View source for York Park

{{short description|Sports stadium in Tasmania}}
{{Use Australian English|date=February 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox venue
| stadium_name      = York Park<br /><small>University of Tasmania Stadium</small>
| nickname          =
| logo_image    = University of Tasmania Stadium logo.png
| image             = Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs - 31st May 2008 181.jpg
| image_alt         = A small stand to the left and a two tier stand and scoreboard filled with people in the backdrop of an oval grass playing surface scattered with players. Spectators stand in the foreground.
| image_size        = 300px
| location          = [[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]], [[Tasmania]]
| coordinates       = {{Coord|41|25|33|S|147|08|20|E|display=it}}
| broke_ground      = 1919
| opened            = 1921
| closed            =
| demolished        =
| owner             = [[Launceston City Council]]
| operator          = [[AFL Tasmania]]
| surface           = Grass
| construction_cost = [[Australian dollar|A$]]23.6M (redevelopment)
| dimensions        = {{cvt|170 x 140|m}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Atkinson |first1=Cody |last2=Lawson |first2=Sean |title=From the SCG to Kardinia Park — do ground sizes contribute to the end result in AFL games? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-16/cody-and-sean-afl-analysis-how-much-do-ground-sizes-matter/101154950 |website=ABC News |date=15 June 2022 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=19 February 2024}}</ref>
| architect         =
| former_names      = Aurora Stadium (2004-2016)
| tenants           = ; [[Australian rules football]]

[[Tasmania Football Club]] ([[Australian Football League|AFL]]/[[AFL Women's|AFLW]]) (2028–onwards)<br />[[Hawthorn Football Club]] (AFL) (2001–present)<br />[[North Melbourne Football Club]] (AFLW) (2019–present)<br />[[St Kilda Football Club]] (AFL) (2003–2006)<br />[[Tasmanian Devils (2001-2008)|Tasmania Devils]] ([[Victorian Football League|VFL]]) (2001-2008)<br />[[North Launceston Football Club]] ([[Northern Tasmanian Football League|NTFL]]/[[Tasmanian Football League|TSL]]) (1923–present)<br />[[Western Storm Football Club]] (TSL) (2014–2015)

; [[Cricket]]

[[Hobart Hurricanes (WBBL)|Hobart Hurricanes]] ([[Women's Big Bash League|WBBL]]) (2015–present)<br />[[Hobart Hurricanes]] ([[Big Bash League|BBL]]) (2017-present)<br />[[Tasmania cricket team|Tasmanian Tigers]] ([[One-Day Cup (Australia)|One-Day Cup]]) (2022-present)

; [[Association football|Soccer]]

[[Melbourne Victory FC]] ([[A-League Men]]) (2012-2013)<br />[[Western United FC]] ([[A-League Men]]) (2021–2023)<br />[[Perth Glory FC]] ([[A-League Men]]) (2022)<br />[[Perth Glory FC (women)|Perth Glory FC]] ([[A-League Women]]) (2022)

; Other Tenants

([[2003 Rugby World Cup]])
| seating_capacity  = 15,500 (13,106 seated)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rowbottom |first=Chris |date=2025-07-06 |title=Why York Park is not considered an alternative to the proposed Macquarie Point Hobart stadium |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-06/york-park-alternative-hobart-macquarie-point-stadium-explainer/105486542 |access-date=2025-07-06 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |language=en-AU |quote=While the AFL has listed the current capacity at York Park as high as 19,500, the true figure is considered lower. James Avery, chief executive of Stadiums Tasmania, explained York Park's current seated capacity is 13,106, with a total capacity of 15,500 if you include standing patrons.}}</ref>
| embedded         = {{Infobox cricket ground
| embed = yes
| country          = Australia
| last used        =
| seating_capacity = 
| home club        =
| county club      =
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| firstodidate     =
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| firstodiaway     =
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| firstt20idate    =
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| year1            =
| club1            =
| year2            =
| club2            =
| date             = 30 December
| year             = 2018
| source           = http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/ground/805977.html Cricinfo
}}
}}
'''York Park''' is a sports ground in the [[Inveresk and York Park Precinct, Launceston|Inveresk and York Park Precinct]], [[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]], [[Australia]]. Holding 21,000 people, York Park is known commercially as '''University of Tasmania (UTAS) Stadium'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themercury.com.au/sport/afl/university-of-tasmania-kicks-big-goals-as-naming-rights-sponsor-of-york-park/news-story/86103d9f770817399d1bcd6d2947bd84|title=University of Tasmania kicks big goals as naming rights sponsor of York Park|work=The Mercury|first=Nick|last=Clark|date=22 October 2016|access-date=24 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023062040/http://www.themercury.com.au/sport/afl/university-of-tasmania-kicks-big-goals-as-naming-rights-sponsor-of-york-park/news-story/86103d9f770817399d1bcd6d2947bd84|archive-date=23 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> and was formerly known as '''Aurora Stadium''' under a previous [[naming rights]] agreement signed with [[Aurora Energy (Tasmania)|Aurora Energy]] in 2004. Primarily used for [[Australian rules football]], its record attendance of 20,971 was set in June 2006, when [[Hawthorn Football Club]] played [[Richmond Football Club]] in an [[Australian Football League]] (AFL) match.

The area was swampland before becoming Launceston's showgrounds in 1873. In the following decades the grounds were increasingly used for sports, including cricket, bowls and tennis. In 1919, plans were prepared for the transformation of the area into a multi-sports venue.  From 1923, the venue was principally used for Australian rules football by the [[Northern Tasmanian Football Association (1886–1986)|Northern Tasmanian Football Association]], and for occasional [[Interstate matches in Australian rules football|inter-state games]]. Visiting mainland football clubs regularly played mid-season or end-of-season matches at the ground. Other sports such as cricket, tennis, bowling, cycling and foot-racing have been played at the venue.

Hawthorn has played between two and five AFL matches each season since 2001, and the [[St Kilda Football Club]] played two games a year between 2003 and 2006. In 2007, the [[Tasmanian Government]] signed a $16.4&nbsp;million, five-year sponsorship deal with Hawthorn, under which the club will play four regular season games and one [[National Australia Bank Cup]] pre-season match at the venue each year. The venue hosted its first VFL/AFL finals during the [[2021 AFL finals series]].

