AFLNT release plan with several sites marked for potential Darwin City Stadium
A plan outlining several potential sites for a Darwin City Stadium that promises to be the jewel of Northern Territory sport and entertainment has been released. Check out the proposed locations.
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A masterplan outlining the 10 potential sites for a Darwin City Stadium that promises to become the home of both sport and entertainment has been released - with a premiership-winning AFL player throwing his support behind the push.
The plan sets the foundation for a state of the art stadium crafted to benefit entertainment, all sporting codes, and the broader Northern Territory community.
A stadium is seen as a potential route to attract more industry and tourism to the Top End as well as bolster the economy through venue usage.
With the 2025 Federal Election on the nation’s doorstep, a significant funding commitment from both major parties would pave the way for the project to come to fruition.
The AFLNT first revealed plans to build a multi-purpose stadium in December 2020 with a pricetag of $300 million, pencilling in the proposed location at the intersection of Garramilla Boulevard and McMinn Street.
That site remains option A, but nine more potential locations have been earmarked in a collaborative plan alongside Stadiums North Australia and Larrakia Development Corporation.
Other sites include the Federal Tank Farm, the Sea Swift Freight Yard, the Esplanade, the Waterfront, Gardens Oval and One Mile Dam, with preferred options being walkable to the city centre.
A further business case was released last year stating a stadium plan would go hand in hand with an NT-based AFL team and would enhance liveability and tourism for the Darwin CBD.
However, crucially the stadium cannot serve just one sport or one team and needs buy-in from both other sporting codes and the entertainment industry.
AFLNT chairman Sean Bowden said the stadium would be an iconic landmark that would anchor the opportunity for a 20th AFL licence.
As such, it’s also an avenue for the return of international cricket on a regular basis as well as giving other codes a way to consider Darwin a go-to location.
“This stadium will be an iconic landmark, wherever it is built, and will be a key driver of not only Australian Rules football, but a wide range of sports,” he said.
“A state-of-the-art stadium within a new development precinct will enhance the liveability of the Territory and be part of how we project ourselves to the rest of Australia and the world.
“The Stadium will anchor the opportunity to bid for a 20th licence in the AFL should that opportunity arise.
“Importantly, we will ensure that Larrakia people’s voice will be central in the decision-making process.
“Larrakia design principles will be reflected in the stadium’s design and we hope that the Larrakia will have a significant stake in its ownership.”
NT Cricket chief executive Gavin Dovey said cricket would play a critical role in ensuring content filled the stadium year-round.
A Darwin stadium allows an opportunity for the sport to be played outside of the Australian summer, and opens international viability for March and September.
“Cricket is a global sport with a lot of international content, there’s a growing amount of short form franchise content and the game has probably led the way in terms of women’s team sport,” he said.
“If you have a fit for purpose stadium you’re putting yourself in a position to attract that marquee content, if you don’t you’re going to get out-competed by other cities and regions building those quality stadiums that offer a better experience.
“Cricket would play a critical role because it’s a global sport with over 2.5 billon fans, it’s back in the Olympics because of its power and scale, and I can’t see any way a stadium is economically viable without cricket being involved.
However, he warned of the potential pitfalls if a stadium was built without year-round content to fill it.
“I worked in international sport for 20 years, I’ve seen stadiums all around the world and they cost a lot of money to build and maintain,” Dovey said.
“You would need to make sure it doesn’t become a big white elephant that ends up costing taxpayers and communities a lot of money without generating enough benefit.
“Darwin does need investment in infrastructure and philosophically I don’t think it is hard for anyone to buy into the idea of a boutique stadium in town, but it would be critical to accommodate all sports and host a lot of different content to be viable.”
Three-time premiership winner with Richmond Daniel Rioli is currently playing at the Gold Coast Suns and sees a potential Darwin Stadium as a huge win for the Territory.
The Suns play in the Top End each year and the Territorian is excited to see how the game will grow in the NT.
“It would be amazing for the next generation of Territory talent to have access to a new stadium right in the middle of Darwin,” he said.
“I can remember having the chance to play on TIO Stadium growing up and it definitely motivates you to play better when you are in a big stadium.
“It’s not something a lot of other kids around the country get to experience very often, so it would be a great advantage for NT players to have a stadium like that to help improve and develop more players.
“Anything that helps grow the game and grow Territory footy is a win in my eyes.
“I can’t wait to head up to Darwin later in the season and play at TIO in front of friends and family again.
“It was such a special moment for me last time I played at TIO and I am itching to get back out there and help the Suns win while representing my hometown in Round 9.”
Larrakia Development Corporation chairman Mark Motlop said maintaining the integrity of Larrakia cultural values was fundamental to the process.
“We are committed to working closely with AFLNT and Stadiums North Australia to ensure that any developments in our land respect our principles, traditions, and the needs of the broader community,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing the consultation and playing an active role in the future of this project.”
Find the full stadium masterplan at https://bit.ly/425wpdN with a feedback form available at https://bit.ly/4kZjF0X
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Originally published as AFLNT release plan with several sites marked for potential Darwin City Stadium
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