Devils in the detail: an economist argues the case for a Tasmanian AFL team – and new stadium
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Monday, May 1, 2023
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A new stadium is the last of 11 AFL requirements for a Tasmanian club to become the league’s 19th team, joining ten Victorian clubs and two each from the other four states.
Key Points:
- A new stadium is the last of 11 AFL requirements for a Tasmanian club to become the league’s 19th team, joining ten Victorian clubs and two each from the other four states.
- The Tasmanian government wants the stadium, which it will own, to anchor a new “arts and sports” precinct.
- Without an AFL team and new stadium, Tasmania is likely to still have a homeless problem.
- In fact, the problem may even be worse without economic activity the new team and stadium will bring.
Economic rationale
- The rationale for the federal and state governments is that a new stadium is a precondition for a Tasmanian AFL, and that both together will generate $2.2 billion in economic activity over 25 years according to Tasmanian government.
- The Tasmanian government estimates construction will generate $300 million in economic activity and 4,200 jobs.
- It expects the stadium when operational to sustain 950 jobs and generate $85 million in economic activity a year.
The case for a Tassie team
- In assessing this decision, we can’t just consider the business case for the stadium.
- It’s about the case for a Tasmanian AFL club.
- The percentage of Tasmanians that only follow the AFL is 35%, compared to the national average of 19%.
- Read more:
The Barassi Line: a globally unique divider splitting Australia's footy fans
More than the bottom line
- It’s sort of a blend of strict financial business and not for profit […] If we wanted just to make money, our model would be quite different.
- It’s about more than just the bottom line.
- The entry of the Tassie Devils into the AFL can be justified on economic, social and (most of all) footy grounds.