Throughout its history, York Park has hosted major pop concerts and other entertainments. Since 2001 it has been a venue for international sports events, and in 2005 was redeveloped at a cost of $23.6&nbsp;million. On 21 February 2009 York Park became home to the [[Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame]].

== History ==
The area now known as York Park was originally "swampy, sour, and choked with weeds".<ref name="LCC41">Green (2006), p. 41.</ref> After European settlement, it was used for [[landfill]] before becoming the Launceston showgrounds in 1874.<ref name="sponsorship">{{cite news | title = Naming rights for Tasmania's Home of Football to Tasmanian company | publisher = Aurora Energy | url = http://auroraenergy.com.au/news/default.asp?archive=yes&file=27-september-2004.txt | date=27 September 2004|access-date = 6 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918154342/http://auroraenergy.com.au/news/default.asp?archive=yes&file=27-september-2004.txt|archive-date=18 September 2010}}</ref> By 1881, {{convert|47|acre|km2|abbr=on}} of land (now York and Invermay Parks) had been taken over by the [[Launceston City Council]] "for the purpose of recreation, health and enjoyment". The area was ready to be used for two cricket games by the end of 1886. Cricketers were full of praise for the ground, but because winter rain caused it to become waterlogged, footballers (Australian rules) were often unable to use the facility.<ref name="LCC41" />

At a council meeting in July 1901, one member, Alderman Storrer, proposed that Inveresk Park be renamed York Park in honour of the Duke of York (later [[George V of the United Kingdom|King George V]]), who visited Tasmania during the [[Federation of Australia|Federation celebrations of 1901]]. The proposal was passed 4–2, although another member, Alderman Sadler, noted that "Launceston was well known as a loyal community and did not need to change the park's name"<ref name="LCC42">Green (2006), p. 42.</ref> to prove their fidelity to the monarchy. A bowling green and tennis courts were completed by 1910, along with the main [[arena|oval]] which was used for state school sports.<ref name="LCC42" />
In 1919, the council held a competition for the design of the York Park sports ground, the winner to receive £20. The final design had to include two full sized tennis courts, a bowling green, a cycling track, cricket and football grounds with dressing rooms and facilities for spectators.<ref name="LCC42" /> Although not fully complete, York Park was officially opened by the St Andrews Caledonian Society on 1 January 1921. A cycling track surrounding the perimeter fence<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52191749 |title=ALTERATIONS AT YORK PARK. |work=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)|The Examiner]] |location=Launceston, Tasmania |date=12 February 1938 |access-date=27 July 2012 |page=6 Edition: LATE NEWS EDITION and DAILY |publisher=National Library of Australia}}</ref> was in use by September of the same year.<ref name="historysep06">{{cite news|url=http://northerntasmania.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/general/the-making-of-tassies-biggest-sport-icon/916092.aspx|title=The making of Tassie's biggest sports icon|work=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)|The Examiner]]|date=3 September 2006|access-date=2008-08-10}} {{dead link|date=March 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref name="Cycling">{{cite web|title=A Short History |publisher=Launceston City Cycling Club |last=Morris |first=Rod |url=http://www.launcyclingclub.com/htm/about_us.html |access-date=2009-02-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713190124/http://www.launcyclingclub.com/htm/about_us.html |archive-date=13 July 2011 }}</ref>
On 4 May 1923 ''The Examiner'' reported on that "Work on the grandstand was completed for the opening of the 1923 football season, when the game was transferred from the [[NTCA Ground]] to York Park. Work on the grandstand and the seating round the oval has been proceeded with at top speed, and spectators at the game tomorrow should have little to complain of."<ref name="LCC42" /> The first game between teams representing the northern and southern halves of Tasmania took place at the oval in August 1923 in front of a crowd of 9,441. A reporter from ''The Examiner'' commented: "The oval is in good order and well grassed and the new motor mower copes with the latter very effectively under favourable conditions. The whole five acres can be cut in six hours, as compared with twenty hours by the horse mower."<ref name=LCC42 /> When the ground was harrowed, glass and other debris would surface; a contemporary observer, John Orchard, later remembered: "they'd line up a whole group of people, perhaps thirty or forty players, and we'd go along with a container alongside each other and we'd pick up everything that was likely to hurt a player."<ref name="LCC42" />

Heavy floods in 1929 caused substantial damage to the ground, destroying the cycling track, which was subsequently rebuilt.<ref name="LCC42" /><ref name="floods">{{cite web| title = Northern Bombers History 1921–1930 | publisher = North Launceston Football Club | url = http://www.northlauncestonfc.com.au/1921-1930.html | access-date = 9 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724081045/http://www.northlauncestonfc.com.au/1921-1930.html|archive-date=24 July 2008}}</ref> In the 1930s the [[Launceston Football Club]], who played regularly at the ground, won six consecutive premierships before World War II intervened. As a consequence of the war NTFA matches were cancelled after the 1941 season, not to resume until May 1945. Three years later, 12 [[ornamental tree]]s were planted at the ground, in memory of NTFA players who had lost their lives in the war.<ref name="LCC43">Green (2006), p. 43.</ref>

In 1960, York Park was the venue of a football match in which [[Tasmania Australian rules football team|Tasmania]] defeated [[Victoria Australian rules football team|Victoria]] for the first time. The match was attended by a record crowd of approximately 15,000.<ref name="Relive Tassie football's glory days">{{cite web | title = Relive Tassie football's glory days | publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | date = 18 October 2006 | url = http://www.abc.net.au/tasmania/relivetherivalry/default.htm | access-date = 28 February 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121108200519/http://www.abc.net.au/tasmania/relivetherivalry/default.htm | archive-date = 8 November 2012 | url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="A History of Tasmanian Football">{{cite web|title=A History of Tasmanian Football |author=The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts (Tas.) |work=tassiefootyteam.com.au |url=http://www.tassiefootyteam.com.au/history.php |access-date=2009-02-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209130905/http://www.tassiefootyteam.com.au/history.php |archive-date=9 December 2008 }}</ref> Four years later, the southern stand (demolished in 2004) was completed. In the 1970s another stand was added, capable of holding 650 spectators and incorporating sales kiosks and committee rooms.<ref name="LCC43" />

