New research commissioned by the Tasmania Devils has revealed younger Tasmanians and families are far more supportive of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium than older residents.
A survey of 604 Tasmanians – conducted by research group Nature – found roughly 44% support the stadium project, while 42% oppose it and 13% remain neutral.
Support varied significantly by age, with 56% of 18-29 year olds and 48% of 30-39 year olds backing the development, compared to just 26% of those aged 60 and over.
The Huon Valley and Derwent Valley areas have the strongest support for the stadium at 51%, while Hobart and regional surrounds sit at 44%.
39% of north-west coasters support the stadium, 33% of people in Launceston and northern Tasmania are for the project, while support is lowest in the Midlands and east coast at just 22%.
Devils chair Grant O’Brien said the club is at “a critical moment” with only 912 days until their first AFL game.
“Our entry to the AFL and to be playing in 2028 will require the club’s training and administration facility and the Macquarie Point stadium to be underway before the end of 2025,” he said.
Among those neutral or opposed to the stadium, 77% were unaware it would host events 337 days of the year, including concerts, business events and community activities.
66% did not know UTAS Stadium’s maximum capacity after renovations would be only 17,500, while 67% were unaware Ninja Stadium can hold just 18,000 attendees.
Financial concerns emerged as the primary obstacle to support, though 53% of those currently neutral or opposed indicated they would view the project more positively if it proved financially sustainable post-construction.
“We did this because it is in our DNA to listen and learn from our community,” said O’Brien.
“By listening to our community, we are better placed to work together to create great outcomes. We were really enthused by what we heard.”
