Ikon Park redevelopment to enhance AFLW

Carlton Football Club has revealed redevelopment plans for its Ikon Park home base after confirmation it’ll receive $15 million in Federal Government funding.

The funding is in addition to the $20 million already provided by the Daniel Andrews State Government.

“This investment, in addition to the $20 million provided by the Daniel Andrews State Government, will consolidate Ikon Park as the home of women’s football and the long-term base of the Carlton Football Club” said Carlton President Mark LoGiudice.

While exact plans are yet to be released by the Carlton Football Club, it’s believed the Richard Pratt Stand will be demolished to make way for a new high-performance facility in the south-west corner, meaning the club’s AFL, VFL, AFLW and VFL teams will be housed under one roof.

The heritage-listed Gardiner Stand will remain, and the club has indicated the seating capacity will remain around 18,000 - 20,000.

Improved match-day facilities including new change-rooms and other upgraded facilities will greatly enhance the supporter experience, ensuring AFLW matches can continue to be played at the ground, including Grand Final’s.

The redevelopment of the ground first commenced in 2018 with the resurfacing of the playing arena.

Broadcast quality lighting will be installed at the ground, meaning night AFLW matches will no longer need to be played under sub-par temporary lighting erected at huge expense.

Meanwhile, naming-rights partner Ikon Services Australia has signed on for a further five years of the ground traditionally known as Princes Park. Ikon first took over the commercial branding in 2015.

Ikon Park hosted its last AFL match in 2005 and has since been developed into the training and administrative base of the Carlton Football Club, also hosting pre-season AFL matches, VFL and AFLW games, including the historic first AFLW match in front of a sell-out crowd of 24,568.