[[File:Aurora Function centre.jpg|left|240px|thumb|Aurora Function Centre|alt=A grey coloured function centre with glass windows. Spectators and an interchange bench are in front of the structure.]]
Up to 1999 York Park had remained a sports ground used predominately for local events, generally attracting modest crowds; according to ground manager [[Robert Groenewegen]], supporters were able to "park [their] car[s] next to the boundary fence".<ref name="historysep06" />
However, before the [[1998 Australian federal election|1998 federal election]] the local member of parliament (MP) representing the [[Division of Bass]], [[Warwick Smith (politician)|Warwick Smith]]—a minister from the ruling [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal Party]]—promised public funding for the redevelopment of York Park. Although Smith lost his seat, the Liberals retained power and kept the promise.<ref name="historysep06" /> The $6.4&nbsp;million redevelopment completed in 2000 was the first major phase in the process of raising the ground to [[Australian Football League]] (AFL) standard. Work included the construction of the Gunns Stand, a two-level [[grandstand]] originally holding 2,500 (now extended to 5,700) which incorporates corporate facilities.<ref name="2008expansion">{{cite news|url=http://northerntasmania.yourguide.com.au/news/local/politics/no-takers-on-10m-stadium-expansion-plan/1244873.html|title=No takers on $10m stadium expansion plan|work=The Examiner|date=3 June 2008|access-date=2008-06-11}} {{dead link|date=March 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref name="Council AFL Report">{{cite web| title = Launceston City Council / York Park & Inveresk Precinct Authority Submission  | publisher = Launceston City Council | url = http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/Committee/rrat_ctte/afl_tasmania/submissions/sub04.pdf | access-date = 4 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029073151/http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/rrat_ctte/afl_tasmania/submissions/sub04.pdf|archive-date=29 October 2009}}</ref> Other improvements added were five {{convert|45|m|ft|abbr=on}} television standard light towers, a watering and drainage system able to disperse up to {{convert|100|mm}} of rain an hour, and 85 in-ground sprinklers capable of rising {{convert|15|cm|in|sp=us}}.<ref name="2008expansion" /><ref name="York Park upgrade is flowing ahead">{{cite news | title = York Park upgrade is flowing ahead | work = The Examiner | last = Gilmour | first = Martin | date = 6 November 1999 | url = http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/sport/general/york-park-upgrade-is-flowing-ahead/1316631.aspx | access-date = 2009-05-29 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110726224645/http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/sport/general/york-park-upgrade-is-flowing-ahead/1316631.aspx | archive-date = 26 July 2011 | url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="groundcost">{{cite news | title = The forum – Hopes still alive for a State team | work = The Examiner | date = 2 April 2009 | url = http://www.examiner.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/the-forum-hopes-still-alive-for-a-state-team/1476298.aspx | access-date = 2009-04-20 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091003050157/http://www.examiner.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/the-forum-hopes-still-alive-for-a-state-team/1476298.aspx | archive-date = 3 October 2009 | url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="Coast's turn to take the events praise">{{cite news | last = Gilmour | first = Martin | title = Coast's turn to take the events praise | work = The Examiner | date = 22 February 2000 | url = http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/sport/general/coast39s-turn-to-take-the-events-praise/1316236.aspx?storypage=0 | access-date = 2009-05-29 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110726224915/http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/sport/general/coast39s-turn-to-take-the-events-praise/1316236.aspx?storypage=0 | archive-date = 26 July 2011 | url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="Future concept for stadium revealed">{{cite news | title = Future concept for stadium revealed | work = The Examiner | last = Gilmour | first = Martin | date = 28 September 1999 | url = http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/sport/general/future-concept-for-stadium-revealed/1316570.aspx | access-date = 2009-05-29 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110726225001/http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/sport/general/future-concept-for-stadium-revealed/1316570.aspx | archive-date = 26 July 2011 | url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = York Park Story | publisher = Aurora Stadium | url = http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/content/view/19/34/ | access-date = 28 May 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090316041753/http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/content/view/19/34/ | archive-date = 16 March 2009}}</ref>

In 2003, the [[Government of Tasmania]] allocated $2&nbsp;million to erect a roof above 6,000&nbsp;terrace seats, in readiness for the [[2003 Rugby Union World Cup]]; this meant that almost all of the seating area was protected from the weather.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2003/04/07/826044.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716045006/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2003/04/07/826044.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=Council welcomes York Park seating boost|date=7 April 2003|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=2008-06-09}}</ref> In 2004, the ground became known as Aurora Stadium as the result of six-year [[naming rights]] sponsorship deal with [[Aurora Energy (Tasmania)|Aurora Energy]].<ref name="sponsorship" />
During 2006, the state government supplied $150,000 for new gates and ticket boxes at the stadium entry. The gates were later named after recently deceased Tasmanian Premier [[Jim Bacon (politician)|Jim Bacon]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2006/08/18/1718360.htm|title=York Park gates to be named after Bacon|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=16 August 2006|access-date=2008-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110215174804/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2006/08/18/1718360.htm|archive-date=15 February 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> These gates, and the [[Australian Heritage Council|heritage-listed]] Northern Stand, have been placed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register as culturally significant to the state.<ref>{{Cite AHPI|TAS4399|York Park Entrance Gates and Grandstand| access-date = 31 December 2008}}</ref> The two-storey Cameron-Tyson stand was in 2005, replaced by an extension of the Gunns Stand.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

