COLLINGWOOD BREAKS NEW GROUND: THE MAGPIES’ DREAM STADIUM FINALLY BECOMES REALITY
In one of the most groundbreaking announcements in Australian sports history, Collingwood Football Club has revealed plans to build its very own stadium — a state-of-the-art, 65,000-seat Magpie fortress that will redefine the future of the club and the AFL landscape. After decades of speculation, debate, and longing from fans, the dream of a Collingwood-owned home ground is finally becoming a reality.
The project, described by club president Jeff Browne as “the boldest step in Collingwood’s modern history,” will combine the nostalgic essence of Victoria Park with a sleek, cutting-edge architectural design. Located in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, the new stadium will serve not just as a venue for AFL matches but as a year-round hub for community, culture, and sport.
For generations, Collingwood has shared the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with other AFL clubs. While the MCG has provided countless iconic moments — from grand finals to Anzac Day blockbusters — many within the Magpie faithful have long dreamed of a home that truly belongs to them. That wish has finally been granted.
The new Magpie fortress, projected to cost over $1.8 billion, will feature a retractable roof, hybrid turf, and one of the largest indoor training and recovery facilities in the Southern Hemisphere. It will also include fan-focused innovations such as 360-degree concourses, smart ticketing systems, and immersive matchday experiences powered by augmented reality. Sustainability will be at the heart of the build, with solar power, water recycling, and green transport links all central to the design.
Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly said the move is about legacy and identity. “This is more than just bricks and steel — it’s about giving our members and players a home that embodies everything the black and white stands for: pride, power, and passion. We’ve built dynasties on borrowed turf. Now, we’re building our future on our own.”
The stadium’s design will also pay homage to the club’s deep history. Sections of Victoria Park’s original façade and heritage stands will be incorporated into the new complex, creating a visual link between past and present. Fans will enter through “Magpie Walk,” a pathway lined with the names of every Collingwood player to have ever worn the guernsey — a powerful tribute to the club’s enduring spirit.
Reactions across the AFL world have been instant and electric. Supporters flooded social media with joy and disbelief, calling it “the best news in decades.” Rival clubs, meanwhile, have acknowledged the move as a game-changer, one that could shift the balance of power in the competition.
Construction is set to begin in late 2026, with the first match expected to be played in the 2030 season. For the Collingwood Army, this is more than a stadium — it’s a symbol of belonging, ambition, and evolution. After over a century of history, heartbreak, and triumph, the Magpies are finally coming home.
A new era has begun — and it’s painted in black and white.
