Our Stadium Canberra
Let’s put Canberra on the World Stage. A Stadium Worthy of the Nation’s Capital.
Canberra Airport is calling for a world-class, all-event stadium in Canberra’s city centre. This once-in-a-generation opportunity would revitalise the heart of the city and create a new home for sport, concerts and major events in the Nation’s Capital.
A central stadium would make the most of Canberra’s light rail network, placing event crowds within walking distance of public transport, 13 hotels, 26 restaurants and bars in Civic. This connectivity would enhance the event experience, support local businesses and drive more activity in the city centre.
The proposal is for an all event venue capable of hosting blockbuster sporting events, major international music tours and cultural events, giving Canberra a venue that matches the city’s ambition and reflects its status as the National Capital.
The proposed site is on Commonwealth land at Regatta Place and includes the current Archbishop’s House and adjoining car parking. Discussions with the Catholic Church have been positive and are ongoing.
The concept takes inspiration from Christchurch's Te Kaha stadium, a modern 25,000 to 36,000 seat covered venue delivered for approximately NZ$656 million (A$531 million), including earthquake-proofing, and opened in 2026. Canberra would develop its own design tailored to local conditions, but Christchurch provides a compelling example of how a city-centre stadium can transform the visitor experience and support economic activity.
“Canberra deserves a stadium of which it can be proud, one that brings people together, creates economic growth and strengthens the heart of our city,” Stephen Byron, Chief Executive Officer of Canberra Airport, said.
“This is about creating a better experience for fans and visitors, supporting local jobs and businesses, and ensuring Canberra can compete for the major events that currently pass us by.”
Canberra Airport will work with business, government, sporting and community stakeholders to test the concept through architectural design, construction costings and an independent economic and social impact assessment.
Michael Thomson, Canberra Airport’s Head of Aviation, will lead the work, drawing on the broader Canberra Airport team’s expertise in project management, government engagement and community consultation to develop and test the proposal.
We support Canberra’s need for a new convention centre. While serving distinct purposes, the two projects could form part of a shared infrastructure and entertainment precinct, together strengthening the visitor economy.
We recognise that this proposal may affect planning for the new pool site. Those impacts will need to be worked through collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcome for the city, the stadium and Canberra’s aquatic facilities.
Canberra Airport is advancing and testing the proposal to support tourism, deliver community benefits and revitalise the city centre. It is willing to contribute to the proposal’s development but is not seeking ownership and would have no ongoing financial interest in the project or the stadium’s operation.
Canberrans can follow Our City. Our Stadium. On Facebook and Instagram at @OurStadiumCanberra, share their support and help bring the vision to life.
Conceptual artists render designs can be found here