[[File:Northern stand fire.jpg|350px|right|thumb|Northern Stand after fire damage in 2008. The stand was consequently moved to the nearby Invermay Park in 2010.|alt=A grassed sporting oval with an old stand with a yellow and red roof, filled with spectators]]
In March 2008, an [[arson]] attack destroyed part of the Northern Stand, causing between $300,000 and $500,000 damage.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/31/2203444.htm?site=idx-tas|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121231050506/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/31/2203444.htm?site=idx-tas|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 December 2012|title=Arson suspected in historic grandstand fire |publisher=ABC News|date=31 March 2008|access-date=26 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Grandstand fire 'deliberately lit' | publisher=AAP| work = The Australian | date = 30 March 2008 | url = http://www.theaustralian.com.au/archive/news/grandstand-fire-deliberately-lit/story-e6frg6ox-1111115924771 | access-date = 8 July 2014}}</ref> In December 2008 the [[Launceston City Council]] proposed a $7&nbsp;million development for a replacement Northern Stand. The project includes the relocation of the old Northern Stand's heritage roof into part of the redevelopment of facilities at Invermay Park. The old structure at York Park will be replaced with a 2,125-seat grandstand which will include three AFL compliant changerooms, an AFL umpire changeroom, a corporate facility for 936 people in corporate boxes, suites and function rooms, coaches boxes, along with statistician, timekeepers and print media rooms. Post-match press conference, drug testing, and radio rooms will also be included. The stand has increased the ground's capacity to 21,000 and the [[seating capacity]] to 13,825. These works were designed by Tasmania-based architects Philp Lighton Architects.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://philplighton.com.au/projects/recreation/aurora-stadium/|title=Aurora Stadium – Philp Lighton|last=Digital|first=Ionata|work=Philp Lighton|language=en-US|access-date=2016-11-17|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117144912/http://philplighton.com.au/projects/recreation/aurora-stadium/|archive-date=17 November 2016}}</ref> The Australian Government was expected to contribute  $4&nbsp;million, the Tasmanian Government $2&nbsp;million and Launceston City Council $500,000. The [[Hawthorn Football Club]] asked for a "sizeable" contribution from the AFL towards the development, and Inveresk Precinct Authority chairman Robin McKendrick has indicated that a contribution of $1&nbsp;million was possible.<ref name="Northern Stand">{{cite news|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/images/stories/Aurora%20Stadium%20upgrade%20-%20media%20release%20-%20191208.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627112053/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/images/stories/Aurora%20Stadium%20upgrade%20-%20media%20release%20-%20191208.pdf|archive-date=2009-06-27|title=Aurora Stadium Upgrade|date=19 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-23|publisher=Launceston City Council}}</ref><ref name="christmas">{{cite news|url=http://www.launcestontimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/aurora-stadium-plan-expected-by-christmas/1353715.aspx|title=Aurora Stadium plan expected by Christmas|date=4 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-15|work=Launceston Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706105750/http://www.launcestontimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/aurora-stadium-plan-expected-by-christmas/1353715.aspx|archive-date=6 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hawkslobby">{{cite news|url=http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/sport/general/hawks-to-lobby-afl-for-aurora-upgrade/1540229.aspx?storypage=0|title=Hawks to lobby AFL for Aurora upgrade|date=15 June 2009|access-date=2009-06-15|work=The Examiner}} {{dead link|date=March 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref name="funding">{{cite news|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/images/stories/Media%20Release%20-%20Northern%20Stand%20funding.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703132654/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/images/stories/Media%20Release%20-%20Northern%20Stand%20funding.pdf|archive-date=2009-07-03|title=Launceston City Council welcomes funding for the Northern Stand|date=15 June 2009|access-date=2009-06-15|publisher=Launceston City Council}}</ref>

==Redevelopment==
As the Tasmanian Government sought to secure a license for a [[History of the Tasmanian AFL bid|Tasmanian team in the Australian Football League]] (AFL), redeveloping York Park became an active pursuit of the government. In March 2022 Tasmanian Premier [[Peter Gutwein]] announced the government intended pursue a significant redevelopment of the stadium. The premier revealed the development would occur within the following five years, though was contingent on the state government's $65 million contribution being matched by the federal government and ownership of the stadium ownership being transferred from the [[City of Launceston|Launceston City Council]] to the state government-run Stadiums Tasmania agency.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/site_resources_2015/additional_releases/building_the_stadiums_of_the_future_in_tasmania|title=Building the stadiums of the future in Tasmania|work=premier.tas.gov.au|date=1 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.austadiums.com/news/908/major-upgrade-proposed-for-utas-stadium|date=9 February 2021|work=Austadiums|title=Major upgrade proposed for UTAS Stadium}}</ref> The federal funding was secured in April 2023 in an announcement by Prime Minister [[Anthony Albanese]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/cementing-utas-stadiums-role-home-world-class-entertainment|title=Cementing UTAS Stadium's role as the home of world class entertainment|work=pm.gov.au|date=28 April 2023}}</ref> Shortly after this announcement the [[Tasmania Football Club]] was approved for entry in the AFL for the 2028 season. 

In November 2024 the Launceston City Council voted to transfer ownership of the stadium from the council to Stadiums Tasmania,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/News-Media/UTAS-Stadium-changes-ownership|title=UTAS Stadium changes ownership|work=City of Launceston|date=15 November 2024}}</ref> paving the way for construction works on improved matchday facilities to commence and bringing umpires rooms, changing rooms and other facilities to Australian tier 2 sporting guidelines.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/c-king/media-release/matchday-facilities-upgrades-commenced-utas-stadium|title=Matchday facilities upgrades commenced at UTAS Stadium|work=minister.infrastructure.gov.au|date=15 November 2024}}</ref> Major construction at the stadium commenced in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.austadiums.com/news/1576/construction-begins-on-130-million-utas-stadium-redevelopment|title=Construction begins on $130 million UTAS Stadium redevelopment|date=15 September 2025|work=Austadiums}}</ref> The redevelopment will include a new centre-west stand incorporating function, corporate and media facilities, a new seating bowl in the lower section of the western stand and a revitalised eastern stand. It is expected be complete in 2027 and result in a total stadium capacity of 17,500.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.austadiums.com/news/1513/new-utas-stadium-upgrade-images-released-ahead-of-july-start|title=New UTAS Stadium upgrade images released ahead of July start|date=6 March 2025|work=Austadiums}}</ref>

== Sports and events ==
=== Australian rules football ===
[[File:AShawks.jpg|right|thumb|Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide AFL match in 2007|alt=Two young male athletes contest the football. One is wearing a light blue, black and white sleeveless shirt and white shorts, while the other is wearing a brown and gold striped sleeveless shirt and brown shorts.]]
{{See also|Australian rules football in Tasmania}}
[[Australian rules football]] is the main sport played at the stadium which has hosted [[Australian Football League]] (AFL) games since 2001, when the state government started paying interstate clubs to relocate their home games. Melbourne-based [[Hawthorn Football Club|Hawthorn]] played one game in 2001 and two in 2002, and in 2003 were joined by another Melbourne team, [[St Kilda Football Club|St Kilda]]. In 2004, it was estimated that the cost to the government per game was between $300,000 and $500,000, but Tasmanian Premier [[Jim Bacon (politician)|Jim Bacon]] stated that the government was making a profit on its investment, estimating that each game injected between $1&nbsp;million and $1.5&nbsp;million into the Tasmanian economy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2004/06/10/1128808.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716022756/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2004/06/10/1128808.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=Tas footing big bill for York Park match|date=10 June 2004|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=2008-06-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2003/09/24/952429.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716224217/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2003/09/24/952429.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=York Park kicking goals for Tas economy|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=24 September 2003|access-date=2008-06-10}}</ref>

