Thousands of footy fans are being urged to make a day of it when the Tasmania Devils play their first VFL game at North Hobart Oval on Saturday.
The City of Hobart and Tasmania Football Club are encouraging supporters to arrive early for drinks and food, then stay afterwards to celebrate or commiserate at local venues along the North Hobart strip.
North Hobart’s food and dining businesses account for nearly half of all the retail floorspace on the strip.
“North Hobart is one of Greater Hobart’s standout dining and entertainment destinations, and this weekend is the perfect chance for fans to show their support,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
“With thousands flocking to North Hobart Oval for the Devils’ first VFL game, we’re encouraging everyone to enjoy a drink before the match or stay on for dinner and help give our local traders a real boost.”
Reynolds said the Devils could lift both sporting culture and the local economy.
“A packed oval and busy restaurants, cafés and bars is a win for everyone—so let’s turn Saturday into a celebration of Tasmanian footy and Hobart small business,” she said.
Devils CEO Brendon Gale hoped the big crowd that’s expected will make a full day of it and support local venues.
“There are so many great venues in the vicinity of the North Hobart Oval for game attendees to visit pre and post-game,” he said.
“We are confident that the direct and indirect economic impact of Tasmania Football Club across our state will be significant and games like this one on Saturday will be a great representation of the opportunity ahead of us.”
Queens Head Hotel owner Cameron McCulloch said seeing football return to the historic venue was “incredibly exciting”.
“Local venues like ours used to thrive on game days during the TFL and VFL eras,” McCulloch said.
“Events like this show how much local sport can energise the community and support nearby businesses.”
The game starts at 12:05pm on Saturday at North Hobart Oval.
