Their specific funding request to the Federal government is for $50 million in 2026-27,$175 million in 2027-28 and $15 million in 2028-29. The Tasmanian government has already committed $12 million per annum for 12 years and $60 million towards a high performance sporting centre as part of their bid for an AFL team.

The business case argues that once the stadium is completed and with an AFL team playing in Hobart,44 events will be held at the stadium annually. PWC says the economic benefit will inject $300 million into the stadium during the construction phase with $85 million and 950 additional jobs added annually on top of the $120 million forecast to be added through the new AFL and AFL teams.

Thestate ALP and Greens as well as prominent Federal independent Andrew Wilkie have expressed their opposition to a new stadium being built while Federal sports minister Anika Wells said she didn’t think the bid for an AFL team should be contingent on a new stadium. However,the decision on Federal Funding will rest with the Department of Infrastructure. There is also concerns about the impact a stadium will have on the proposed Aboriginal Reconciliation Park at Macquarie Point.

AFL presidents have made it clear a new stadium is necessary for them to support the bid with Collingwood president Jeff Browne still concerned the decision may be premature.