The number of AFL matches peaked in 2006, when Hawthorn played three home games and one pre-season game, while St Kilda played two home games. The games drew an average crowd of 17,108, with a record attendance of 20,971 for the match between Hawthorn and [[Richmond Football Club|Richmond]].<ref name= Aurora>{{cite web| title = Aurora Stadium | publisher = Australia Football League | url = http://www.afl.com.au/fixture/aflvenues/tasmania/tabid/13586/default.aspx| url-status = dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021053800/http://www.afl.com.au/fixture/aflvenues/tasmania/tabid/13586/default.aspx | archive-date = 21 October 2012}}</ref>

[[File:Gunns Stand.jpg|left|240px|thumb|Gunns Stand during Hawthorn vs Brisbane AFL match in 2009|alt=A two tier stand and scoreboard filled with people in the backdrop of an oval grass playing surface.]]

[[AFL siren controversy|Controversy]] occurred at York Park when, in a game between St Kilda and [[Fremantle Football Club|Fremantle]], the final siren was too quiet to be heard by any of the umpires; play was restarted in error, and in the subsequent confusion St Kilda levelled the scores. After a protest, the AFL Commission convened and overturned the result, awarding Fremantle the victory. The stadium's sirens were replaced, and the old ones were put on display at the [[Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery]].<ref name=siren>{{cite web|url=http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/content/view/25/40/|title=Sirengate|publisher=Launceston City Council|access-date=2008-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531093945/http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/content/view/25/40/ |archive-date=31 May 2008}}</ref>

In 2007 York Park benefitted from a five-year, $16.4&nbsp;million sponsorship of Hawthorn by the state government. Under the sponsorship agreement the stadium is the venue for five of Hawthorn's matches each year—one pre-season and four premiership games.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Hawks-confirm-Tasmanian-deal/2006/09/01/1156817089662.html|title=Hawks confirm Tasmanian deal|date=1 September 2006|publisher=AAP|work=The Age|access-date=2008-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228002330/http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Hawks-confirm-Tasmanian-deal/2006/09/01/1156817089662.html|archive-date=28 February 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Hawthorn president [[Jeff Kennett]] has expressed interest in his club playing higher profile teams, such as [[Collingwood Football Club|Collingwood]], at the stadium.<ref name="2008expansion" />

As well as being an AFL venue, York Park is the long-term base of [[North Launceston Football Club|North Launceston]], and thus hosts regular [[Tasmanian Football League|Tasmanian State League]] matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.burniedockers.com.au/PDF/Business%20Plan-TasmanianStateLeague.pdf |title=Tasmanian State League Business Plan |publisher=AFL Tasmania |access-date=2009-06-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091024203447/http://www.burniedockers.com.au/PDF/Business%20Plan-TasmanianStateLeague.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2009 }}</ref> The ground also hosted occasional [[Tasmania Devils Football Club (VFL)|Tasmanian Devils Football Club]] home games in the [[Victorian Football League]], from 2001 until the club's demise in 2008.<ref name= Aurora />

In 2021, due to COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns preventing matches from being played in Melbourne and Sydney, York Park hosted its first two [[2021 AFL finals series|AFL finals]] matches: both first-week elimination finals, the first a {{AFL WB}} victory over {{AFL Ess}}, and the second a [[Greater Western Sydney Giants]] win over the [[Sydney Swans]] in [[Sydney Derby (AFL)|Sydney Derby]] XXII.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/667009/it-s-finals-time-match-ups-venues-revealed-for-week-one|title=IT'S FINALS TIME: Match-ups, venues revealed for week one|publisher=AFL.com.au|date=22 August 2021|access-date=22 August 2021}}</ref>

====Hawthorn Football Club====
{{AFL Haw}} are the AFL club with the longest tenancy at York Park, having played up to four relocated home games per season at the venue since 2001, and having exclusivity over the ground since the mid-2000's. In 2025 the club extended its partnership with the stadium to the end of the 2027 season. As of the end of the 2024 season, Hawthorn have won 61 of the 82 premiership matches it has played at the venue, one of the league's most successful win-loss records.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hawks extend Tassie deal to eve of Devils' debut |website=afl.com.au |date=10 February 2025 |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/1266834/hawthorn-hawks-extend-tasmania-deal-to-eve-of-devils-debut |access-date=13 March 2025}}</ref>

====Tasmania Football Club====
Hawthorn's tenancy at York Park is expected to end in 2027. From 2028 the stadium will be the shared home ground of the [[Tasmania Football Club]] (nicknamed the Devils), who are scheduled to begin competing in the league in the 2028 season. The club will split home games between the venue and the proposed [[Macquarie Point Stadium]] in [[Hobart]].

