Premier Jeremy Rockliff has promised northern Tasmania will host “a minimum” of six AFL games every year from 2028 if the Liberals are re-elected.
The election commitment would extend the state’s footy commitments beyond the current Hawthorn deal, which ends in 2027.
Under the plan, UTAS Stadium would keep hosting AFL matches even as Tasmania prepares to field its own team in the national competition.
“We will work collaboratively with the Devils, the AFL and the City of Launceston to secure more AFL content in 2028 and 2029,” Rockliff said.
“It follows a two-year deal struck earlier this year, which is expected to generate around $46 million for our local economy when it takes effect in 2026.”
UTAS Stadium has been hosting AFL games through the Hawks partnership since 2001.
Rockliff said the six-game guarantee would cover Tasmania Devils matches, Hawthorn games, AFLW fixtures and VFL clashes.
“Our guarantee to deliver additional games in 2028 and 2029 means that UTAS Stadium will see more AFL content than ever before as the Devils take the field,” Rockliff said.
The announcement comes after Bass independent Rebekah Pentland called on both big parties this week to extend Hawthorn’s partnership.
“While the major parties are fixated on a new stadium we can’t afford in Hobart, we’ve got a fantastic venue in Launceston that needs guaranteed content,” Pentland said.
“The Hawks have more than 7,000 Tasmanian members. It makes economic sense to keep that relationship strong.”
In 2024 it was reported Hawthorn’s current contract to play four games per season in Launceston is worth close to $20 million.
