Macquarie Point Stadium is an “unbelievable” economic opportunity for Tasmania, says Alastair Clarkson

“Catapult the economy into the stratosphere” — four-time AFL premiership coach on Macquarie Point’s multi-purpose roofed venue

Macquarie Point Stadium - Pictures - Supplied

Macquarie Point stadium could “catapult” the Tasmanian economy “into the stratosphere” says AFL master coach Alastair Clarkson as the 23,000-seat roofed stadium in Hobart edges closer to reality.

With the planning application for the Macquarie Point stadium lodged by the Macquarie Point Development Corporation, a major milestone in the multi-purpose venue’s delivery by 2029, Clarkson feels a bespoke stadium is the right move.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity for the state of Tasmania,” Clarkson said.

The four-time Hawthorn premiership coach, former member of the Tasmanian AFL Taskforce and now coach of Tasmanian ‘tenant’ North Melbourne was in Hobart on Friday to address the 43rd annual Bill Sorell Sports Lunch at Wrest Point, attended by almost 600 footy fans.

North Melbourne Head Coach, Alastair Clarkson ahead of the Bill Sorell luncheon at Wrest Point Casino. Picture: Linda Higginson

“I know a lot of people are thinking this is just a football stadium,” Clarkson said.

“It’s also an opportunity for the Tasmanian economy to catapult itself into the stratosphere with major events and bringing people coming down to perform in the state.

“Tasmania has been a tourist state for a long time and if you can attract major events to this stadium it will help drive the economy.”

As part of the Tasmanian AFL Taskforce, Clarkson was engaged to investigate how American venues were set up to be income-generating outside game-days.

Macquarie Point Stadium. Pictures - Supplied

Clarkson said infrastructure around stadiums was the key, citing shopping precincts, cafes and restaurants and even hospitals as things to attract people.

“Stadiums hosting sport and major events produce income, but the infrastructure around it will also produce income for the economy,” he said.

“Here is a beautiful opportunity, whether you love football or not, to develop a stadium and find a path to economic prosperity that hasn’t been found in this state for 100 years.”

Clarkson was coy on whether he would throw his hat into the ring to be Tasmania’s inaugural football coach when the Devils hit the field in 2028.

“I still hope to be involved in football when that happens but five years down the track anything could happen,” he said.

“I’ve got a contract coaching North Melbourne for the next three years and I want to stay involved in footy in some sort of capacity.

“At this stage it’s at North and how we can get that club back up to the top of the ladder.

“I’m really enjoying that challenge _ it’s a difficult challenge _ but not unlike the one Tassie will have to go through over the next four or five years.”

Originally published as Macquarie Point Stadium is an “unbelievable” economic opportunity for Tasmania, says Alastair Clarkson