‘Hat-trick of epic proportion for our state’: Vic gov wants to bring ice hockey to Melb

The Victorian government is pursuing an NHL hockey game for Melbourne in its latest swoop on international sport. It comes after it was revealed the NFL and the NBA would be coming to town.

Ice hockey is set to be another huge international sport played in Melbourne, the home of sports tourism. Picture: Getty Images

The state government is now pursuing an NHL hockey game for Melbourne in its latest swoop on international sport.

The bid for yet another major event comes in the same week the Herald Sun revealed both the NFL and the NBA would be coming to Melbourne.

It can now be revealed major events minister Steve Dimopoulos — who is currently in the US — is in advanced talks with the NHL about bringing the game here for the second time.

The NHL brought its global series here in 2023, playing to sellout crowds at Rod Laver Arena in a move the government said drove significant visitation to Victoria.

It was the first time an NHL game had been played in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 13,000 punters attending the first match between the Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings.

The last time NHL ice hockey was played in Melbourne, it attracted more than 13,000 punters. Picture: Getty

The assault on major events will see Victoria’s sporting calendar jam packed in a year in which the state was supposed to be hosting the Commonwealth Games.

Former Premier Daniel Andrews sensationally pulled out of hosting the major event in July 2023, claiming the cost had blown out from $2.6 billion to at least $6 billion.

That figure was later disputed by the Victorian auditor general.

The shock announcement left the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) scrambling to find a new host while the Victorian government was left with a $380m compensation bill.

Almost $200m of the money will now be used to stage the games in Scotland, meaning Victorian taxpayers will cover almost the entire cost of running the 2026 event.

Last year the Allan government slashed funding to its own tourism and events company, Visit Victoria.

It meant the agency was left with about the same amount of money to spend on destinational marketing over the next four years, $32.5m, as it was allocated for a single year in the previous budget.

Industry sources warned the move would threaten major advertising campaigns and make it impossible for Victoria to market itself globally.

Government sources — who would not comment on the NHL negotiations — said it was hoped bringing major events to Melbourne would boost Victoria’s global marketing efforts.

But deputy Liberal Party leader, and shadow major events minister, Sam Groth, said one off events could not replace continued and purposeful investment.

“The Labor Government slashed over $25 million from tourism destination marketing in the last state budget, yet they expect one-off sugar-hit events to make up for it,” he said.

“We need a sustainable, long-term strategy to support these vital industries — not just short-term headlines.”

Felicia Mariani, CEO of the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, said an NHL coup would complete a “hat-trick of epic proportion for our state”.

“With confirmation this week that NFL in-season games will be played at the MCG; the word yesterday that the NBA is looking to bring basketball to our very own Melbourne Park; and now two NHL teams facing-off right here in our city – well, this would have to be one of the biggest international sporting coups ever seen in Australia,” she said.

Victorian Tourism Industry Council chief Felicia Mariani. Picture: Supplied

“In September 2023, the NHL brought the LA Kings and Arizona Coyotes to Melbourne to hit the ice at Rod Laver Arena. The two matches were played to sold-out crowds for what were exhibition events for these two teams. Playing in-season hockey matches that actually matter to the outcome of the season schedule would be amazing. The overwhelming success of our engagement in 2023 has surety factored into why Melbourne would be chosen to host this next round of NHL DownUnder.

“This trifecta of international sporting codes being played in Melbourne would be a real bonanza for our tourism industry in Victoria, with the opportunity to profile our amazing destination to millions of fans in the all-important US market, as well as connecting with their fanbases across the globe. These events will fill our hotels, keep our hospitality and retail sectors buzzing. We must be able to leverage these events for the great opportunity they represent to disperse these visitors around our city and across our state.”

Originally published as ‘Hat-trick of epic proportion for our state’: Vic gov wants to bring ice hockey to Melb