Arena in the heart of the city would serve as an attractive option for sports and southern and international performers of all kinds

AN ambitious plan from the AFLNT to build a multipurpose stadium could be exactly the sort of showpiece project the Territory needs

AN ambitious plan from the AFLNT to build a 25,000 seat multipurpose stadium in the centre of Darwin could be exactly the sort of showpiece project the Territory needs.

Such a facility would help attract more high profile NRL and AFL matches to the Top End along with the attendant social and economic boost they provide, as well as being a shot in the arm to the dream of one day hosting our own Territory side.

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But it’s not only sports fans that would benefit – an arena like that in the heart of the city would also serve as an attractive option for southern and international performers of all kinds to add Darwin as a stop on their itinerary.

Once you add the sought-after commitment for similar investments to upgrade existing facilities in Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Wadeye, Maningrida, Hermannsburg, Nhulunbuy and Santa Teresa, the project has the real potential to piggyback on the NT’s coronavirus fightback and truly make us the nation’s “comeback capital”.

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Territorians are far too used to missing out on the experiences other Australians take for granted, whether they be big time sporting fixtures or cultural events not considered economically viable in smaller venues.

The Territory and federal governments should seriously consider what they can to do foster the investment needed to make this dream a reality. Make it happen!