=== Other uses ===
York Park hosted its first international sporting fixture in the group phase of the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup, when [[Romania national rugby union team|Romania]] and [[Namibia national rugby union team|Namibia]] played in front of 15,457 spectators. As a soccer venue the stadium has hosted one [[National Soccer League]] match and three [[A-League]] pre-season games.<ref name="Council AFL Report" /> [[Melbourne Knights]] and [[Perth Glory FC|Perth Glory]] played a national league match at the stadium during the [[2001–02 National Soccer League|2001–02 NSL season]].<ref name="LCC43" /> In July 2006, after the A-League replaced the NSL, the stadium hosted Tasmania's first A-League match when [[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]] and [[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]] played in the pre-season competition. In 2007, 8,061 attended the corresponding match, which has since become a regular fixture.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=22066 |title=Football spreads its reach |date=2 May 2008 |publisher=A-League |access-date=2008-06-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617074657/http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=22066 |archive-date=17 June 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/soccer/melbourne-wins-friendly/2009/07/26/1248546629746.html|title=Melbourne wins friendly|publisher=AAP|work=The Age|date=27 July 2009|access-date=2009-07-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090730033101/http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/soccer/melbourne-wins-friendly/2009/07/26/1248546629746.html|archive-date=30 July 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to pre-season matches, Aurora Stadium has also hosted regular season A-League matches: on 1 February 2012, [[Melbourne Victory]] played [[Gold Coast United FC]] in a regular season A-League game in front of a crowd of 5,268 people<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111002042251/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/218896%2Cffa-take-a-league-into-the-regions.aspx FFA Take A-League Into The Regions], au.fourfourtwo.com, 29 September 2011. Retrieved on 13 November 2011.</ref> and on 12 January 2013, Melbourne Victory played against [[Central Coast Mariners FC|Central Coast Mariners]] in front of a crowd of 6,238 people. Inveresk Precinct Authority chairman Robin McKendrick has stated that ground authorities are attempting to win hosting rights for [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australian national soccer team]] matches.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://northerntasmania.yourguide.com.au/articles/1009447.html|title=Socceroos could play at Aurora|work=The Examiner|date=21 July 2007|access-date=2008-06-11}} {{dead link|date=March 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> On 30 December 2017, the ground played host to its first ever [[Big Bash League]] match when the [[Hobart Hurricanes]] took a home game to York Park with the [[Sydney Thunder]] being their opponents. The Thunder won by 57 runs in front of 16,734 fans.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://austadiums.com/sport/event.php?eventid=20058 |title=BBL: Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder &#124; Austadiums |access-date=1 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101195715/http://austadiums.com/sport/event.php?eventid=20058 |archive-date=1 January 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>
[[Western United FC]] has also played home games at the stadium.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wyndham Regional Football Facility is a dramatic improvement for Western United |url=https://tbgaustralia.com/2024/04/04/wyndham-regional-football-facility-dramatically-improves-western-united-facility-arrangement/ |website=The Beautiful Game |access-date=20 November 2024 |date=4 April 2024}}</ref>

Among non-sporting events, before its redevelopment the stadium hosted an [[Ike & Tina Turner]] concert and a [[Billy Graham]] religious [[revival meeting]].<ref name="historysep06" /> The [[Crusty Demons]] performed at the stadium during 2006 and March 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/aurora-stadium/gallery2/v/crusty08/|title=Crusty Demons 2008|publisher=Launceston City Council|access-date=2009-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718202930/http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/aurora-stadium/gallery2/v/crusty08/|archive-date=18 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/aurora-stadium/gallery2/v/Crusty+Demons/ |title=Crusty Demons 2006 |publisher=Launceston City Council |access-date=2009-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070903095442/http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/aurora-stadium/gallery2/v/Crusty%2BDemons/ |archive-date=3 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[Elton John]] performed at York Park during his ''[[Rocket Man: Greatest Hits Live]]'' Tour at the end of 2007; this remains his only appearance in Tasmania as of August 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/aurora-stadium/gallery2/v/Elton+John/ |title=Elton John (8 December 2007) |publisher=Launceston City Council |access-date=2009-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530102447/http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/aurora-stadium/gallery2/v/Elton%2BJohn/ |archive-date=30 May 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Structures and facilities ==
[[File:Aurora Stadium map.png|right|thumb|Stadium map|alt=York Park is located next to a road, with its biggest stand near the road. There are seven different stands surrounding the perimeter of the grassed oval, with varying shapes and sizes.]]
York Park is an oval-shaped grassed arena surrounded by several different stands, the largest being the two-tier Gunns Stand on the ground's western side. The stand originally had a capacity of 2,500, which was increased by an extension in 2005 to 5,700.<ref name="York Park upgrade is flowing ahead" /><ref name="Aurora Anzac Day">{{cite web| title = Reserved seats sell well for Anzac Day – AFL at Aurora | work = The Examiner | date = 20 April 2009 | url = http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/sport/general/reserved-seats-sell-well-for-anzac-day-afl-at-aurora/1489612.aspx | access-date = 2009-04-20}} {{dead link|date=March 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
The stand has two corporate box areas, the Gunns Function Centre and the Corporate Function Centre.<ref>{{cite web| title = Aurora Stadium – Event Hospitality | publisher = Aurora Stadium  | url = http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/content/view/17/31/ | access-date = 11 June 2008| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080513095754/http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/content/view/17/31/ | archive-date = 13 May 2008}}</ref>
Immediately north of the Stand is the Aurora Function Centre, which also houses coaches' boxes,<ref name="Aurora Function Centre">{{cite web| title = Aurora Function Centre | publisher = Aurora Stadium  | url = http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/content/view/22/ | access-date = 28 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719205020/http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/content/view/22/|archive-date=19 July 2008}}</ref><ref name="Gunns Function Room ">{{cite web| title = Gunns Function Room  | publisher = Aurora Stadium  | url = http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/content/view/23/ | access-date = 28 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719171539/http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/content/view/23/|archive-date=19 July 2008}}</ref><ref name="Corporate Suites ">{{cite web| title = Corporate Suites  | publisher = Aurora Stadium  | url = http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/content/view/24/ | access-date = 28 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719204952/http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/content/view/24/|archive-date=19 July 2008}}</ref>
and is next to the [[Register of the National Estate|heritage listed]] Northern Stand connecting the Northern, Southern and Eastern Terraces. The stands have a collective capacity of 6,000, bringing the ground's total seating to 11,700.<ref name="Council AFL Report" /><ref name="$4m in federal funding for Aurora Stadium">{{cite web | title = $4m in federal funding for Aurora Stadium | work = The Examiner | last = Shaw | first = Rob | date = 24 April 2009 | url = http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/sport/general/4m-in-federal-funding-for-aurora-stadium/1494966.aspx | access-date = 2009-04-24 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110726224703/http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/sport/general/4m-in-federal-funding-for-aurora-stadium/1494966.aspx | archive-date = 26 July 2011 | url-status = live}}</ref>
The Railway Workers Hill is a small, uncovered stand located at the eastern side of the ground between the Northern and Eastern Terraces. The ground has a parking capacity of approximately 2,500, from the use of large grassy areas at the adjacent Inveresk site, with an option of street parking.<ref name="Technical Information ">{{cite web| title = Technical Information  | publisher = Launceston City Council | url = http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/city.html | access-date = 22 December 2008| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081211091923/http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/city.html  | archive-date = 11 December 2008}}</ref><ref name="Transport">{{cite web|title=Aurora Stadium |publisher=Australian Football League |url=http://www.afl.com.au/fixture/aflvenues/tasmania/tabid/13586/default.aspx |access-date=2009-02-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021053800/http://www.afl.com.au/fixture/aflvenues/tasmania/tabid/13586/default.aspx |archive-date=21 October 2012 }}</ref>

