AFL unmoved as cricket raises ‘significant concerns’ about Tasmanian stadium

The AFL is unmoved by Cricket Australia’s concerns over Tasmania’s proposed new waterfront stadium, reiterating its position that the incoming Devils team will not go ahead if the ground doesn’t have a roof.

Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania have written to the Tasmanian government, saying the 23,000-seat Macquarie Point stadium will need to have its roof either redesigned or removed because of the impact of shadows over the centre wicket cast by the roof’s supporting structure.

A computer-generated image of the proposed new stadium in Hobart.Credit: Amy Brown

In the letter, co-signed by recently departed Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley and Cricket Tasmania chief executive Dominic Baker, “significant concerns” were raised about “the impact of the shadows cast from the roof structure on the field of play, particularly on the cricket pitch block throughout the day, and ultimately the implications for what forms of cricket the stadium could and could not support”.

“While we appreciate the recent efforts of the project team to explore mitigation options for shadows, we are of the view that they are either unworkable, in that they do not eliminate the shadows, or they are temporary in nature, introducing significant potential problems relating to playing conditions, venue operations and broadcast quality,” the letter said.

A Cricket Australia spokesperson said on Wednesday the governing body was “in constant dialogue with the Tasmanian government about the design for the Macquarie Point stadium”.

“We want to ensure the stadium is fit for purpose for all forms of cricket so we can bring the best possible international and domestic cricket to the stadium and maximise benefits for all Tasmanians.”

News of the letter reached AFL headquarters on Wednesday morning. The league has granted Tasmania a provisional licence based on certain parameters being met.

“There has been no change to the conditions contracted for a 19th AFL team licence in Tasmania which included the commitment of a 23,000-seat roofed stadium at Macquarie Point,” the league said in a statement provided to this masthead.

Earlier this month, The Age revealed club presidents had demanded the right to another vote on the Tasmanian licence, if previously agreed parameters changed. 

St Kilda’s Andrew Bassat, Sydney’s Andrew Pridham and former Collingwood chairman Jeff Browne have been the most vocal critics of the 19th team in Tasmania, particularly if the stadium doesn’t go ahead.

The letter from cricket authorities, obtained by the ABC in Tasmania, states Cricket Tasmania and Cricket Australia “remain committed to and supportive of the stadium project, and wish to see it progress”.

Drop-in pitches and turf growth have been listed as cricket’s major design-related issues.

Cricket Tasmania had rubber-stamped the designs released by Cox Architecture in 2024, but concerns about potential shadows emerged earlier this year.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said this month that he was operating on the assumption that the Devils would be ready for the start of 2028. This is despite concerns about the stadium reaching the proposed timetable (during 2029) from club presidents and other stakeholders.

“On the information I’ve got to hand now, it’s 2028 [that] is the start date,” said Dillon, who said the Tasmania bid document had “contemplated” the possibility of delays to the stadium. There are financial penalties if certain project timelines are not reached.

Macquarie Point Development Corporation, which is running the project, said the design process is ongoing.

“The Macquarie Point stadium is the first proposed roofed venue designed to accommodate all forms of cricket, alongside other sports and events, as part of a truly multipurpose facility. The design process is ongoing and incorporates input from a wide range of stakeholders through extensive engagement and workshops, to ensure the stadium meets its intended purpose and delivers long-term benefits for the state,” a MPDC spokesperson said.

“A variety of options are being explored, including structural considerations, roof materials, and adaptive measures to ensure consistency in lighting and shadowing for players and spectators. All stadia feature roofs to varying extents, primarily for weather protection and to support lighting, speakers and other operational functions. Engagement with users, including Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania, is ongoing.”

Plans for the new stadium have divided public opinion.

Macquarie Point Development Corporation chair Kim Evans and chief executive Anne Beach will appear before a state parliamentary committee on Wednesday.

Economist Nicholas Gruen, whose independent assessment of the project found the cost would blow out to more than $1 billion, will also give evidence.

Dr Gruen’s report in January said the stadium was being built in the wrong spot and its economic benefits had been overstated.

The Liberal state government, which signed the deal with the AFL, has pledged to cap its spend at $375 million.

The federal Labor government is chipping in $240 million for development at the site, while the AFL is contributing $15 million.

The state government, which is contractually liable for any cost overruns, said private investment would be sought to make up the funding shortfall.

The project is being assessed by an independent planning body that is expected to provide a draft report by the end of March and a final report in September.

The project must then be voted through state parliament, including an independent MP-heavy upper house, to get the green light.

The Labor opposition supports the stadium but has raised concerns about the Liberal government’s financial management.

With AAP

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