Latest news:

Melbourne's next world-class stadium will be expanded to accommodate more than 31,000 fans. This comes after an agreement was reached with Melbourne Victory and the Football Federation of Victoria in May this year.

An average of seven soccer games, including Melbourne Victory A League games and other international and national soccer matches, will be played every year at the new stadium. Another five games per year will be played at the Telstra Dome, taking advantage of its capacity to hold crowds of more than 50,000.  The stadium will host soccer, rugby league and rugby union matches.

The $268 million stadium is on track to be completed by the end of 2009.  During December there will be a number of VicRoads escorted deliveries overnight of large sections of the bioframe roof which has already begun installation in the south east corner (see below).  The stands themselves are taking shape with the size of the new stadium becoming apparent.

As the players sweat it out nearby at the Australian Open in January, work will commence on the stadium's pool facility and the roof panel installation.

Click here for the announcement media release.
MRS Fact Sheet (Major Projects Victoria link)

Description:

Victoria's burgeoning rugby and soccer codes have long awaited a dedicated stadium to accommodate elite level crowds in way that provides the intimate viewing experience afforded by purpose built venues.  Once completed, the stadium will provide the missing link in Melbourne’s sporting infrastructure for a medium size, purpose-built rectangular pitched stadium.

The new stadium will have a cutting-edge Bioframe design with a geodesic dome roof which will substantially cover the seating area. The beauty of the design is that spectators will enjoy unobstructed views, free from pillars, walls or other support structures.  This design will also use 50 per cent less steel than a typical stadium roof of the same size. 

To be built on Edwin Flack field, the stadium will rival the word’s best in becoming a world-class event and sports administration complex.

It will also feature a sports campus, including an elite training centre and office accommodation which will rival the world’s best.

The final costs and completion timetable will be confirmed after the building contract is completed and arrangements with tenants, sponsors and suppliers have been negotiated.