Geelong Cats Home Ground History: Kardinia Park to GMHBA Stadium
For Geelong Cats supporters, the journey from Kardinia Park to GMHBA Stadium is more than a tale of bricks and mortar—it is the story of a club that grew from humble beginnings into a powerhouse of the AFL. Since 1941, this sacred turf has been the stage for countless triumphs, heartbreaks, and milestones that define the Geelong Cats’ identity. Understanding this evolution offers fans a deeper appreciation of how the Cats’ fortress became a symbol of resilience and ambition.
In this pillar guide, I will take you through the full history of Geelong’s home ground, from its early days as a local sports field to the modern, state-of-the-art venue that today hosts AFL blockbusters and finals. Along the way, we will explore key redevelopments, iconic moments, and how the ground’s transformation mirrors the club’s rise to sustained success.
The Early Years: Kardinia Park Before the Cats
Before the Geelong Cats made Kardinia Park their permanent home, the site was a modest recreational reserve. Originally known as Kardinia Park—a name derived from the local Aboriginal word for “sunrise”—the land was set aside for public use in the 1850s. By the early 20th century, it hosted local cricket and football matches, but it lacked the infrastructure to support a professional AFL club.
The Cats had previously played at Corio Oval, a venue that, while historic, proved inadequate for the growing demands of the Australian Football League. In 1941, amid World War II, the club made the pivotal decision to relocate to Kardinia Park. The move was driven by the need for a larger capacity and better facilities, but the ground was far from ready for top-tier competition.
When the Cats first took the field at Kardinia Park, the venue featured little more than a basic oval, a small grandstand, and minimal seating. The first match, played on 26 April 1941 against Fitzroy, drew a crowd of just over 10,000. It was a modest beginning, but it marked the start of a relationship that would span more than eight decades.
The Cattery Takes Shape: 1940s to 1970s
Through the 1940s and 1950s, Kardinia Park underwent gradual improvements. The club added the “Brownlow Stand” in 1954, named after the Brownlow Medal, which itself is the AFL’s highest individual honour. This stand provided covered seating for members and gave the ground a more permanent feel.
By the 1960s, the Cats had established a strong home-ground advantage. The venue’s unique dimensions—narrower than the MCG and with a shorter straight—favoured a contested, physical style of play. Geelong’s players learned to exploit the tight spaces, and visiting teams often struggled to adapt. This period saw the Cats reach multiple AFL Grand Finals, though premiership success remained elusive until 1963.
The 1970s brought further upgrades, including the installation of floodlights in 1976. This allowed for night matches, which became increasingly popular with fans and broadcasters. The ground’s capacity grew to around 30,000, but it still lagged behind Melbourne’s major venues.
The Modernisation Era: 1980s to 2000
The 1980s were a turbulent decade for the Geelong Cats. The club faced financial difficulties, and Kardinia Park, now affectionately known as the Cattery, showed its age. However, the Cats’ loyal fan base continued to pack the stands, creating an intimidating atmosphere for opponents.
A turning point came in the early 1990s when the AFL began to centralise stadium management. Kardinia Park was identified as a key regional venue, and the league invested in significant upgrades. The “Ford Stand” (later renamed the “Ablett Stand”) was constructed in 1994, adding modern amenities and increasing capacity to 28,000. The ground also received a new playing surface, improved drainage, and better media facilities.
By the late 1990s, the Cats were on the rise under coach Chris Scott’s predecessor, but the venue still lacked the capacity to host major finals. This limitation became critical as Geelong emerged as a consistent finals contender. The club’s success on the field, including an AFL Premiership in 2007, created an urgent need for a larger, more modern home ground.
The Kardinia Park Redevelopment: A New Era Begins
The most transformative chapter in the home ground’s history began in 2005 with the announcement of the Kardinia Park Redevelopment. This multi-stage project aimed to transform the venue into a world-class AFL facility, capable of hosting finals and major events. The first stage, completed in 2006, added the “Players Stand” and increased capacity to 30,000.
The second stage, finished in 2010, was a game-changer. The construction of the “Hickey Stand” and the “Reg Hickey Stand” (named after the legendary Cats player and coach) brought capacity to 33,000. New corporate facilities, improved sight lines, and upgraded player amenities made the ground more attractive to both fans and broadcasters.
The third stage, completed in 2017, was the most ambitious. The “Brownlow Stand” was demolished and replaced with a three-tier structure that added 10,000 seats, bringing total capacity to 40,000. This stage also included a new scoreboard, enhanced lighting, and a state-of-the-art sound system. The redevelopment was a clear signal that the Geelong Cats were no longer content to be a regional club—they were now a major force in the AFL.
Today, GMHBA Stadium (the naming rights were secured in 2018) stands as a testament to the club’s ambition. It regularly hosts sell-out crowds, and the atmosphere on game day is among the best in the league. The venue’s ability to host AFL Finals Series matches—including a memorable qualifying final in 2019—has cemented its status as a true home-ground fortress.
