Federal funding makes Tasmanian stadium a reality
Tasmania’s new stadium at Macquarie Point is set to be given the green light, following the announcement of $240 million in funding from the federal government.
The stadium funding is the final piece of the puzzle to introduce Tasmania as the AFL’s 19th team, which was officially announced on Wednesday, to enter the competition in 2028.
The total cost of the stadium is expected to be $715 million, with the state government to contribute $375 million, while the AFL will chip in $15 million.
The latest concept designs of the new roofed stadium were revealed in November last year, with its 23,000 capacity 4,000 smaller than the previous design.
$65 million in funding will also be provided to redevelop UTAS Stadium in Launceston which currently hosts matches for Hawthorn and will host matches for the new Tasmanian team.
The AFL have welcomed the Federal Government funding announcement for Macquarie Point in a statement released this morning.
“The stadium was the last piece of the 11 workstreams that the AFL have navigated through the last 12 months, and with the announcement today, the AFL will now formally go to the 18 clubs for support of a 19th licence to be based in Tasmania,” the statement read.
“The AFL Commission will then meet and an official update from the AFL will be provided in the coming days.”
Gillon McLachlan spoke about the importance of a new stadium.
“For a club to compete and succeed on the national stage, it needs a home that enables and empowers it to compete from the start, on and off the field, and today’s announcement gives a potential Tasmanian club that opportunity,” McLachlan said.
“It is why so much work has been done between the AFL and the Tasmanian State Government to ensure not just a team for Tasmania but a destination club, playing in a destination stadium, in a destination state.
“The stadium at Mac Point is the final workstream, with the question on a 19th licence to be answered in the coming days.”
While the AFL's investment in the stadium is just $15 million, the league has confirmed a $360 million package for football in Tasmania including $209 million in funding of the new team.
The AFL continues to push for the new stadium to include a roof, however Cricket Australia is opposed to one. At this stage, cricket is not providing any funding for the new venue.
The new stadium is slated to open in 2028.
