Last Friday it was announced that Hockey Club Melbourne shall be playing games at Stead Park in a three-year deal commencing in 2027. Geelong was named as the regional home of HC Melbourne.
Following the redevelopment, Stead Park shall provide a premier venue for high-performance hockey in our region. Each season from 2027 to 2029 Geelong shall host one HC Melbourne home fixture for both men’s and women’s teams delivering games of the highest standard. This will allow the many supporters of Hockey Geelong to see these games as well as those who are not familiar with our game.
This announcement is based on the partnership between City of Greater Geelong and Hockey Victoria. We are thrilled that our council has seen the many benefits of such a connection in developing our game as well as the economic benefits that will flow.
“Bringing top level hockey to one of our key regional markets on an annual basis provides hockey with a product to leverage participation growth, awareness and commercial support for hockey” said Hockey Victoria CEO, Andrew Skillern.
This announcement also includes Hockey Geelong hosting the Senior Country Championships from next year. The Women’s Country Championships were successfully held for many years in Geelong and provide great memories.
The HC Melbourne Futures Challenge shall also be at Stead Park. This provides the emerging talent with development and high-performance opportunities in the lead up the Hockey One matches.
HC Melbourne Business Event shall also be launched in Geelong at Stead Park with the aim of connecting partners, stakeholders and the local business community.
Hockey Geelong sincerely thanks the City of Greater Geelong for their support of our aim of being the Regional Partner of HC Melbourne. We also recognise the faith Hockey Victoria has in Hockey Geelong and in our shared vision of developing our game in Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast.
Deputy Mayor of Greater Geelong, Cr Eddy Kontelj.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Hockey Club Melbourne and Hockey Victoria to bring elite hockey to our region and activate the redeveloped Stead Park in such a significant way.
This partnership strengthens Geelong’s position as a leading destination for major sporting events while creating new pathways for local players, clubs and the broader community. It will also deliver real economic and participation benefits for our region.
We look forward to working closely with Hockey Club Melbourne and Hockey Victoria to make sure this partnership leaves a lasting legacy for the sport in Greater Geelong.”
Time to celebrate our new facilities at Stead Park and Torquay as well as HC Melbourne games coming to Stead Park. Exciting times ahead.
Graeme Dent
President Hockey Geelong