York Park has often been criticised for its large playing surface, which is blamed for producing unattractive low-scoring football. Prior to the start of 2009, only 11 of 28 matches saw a score beyond 100 points.<ref name=Aurorashape /> For a [[National Australia Bank Cup|pre-season]] match in 2009, 13&nbsp;metres of width was removed from the outer wing "in a bid to produce more attractive games."<ref name=boring /> Before the match, Groenewegen said, "Because that outer wing was so wide, once they [a team] chipped wide out there it was very easy for teams to flood back because you were so far away from the goals."<ref name="Aurorashape">{{cite news| title = Aurora changing shape | work= Herald Sun | last=Smith|first=Adam | date = 18 February 2009 | url = http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/aurora-changing-shape/story-e6frf9lx-1111118890622 | access-date = 2009-09-26}}</ref><ref name="boring">{{cite web| title = No more winging flood at Launceston's Aurora Stadium | work = Adelaide Now | date = 18 February 2009 | url = http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/no-more-winging-flood-at-aurora/story-e6frf9jf-1111118895697| access-date = 26 July 2012}}</ref> The ground is also known for its strong wind, which hinders the accuracy of long-distance kicks that are propelled high into the air.<ref name="Lewis to beef up Hawks for 'Dogs duel">{{cite web|title=Lewis to beef up Hawks for 'Dogs duel |work=Adelaide Now |last=Vaughan |first=Roger |date=2009-05-30 |url=http://news.theage.com.au/sport/lewis-to-beef-up-hawks-for-dogs-duel-20080530-2ju1.html |access-date=2009-09-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326134808/http://news.theage.com.au/sport/lewis-to-beef-up-hawks-for-dogs-duel-20080530-2ju1.html |archive-date=26 March 2012 }}</ref>

A grant of $50,000 from the Tasmanian Community Fund in 2005 helped the Launceston City Council and [[AFL Tasmania]] construct a permanent [[Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame]] at York Park. The ground was chosen as the site because it is regarded as the home of Australian rules football in Tasmania.<ref name="tcsf">[http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3385-0-0-0&sID=55935&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=5166138&sectionID=55935 "Tasmanian Community Support Fund"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008122024/http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3385-0-0-0&sID=55935&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=5166138&sectionID=55935 |date=8 October 2012 }}, AFL Tasmania, 2008-05-30, accessed 31 December 2008</ref> AFL Tasmania initiated the Hall of Fame nomination process, and since 2005 various clubs, players and grounds have been inducted.<ref>{{cite web | title = 2008 Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame Inductions | publisher = AFL Tasmania | url = http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3385-0-0-0&sID=55935&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=7821633&sectionID=55935 | access-date = 9 October 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121010064059/http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3385-0-0-0&sID=55935&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=7821633&sectionID=55935 | archive-date = 10 October 2012 | url-status = live}}</ref> The Hall of Fame opened to the public on 21 February 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tasmanian legends revealed to public |work=The Examiner |url=http://www.examiner.com.au/membershiprequired.aspx |access-date=2009-02-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219145138/http://www.examiner.com.au/membershiprequired.aspx |archive-date=19 February 2009 }}</ref> As of May 2009, $23.6&nbsp;million had been spent re-developing the stadium.<ref name="Council AFL Report" /><ref name="groundcost" />

==Naming rights==
On 22 October 2016, the [[University of Tasmania]] bought the naming rights to the stadium for a five-year contract that would take effect on 1 January as the university campus would sit next to York Park, bringing an end to a 13-year partnership with Aurora Energy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/4244317/stadium-gets-a-name-change/?cs=5312|title=Aurora Stadium will be known as the University of Tasmania Stadium from next year|date=22 October 2016|access-date=22 October 2016|work=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022164410/http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/4244317/stadium-gets-a-name-change/?cs=5312|archive-date=22 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Crowds ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;margin-left:1em;float:right"
|+ Average AFL attendances<ref name="Best Crowds">{{cite web | title = Best Crowds/Worst Crowds | publisher = AFL Tables | url = http://afltables.com/afl/crowds/vn_york_park.html | access-date = 22 December 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140610022138/http://afltables.com/afl/crowds/vn_york_park.html | archive-date = 10 June 2014 | url-status = live}}</ref>
! style="width:75px;"| Season
! style="width:75px;"| Average
|-
|2022
|12,060
|-
|2021
|9,213
|-
|2019
|13,922
|-
|2018
|12,578
|-
|2017
|13,197
|-
|2016
|13,855
|-
|2015
|13,851
|-
|style="text-align:center;"| 2014
| 13,825
|-
|style="text-align:center;"| 2013
| 13,238
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2012
| 15,688
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2011
| 15,716
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2010
| 16,173
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2009
| 17,420
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2008
| 17,528
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2007
| 17,403
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2006
| 17,108
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2005
| 15,772
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2004
| 16,615
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2003
| 16,707
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2002
| 16,589
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2001
| 17,460
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| Total
| 16,849
|}
The ground's record attendance is 20,971, at an AFL match between Hawthorn and [[Richmond Football Club|Richmond]] on 18 June 2006. This match occurred before the Northern Stand was damaged and the stadium's capacity reduced.<ref name="sellout">{{cite news | title =York Park hosts first ever sell-out | publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation| date = 9 August 2009 | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/09/2650423.htm | archive-url = https://archive.today/20121231065412/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/09/2650423.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 31 December 2012 | access-date = 2009-08-09}}</ref> An AFL match between Hawthorn and St Kilda on 8 August 2009 saw a capacity crowd of 20,011, the largest crowd since the fire.<ref name="20,011">{{cite news|title=Crawford given chance to cap 300th |publisher=Australian Football League |last=Warren |first=Stu |date=2009-08-08 |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/82305/default.aspx |access-date=2009-08-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090811034205/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/82305/default.aspx |archive-date=11 August 2009 }}</ref> The stadium's lowest AFL attendance is 9,007 for the match between Hawthorn and {{AFL GC}} on 23 June 2018.<ref name="Best Crowds" />

The highest recorded attendance for an interstate match at York Park is 15,000 for the 1960 clash between Tasmania and Victoria.<ref name="theage60">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jJ8UAAAAIBAJ&sjid=TasDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5218%2C2366468 |title=Tasmania Has Great Victory Over Victoria |work=[[The Age]] |date=14 June 1960 |page=20}}</ref>

