One wheelchair user with an AFL football and another man in a lift at North Hobart Football Club.
The new lift at North Hobart Oval is put to the test.

A new lift providing access to two designated viewing areas in the Doug Plaister Stand of North Hobart Football Club has officially opened to those with wheelchairs or mobility issues. The new lift services all three levels of the stand, from accessible parking spaces at ground level, including the corporate box, function room and toilets on the second level.

The $643,000 refurbishment of the stand, previously only accessible by stairs, is the latest in a raft of recent improvements to the ground, which recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first official match held there in May 1922. 

“The new lift opens up a space that is protected from the weather and provides a magnificent view from which to watch the football on those cold winter days and ensure everyone has access to some of the best seats in the house,”  City of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.

 “This $643 000 project follows the construction of a new kiosk, bar, wet area, and coaches boxes as well as a full refurbishment of all change rooms in recent years,” Lord Mayor Reynolds said. 

“All of these improvements plus the ground’s location and its amphitheatre atmosphere make North Hobart Oval an ideal venue, not just for footy, but also other sports and events. 

“The North Hobart Football Club should be applauded for their passion and drive in making this project a reality.” 

The project was managed by the North Hobart Football Club and jointly funded by the City of Hobart, State and Federal Governments. 

The City of Hobart contributed $223 000 to the project, the Tasmanian Government $370,000 and $50,000 came from the Federal Government.

The new lift will provide wheelchair spectators with a bird’s eye view of sporting events at North Hobart Oval.

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