Iconic Moments at the Cattery
The history of Kardinia Park is filled with unforgettable moments that have shaped the Geelong Cats’ legacy. Here are some of the most significant:
The 2007 AFL Premiership Celebration
After the Cats won the AFL Premiership in 2007, the team returned to Kardinia Park for a homecoming celebration. More than 50,000 fans packed the ground to welcome their heroes. It was a defining moment that solidified the bond between the club and its community.Joel Selwood’s 300th Game
In 2020, former captain Joel Selwood played his 300th AFL match at GMHBA Stadium. The crowd’s standing ovation as he ran onto the field was a powerful reminder of his legacy. Selwood’s leadership and toughness epitomised the Cats’ culture.Tom Hawkins’ Coleman Medal Triumph
In 2021, Tom Hawkins secured the Coleman Medal for the AFL’s leading goalkicker. His dominant performances at the Cattery were a key factor in his success. Hawkins, known as “Tomahawk,” has become a beloved figure at Geelong, and his milestone was celebrated with a special on-field presentation.Patrick Dangerfield’s Brownlow Medal Win
Patrick Dangerfield won the Brownlow Medal in 2016, and his performance at Kardinia Park that season was instrumental. Dangerfield’s ability to dominate games at the Cattery showcased the venue’s importance to individual accolades.The 2022 AFL Grand Final Qualifier
In 2022, the Cats hosted a qualifying final at GMHBA Stadium for the first time. The atmosphere was electric as Geelong defeated Collingwood in front of a capacity crowd. The match proved that the venue could host high-stakes finals with ease.The Home-Ground Advantage
Why is GMHBA Stadium such a difficult place for opponents to play? The answer lies in a combination of factors:
- Unique Dimensions: The ground is slightly narrower than the MCG, which favours a contested, physical style. Geelong’s players are accustomed to the tight spaces, while visiting teams often struggle to adapt.
- Crowd Noise: The Cattery’s design funnels crowd noise onto the field, creating an intimidating atmosphere. Geelong fans are known for their passionate support, and the noise can disrupt opposition communication.
- Familiarity: The Cats train at the venue multiple times per week, giving them an intimate knowledge of the surface, wind patterns, and lighting conditions.
- Cultural Significance: For players like Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins, and Patrick Dangerfield, the ground is more than a stadium—it’s a home. This emotional connection translates into consistent performance.
The Future: What Lies Ahead for GMHBA Stadium?
As the Geelong Cats look toward the 2025 AFL Season, there are exciting plans for further upgrades. The club has announced a new stage of the Kardinia Park Redevelopment, which will include:
- Increased Capacity: The goal is to reach 50,000 seats, making the venue one of the largest in the AFL.
- Improved Fan Amenities: New food and beverage outlets, better Wi-Fi, and enhanced accessibility features.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The club is committed to reducing its environmental footprint, with plans for solar panels, water recycling, and waste reduction.
Practical Tips for Visiting GMHBA Stadium
If you’re planning to attend a match at the Cattery, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Arrive Early: The ground can get crowded, especially for blockbuster matches. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the first bounce to secure a good seat and explore the precinct.
- Public Transport: The stadium is well-served by trains and buses. The South Geelong station is a short walk away, and there are dedicated shuttle services on game days.
- Membership: Consider becoming a Geelong Cats member to access priority seating and exclusive events. The club offers a range of membership options, including reserved seats in the new stands.
- Food and Drink: The stadium has a wide variety of food options, from classic pies to gourmet burgers. For a true Geelong experience, try the local craft beer at the “Cattery Bar.”
- Post-Match: After the game, explore the nearby Kardinia Park precinct, which includes parks, cafes, and the Geelong Botanic Gardens.
Conclusion: The Heart of the Cats
From its modest beginnings as a local sports field to its current status as a world-class AFL venue, Kardinia Park—now GMHBA Stadium—has been the heart of the Geelong Cats for more than 80 years. The ground’s evolution mirrors the club’s journey from a regional team to a perennial premiership contender. Every redevelopment, every iconic moment, and every sell-out crowd has added to the Cattery’s rich tapestry.
For fans, the stadium is more than a place to watch football; it’s a symbol of community, resilience, and ambition. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or a first-time visitor, the energy of game day at GMHBA Stadium is an experience you won’t forget.
To dive deeper into the club’s milestones, check out our club milestones page, where we explore other key moments in Geelong’s history. You can also learn about the Cats’ rare wooden spoons history and celebrate the Coleman Medal winners who have donned the blue and white.
The story of Geelong’s home ground is still being written. With the 2025 AFL Season on the horizon, there’s no better time to be part of the journey. Come and experience the Cattery for yourself—you’ll understand why it’s the most feared fortress in the AFL.
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