The Geelong Cats are yet to train at home ground GMHBA Stadium in 2026 as the venue undergoes a turf resurfacing project.
The project has recently faced delays due to the extreme heat experienced in Victoria earlier this week, postponing the initial planned installation.
However, Chief Executive of Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST), Gerard Griffin, whose venue operation company is managing the project, said the scheduled completion target of mid-February remains on track - a tight deadline ahead of Geelong's Round 1 AFL fixture at the venue against Fremantle.
“The installation is now scheduled to begin this week, and we remain confident the project will be completed in line with the mid-February schedule," Griffin said.
During the resurfacing period, Geelong has conducted its entire pre-season training program away from GMHBA Stadium, utilising Deakin University's Waurn Ponds campus.
The resurfacing follows increased scrutiny of the GMHBA Stadium playing surface. Notably, wet weather during Round 19, 2024 saw Geelong and the Western Bulldogs clash at the ground with visible mud patches, the surface deteriorating rapidly due to the conditions, which left players calling the ground "pretty dangerous" to play on.
KPST has since prioritised surface performance and resilience as part of its broader venue management strategy, with the hopes of eventually being able to host large-scale entertainment events of up to 50 thousand spectators at the Cattery.
GMHBA Stadium was voted Best Regional Stadium in Australia at the 2025 Austadiums Awards in early January.
