AFLNT reveals plans for $300m stadium and wants investors to join the project

THE AFLNT has revealed plans to build a $300m multipurpose stadium in the heart of the Darwin CBD and strengthen calls for an AFL side in the Territory

AFLNT say the stadium would be a circular version of Townsville’s open ended Queensland Country Stadium, home to the NRL’s North Queensland Cowboys

AFLNT has revealed plans to build a $300m multipurpose stadium in the heart of the Darwin CBD which will capitalise on stunning harbour views and strengthen calls for an AFL side in the Territory.

The NT News can reveal the 10-year plan to construct the new entertainment precinct, which will include an onsite hotel, is part of the governing body’s plan to secure an AFL franchise for the Territory.

The 25,000-seat stadium at the old Shell fuel depot on the intersection of Garramilla Boulevard and McMinn Street would become the centrepiece of the city skyline.

The stadium would be a circular version of Townsville’s open ended Queensland Country Stadium, home to the NRL’s North Queensland Cowboys.

‘Build it and they will come’ ... AFLNT, Larrakia and Darwin business officials with plans fro the new stadium. From left, Stuart Tottham, Nigel Browne and Sean Bowden at the proposed stadium site on McMinn St. Picture: Glenn Campbell

AFLNT hopes to attract private investors to come on board with the project.

AFL NT chairman Sean Bowden told the NT News the Dreamtime in Darwin spectacle gifted to the NT because of Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdown proved the Territory belonged on the national stage and could host marquee games.

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“We saw during the Dreamtime game in Darwin this year that the NT has a key presence on the national sporting stage and a new stadium would elevate that further,’’ he said.

Darwin’s Larrakia people have given a collective thumbs up to a double pronged AFLNT proposal.

The location of the proposed $300 million multi-purpose stadium on the intersection of Garramilla Boulevard and McMinn Street. Picture: Supplied

Larrakia Development Corporation chief executive Nigel Browne has praised the initiative shown by the AFLNT in putting forward plans that will add important infrastructure to Darwin city and the rest of the Northern Territory.

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“The initiative the AFLNT is taking in relation to this proposal is exactly the type of big thinking we need in Darwin,’’ Mr Browne said.