Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games
6th October 2022 - Australian Golf welcomes golf’s inclusion in 2026 Commonwealth Games
5th October 2022 - Full sport program confirmed for Victoria Commonwealth Games 2026
15th September 2022 - City of Greater Geelong aims to secure $45 million funding for indoor facility at North Bellarine Aquatic Centre
30th August 2022 - LED sports lighting at Geelong’s Osborne Park to deliver increased opportunities
6th September 2022 - City of Ballarat and Hepburn Shire Council partner to support bid to host mountain biking for Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games
25th August 2022 - Victorian Partnership Forum held to support delivery of 2026 Commonwealth Games
19th August 2022 - Outgoing AFL club President Peggy O’Neal to chair Commonwealth Games planning committee
17th August 2022 - Three construction groups shortlisted to deliver $294 million Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre
9th August 2022 - Bendigo preferred host for Shooting competition in Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games
26th July 2022 - Australian Sports Commission Chief Executive, Kieren Perkins delivers open letter ahead of 2022 Commonwealth Games
21st July 2022 - Victorian communities encouraged to contribute ideas for 2026 Commonwealth Games
13th July 2022 - Ballarat launches bid to stage Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games marathon
6th July 2022 - Dates locked in for Victoria’s 2026 Commonwealth Games
24th June 2022 - COVID response commander to lead Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee
24th December 2021 - Stage five renovation of Geelong’s Kardinia Park to include indoor training facility
13th August 2021 - Builder appointed to undertake fifth stage expansion of Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium
9th November 2020 - Victorian Government announces funding for completion of Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium as a 40,000 seat venue
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