Trooping the colour: Tasmania Devils merchandise shop opens early for rallying army of fans
When it comes to backing the future of the Tasmania Devils Football Club, Howrah’s Atkinson family are not afraid to nail their colours to the mast.
When it comes to backing the future of the Tasmania Devils Football Club, Howrah’s Atkinson family are not afraid to nail their colours to the mast.
Ahead of attending Sunday’s pro-stadium rally on Parliament Lawns in Hobart, mum Rachel and dad Tyson made sure Hamish, 6, and Maeve, 3, would be decked out in appropriate amounts of myrtle green, primrose yellow, and rose red.
And for those fans looking to add a last-minute dash of colour to their wardrobe, the Devils Den official merchandise store will be open from 10am at 144 Collins St until the commencement of the event.
Tasmania Football Club general manager of marketing, public affairs and social impact, Kath McCann, said the retail outlet had experienced overwhelming demand in the last week ahead of an event expected to draw thousands to the Hobart waterfront.
“We’ve had a tremendous amount of traffic over the last week and such a positive vibe of people coming in and wanting to have their colours on and to show their support on Sunday,” Ms McCann said.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming members and visitors, and helping them keep up with their colours.
“The people we have spoken to this week told us they’re really keen for their voices to be heard, by standing together in a united and positive way.
“There’s been a real air of community spirit for something people see as a really important part of Tasmania’s future.”
Ms McCann, who will be attending the rally along with other members of Tasmania FC’s growing staff base – and possibly a surprise guest – said she hoped the expected throng of colour and movement on Sunday offered a glimpse of what Hobart might look like before and after a Devils home game.
And while club leaders brace for next week’s much-anticipated Legislative Council vote on the proposed stadium’s future, Ms McCann said was confident the respectful tone of community debate over the project would continue.
“We are really encouraging people to show their support, and it’s wonderful to see the community really rallying behind the stadium, and ultimately the club,” she said.
“I think it’s really important that this is a really positive event, because we know there are different opinions about the stadium in some camps.
“What’s really exciting about Sunday is that it is community-driven, and seeing Tasmanians step forward and lead the charge is really humbling from the perspective of a club that was founded on community.”
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