‘Infrastructure complications’ at arena behind booting footy from grounds

Cricket Tasmania will be unable to install an essential part of every football game for the resuming 2020 season, calling the impact on Clarence District Football Club “unavoidable”.

CRICKET Tasmania says “infrastructure complications” at Blundstone Arena is behind its decision to axe all football from the ground in 2020.

As revealed today by the Mercury, TSL club Clarence has been left without a home ground if the State League season gets underway, while no AFL games will take place at the venue.

In a message obtained by the Mercury from Roos CEO Richard Mulligan to the board, the club was only informed of the decision last night.

CT released a statement this morning explaining its decision.

“There are currently infrastructure complications at Blundstone Arena that are a direct result of COVID-19, with one unfortunate impact being the inability to install Australian rules football goalposts for this season,” the statement said.

Cricket Tasmania CEO Dominic Baker at Blundstone Arena. The body has issued a statement regarding the cancellation of any footy on the grounds. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“Clarence District Football Club has access to the ground for training in the context of these impacts. Assurance has been provided by AFL Tasmania that, if they are able to fixture a 2020 season in the current climate, they are able to allocate Clarence District Football Club an alternate venue to host matches.

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“Cricket Tasmania has a long relationship with the Clarence District Football Club, and at their request has already waived all rent for their clubrooms, change rooms and ground access at Blundstone Arena dating back to March.

“Cricket Tasmania has offered and remains keen to work with the Clarence District Football Club, AFL Tasmania and the Clarence City Council to find an alternate training venue for the club for this season.

“There is no endeavour by Cricket Tasmania to impact the Clarence District Football Club more than is unavoidable, be it during the current global pandemic or into the future.”