The highest recorded attendance for a [[Tasmanian Football League]] match at York Park is 6,755 for the [[1989 TFL Statewide League Season|1989 Second Semi Final]] played between [[North Launceston Football Club|North Launceston]] and [[North Hobart Demons|North Hobart]] on 2 September 1989.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

The highest recorded attendance for a soccer match is 8,061, when Melbourne Victory played Adelaide United on 16 July during a 2007 [[A-League Pre-Season Challenge Cup]] match.<ref name="Why not Tasmania?">{{cite web | title = Why not Tasmania? | work = Fox Sports | last = Davutovic | first = David | date = 9 October 2007 | url = http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22553407-23215,00.html | archive-url = https://archive.today/20121230131548/http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22553407-23215,00.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2012-12-30 | access-date = 2009-04-25 }}</ref> The Billy Graham religious revival meeting on 17 March 1959 attracted 17,000 attendees, a record for a non-sporting event at the ground.<ref>''The Examiner'', p. 1, 18 March 1959</ref><ref>''The Examiner'', p. 1, 9 December 2007</ref>
[[File:CG-AuroraStadium-pano.jpg|550px|centre|thumb|York Park during the half-time break of an [[A-League]] pre-season game in July 2006|alt=View of a grassed sporting field and a variety of small stands. Some people on field and in the stands.]]

The highest recorded attendance for a Rugby Union match is 15,457, when [[Romania national rugby union team|Romania]] played [[Namibia national rugby union team|Namibia]] on the 30 October 2003 during the [[2003 Rugby World Cup]].

=== Attendance records ===

'''Top 11 sports attendance records'''
<!-- look here for some figures, i don't have time to do it right now
http://afltables.com/afl/crowds/vn_york_park.html
-->
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%;"
|- style="background:#bdb76b;"
!No.
!Date
!Teams
!Sport
!Competition
!Crowd
|-
| align=center|1 || align=center|18 June 2006 || align=center|{{AFL Haw}} vs. {{AFL Ric}} || align=center|[[Australian rules football]] || align=center|[[Australian Football League|AFL]]|| 20,971<ref name="Hawks' grand Tassie vision">{{cite news|last=Bresnehan|first=James|title=Hawks' grand Tassie vision|url=http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2011/02/04/204561_afl.html|access-date=5 April 2012|work=The Mercury|date=4 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402064951/http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2011/02/04/204561_afl.html|archive-date=2 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| align=center|2 || align=center|8 August 2009 || align=center|{{AFL Haw}} vs. {{AFL StK}} || align=center|[[Australian rules football]] || align=center|[[Australian Football League|AFL]] || 20,011<ref name="Unheralded Saints leave Hawks flat">{{cite news|last=Vaughan|first=Roger|title=Unheralded Saints leave Hawks flat|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/rfmatchreport/unheralded-saints-leave-hawks-flat/2009/08/08/1249350731356.html|access-date=5 April 2012|work=The Mercury|date=9 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175609/http://www.theage.com.au/news/rfmatchreport/unheralded-saints-leave-hawks-flat/2009/08/08/1249350731356.html|archive-date=6 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| align=center|3 || align=center|9 August 2008 || align=center|{{AFL Haw}} vs. {{AFL BL}} || align=center|[[Australian rules football]] || align=center|[[Australian Football League|AFL]] || 19,929<ref name="Lance Franklin unstoppable as Hawks thrash Lions">{{cite news|last=Unknown|first=Unknown|title=Lance Franklin unstoppable as Hawks thrash Lions|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/hawks-go-from-bore-to-brilliant/story-e6frg7mo-1111117154391|access-date=5 April 2012|work=The Australian|date=10 August 2008}}</ref>
|-
| align=center|4 || align=center|31 May 2008 || align=center|{{AFL Haw}} vs. {{AFL WB}} || align=center|[[Australian rules football]] || align=center|[[Australian Football League|AFL]] || 19,378<ref name="Bulldogs embarrass Hawthorn">{{cite news|last=Cooper|first=Adam|title=Bulldogs embarrass Hawthorn|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2009/07/04/1246127736678.html|access-date=5 April 2012|work=The Australian|date=4 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114133653/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2009/07/04/1246127736678.html|archive-date=14 January 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| align=center|5 || align=center|4 July 2004 || align=center|{{AFL StK}} vs. {{AFL PA}} || align=center|[[Australian rules football]] || align=center|[[Australian Football League|AFL]] || 19,223
|-
| align=center|6 || align=center|29 April 2012 || align=center|{{AFL Haw}} vs. {{AFL Syd}} || align=center|[[Australian rules football]] || align=center|[[Australian Football League|AFL]] || 19,217
|-
| align=center|7 || align=center|29 July 2007 || align=center|{{AFL Haw}} vs. {{AFL Kan}} || align=center|[[Australian rules football]] || align=center|[[Australian Football League|AFL]] || 19,114
|-
| align=center|8 || align=center|26 August 2006 || align=center|{{AFL Haw}} vs. {{AFL Kan}} || align=center|[[Australian rules football]] || align=center|[[Australian Football League|AFL]] || 18,836
|-
| align=center|9 || align=center|26 May 2007 || align=center|{{AFL Haw}} vs. {{AFL WC}}|| align=center|[[Australian rules football]] || align=center|[[Australian Football League|AFL]] || 18,112
|-
| align=center|10 || align=center|30 July 2016 || align=center|{{AFL Haw}} vs. [[Carlton Football Club|Carlton]] || align=center|[[Australian rules football]] || align=center|[[Australian Football League|AFL]] || 18,112
|-
| align="center" |11
| align="center" |30 October 2003
| align="center" |[[Romania national rugby union team|Romania]] vs. [[Namibia national rugby union team|Namibia]]
| align="center" |[[Rugby Union]]
| align="center" |[[2003 Rugby World Cup]]
|15,457
|}
<sup>''Last updated on 19 June 2025''</sup>

== Sources ==
* [http://afltables.com/afl/crowds/vn_york_park.html AFL Attendance Records]

== References ==
:''References using [[The Examiner (Tasmania)|''The Examiner'']] may require subscription for access.''
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
* {{Cite book| first=Anne |last=Green | year=2006 |publisher=Launceston City Council |isbn= 978-0-9596090-7-3 |title= The Home of Sports and Manly Exercise : Places of Leisure in Launceston}}

== External links ==
{{Commons}}
* {{Austadiums|141}}

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