Canberra plans a new lakeside stadium for AFL and cricket, inspired by Christchurch's recent stadium, replacing the aging GIO Stadium.
Plans for a new lakeside stadium in the centre of Canberra have emerged this month, with ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr calling for the proposed rectangular venue to also be configured for AFL and cricket matches.
Canberra Airport has proposed a city centre venue, taking inspiration from Christchurch's new One New Zealand Stadium which opened in March this year.
The roofed Kiwi venue holds up to 30,000 fans for sporting events including rugby league, union and football, along with holding up to 37,000 fans for other events like concerts.
It cost around $531 million to build, including earthquake-proofing which was required given it replaced Lancaster Park which was damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
Replacing Canberra's existing 48-year-old GIO Stadium, which houses the NRL's Raiders and Super Rugby's Brumbies, has been discussed for years due to its ageing condition and location 15 minutes out of the city centre in suburban Bruce.