Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff is in Melbourne today, pushing to bring NRL and A-League games to the state – with the Melbourne Storm and Melbourne Victory firmly in his sights.
Jeremy Rockliff confirmed he is meeting representatives from both clubs in a bid to secure regular season matches in Tasmania.
“This morning we’re meeting with some NRL and A-League representatives, most notably the Melbourne Storm and Melbourne Victory,” Rockliff told SEN Tassie.
“In terms of A-League, we want to see more content down in Tasmania.”
Rockliff said the push was about more than just sport.
“We recognise how important content is, whether it’s The Foo Fighters, whether it’s large sporting events,” he said.
“What it brings to Tasmania in our visitor economy, it brings people, it brings vibrancy, it brings jobs locally, which is fantastic.”
The premier pointed to the $130 million upgrade of UTAS Stadium in Launceston as a key drawcard for attracting major events.
“It is a great venue, ripe for this type of content,” he said.
“We’re going to encourage Melbourne Storm and Melbourne Victory to look at Tassie and ensure that can we have a game or two down in Tasmania.”
Rockliff said he could see games being played at Launceston’s York Park before the new Hobart stadium is expected to be completed in 2031 and potentially beyond.
“Certainly in that interim period we need good content,” he said.
“We know that it works and York Park is a great venue and with $130 million upgrade it is an even better venue.”
“That’s why we’re actively pursuing these kinds of opportunities and establishing those relationships.”
The meetings in Melbourne come after two contracts for early works on the Macquarie Point stadium were announced this week.
Hunter Mason has been hired to carefully dismantle and reconstruct the historic goods shed, while Tasmanian company Hazell Brothers will handle bulk earthworks to prepare the site.
Machinery is expected on site at the beginning of July.
