The Tasmanian government’s upcoming vote in July on a proposed 23,000-seat roofed stadium is critical for the state’s AFL ambitions. If the project fails to gain approval, Tasmania’s provisional AFL license will be revoked, and hopes for the new football team, the Devils, to join the league by 2028 will be dashed.
Brendon Gale, CEO of the Tassie AFL team, emphasised the urgency and significance of this opportunity, stating that it is a rare chance for Tasmania that must not be squandered. He reiterated that the establishment of the team is contingent on the stadium’s construction, underscoring that without it, the team cannot exist. Gale expressed confidence in the process, highlighting the stadium as the foundation of Tasmania’s AFL future.
Journalist Sam McClure described the situation as “precarious,” noting that the expectation is clear: no stadium means no team, a sentiment shared widely within AFL circles. He referenced recent comments from Premier Jeremy Rockliff about potential complications surrounding the stadium’s planning; however, Rockliff has expedited the process for parliamentary discussion.
The vote will occur in early July and requires approval from both houses of parliament. While the lower house is expected to pass it, the upper house may pose challenges. Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley is rumored to be a leading candidate for the club’s inaugural head coach.
Concerns have also surfaced regarding Cricket Australia’s opposition to the stadium’s roof design, but according to AFL reporter Tom Morris, the AFL’s backing is crucial; if the stadium’s design deviates from the agreed-upon specifications, the AFL will withdraw its support.
The implications of the upcoming vote extend beyond football, impacting the credibility of numerous stakeholders involved. Failure to secure the stadium could lead to widespread embarrassment for the Tasmanian government and officials at various levels, and the fallout would reflect poorly on the AFL. As the date approaches, the spotlight remains on whether the government will seize this pivotal opportunity for Tasmania’s sporting landscape.