Hobart Showground
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| Hobart Showground | |
|---|---|
| Location | Glenorchy, Hobart. |
| Coordinates | |
| Opened | 1904 |
| Renovated | 1980 |
| Owner | Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Tenants | |
| Capacity | |
The Royal Hobart Showgounds is the site of the Royal Hobart Show and many other smaller events including a Market on the gounds every sunday. The Roayal Hobart Showground is located 10km north of Hobart, between the junction to Brooker Highway/Goodwood Road and the Main Road in Glenorchy.
[edit] History
The first show was in January 1822, in the Old Market Place, just in front of the present State Parliament House.[1] The venue of the Royal Hobart Show has varied over the past 184 years and has included Salamanca Place, Bridgewater, New Town, Elwick Racecourse and even the Hobart Town Hall.[1]
In 1903, the Society purchased the 40 acres of bushland then known as the “Elwick Knoll” at a cost of ₤2525. The following year the first Show was held at its current location, the Elwick Showground. In 1922 His Majesty King George V approved the granting of the prefix ‘Royal’ to the Society and in turn became known as The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania.[1]
A $4 million redevelopment of the Showgrounds took place in 1980 and provided Pacing and Greyhound racing facilities, an upgraded arena suitable for a variety of events, and the enclosed Grandstand and Amenities building which includes bars, restaurants, betting hall, meeting rooms and offices.[1]
In addition to the Royal Hobart Show that is conducted annually, The Showgrounds hosted the Royal Hobart International Wine show, the second largest Wine Show in Australia and the only Wine Show in the world, believed to be conducted under full ISO 9001/2000 quality assurance accreditation. In recent years The showground has hosted the Royal Hobart Fine Food Awards and the Tasmanian Vineyard of the Year Competitions,[1] as well as attracticing music events events like the Southern Roots Festival in 2007 and the Eskimo Joe live show in 2006.
