CBD stadium for an AFL team would create 70 full-time and 400 part-time jobs
An AFL team in the Territory with its own CBD stadium will add millions to the economy and create hundreds of jobs, writes Sean Bowden.
Northern Territory
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In June 2021, with the Chief Minister we released a feasibility study prepared
by Bastion Consulting into the establishment of an AFL team in the Northern
Territory.
On the basis that the correct framework and a sustainable club business model
can be established that could provide ongoing funding for a team, Bastion
estimated that the economic benefit to the NT of an AFL club based in Darwin
could be as much as $559m per year if the club came with a new stadium and
training facilities.
Using existing facilities, the benefit would fall to approximately $148m in the first season, though if a $70m renovation of TIO Stadium was undertaken the economic benefit would be $248m.
The study set out a model for an AFL team and led to the establishment of a
taskforce to develop a business case for a Territory-led club with male and
female teams.
The national firm PwC is now working with the taskforce stress-testing these
numbers, building a long term vision and assessing the next steps toward
Territory teams playing on the biggest sporting stages in the nation, in their own
colours, cheered on by family and friends - playing for us.
In parallel work continues on a business case for a new city stadium aimed at
enhancing liveability and activating economic activity with multiple sporting
codes, concerts, and events.
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The stadium which could also attract south east Asian events and IPL Cricket is now in the Territory’s investment pipeline whilst upgrades to remote facilities remain front and centre in our thinking.
Taken together these are economically transformative opportunities that will not just draw people to the Territory but keep people in the Territory.
Meanwhile, football in the Territory remains super-strong.
40,000 Territorians participate in AFL each year – the NTFL added an unprecedented 41 new teams in 2022 with female teams up 50 per cent.
Over 60 players have relocated to the NT this NTFL season bringing with them economic stimulus and population growth against trend.
Crowds up to 1000 are being seen at local venues and with entry to junior football now free, families are flocking to junior football games.
Remote participation is also at an all-time high with football remaining central to so many people’s lives in the bush.
Currently, games in Darwin and Alice Springs bring major tourism and economic stimulus and we will continue to advocate for increased AFL content as we work towards the dream of having our own club.
On top of our current football-focused workforce of 45, a club would add up to 200 employees to the economy.
We estimate a new stadium would generate about 70 full-time and 400 part-time jobs across 35 events a year, all in all creating an AFL-inspired workforce rivalling the great INPEX project.
These are jobs for Territorians, forever jobs, linked to a sport we love and our kids
want to be involved in.
Sean Bowden is the AFLNT chairman
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