Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

AFL considers third ‘new generation’ Melbourne stadium

AFL considers third ‘new generation’ Melbourne stadium
April 8, 2013

The AFL is again considering plans to develop a new stadium in central Melbourne to help ease the financial burden on Victorian clubs playing at Etihad Stadium.

Reviving a plan for a third major stadium in Melbourne, the AFL is understood to be investigating the upgrading of either Princes Park or Punt Road Oval (pictured) as a 'boutique' 25,000-seat stadium.

In the Punt Road Oval plans, a footbridge would be built from Richmond train station over Brunton Avenue and Punt Road to the stadium. The attraction of the ground is its proximity to public transport and ease of parking at the MCG - where the AFL would not schedule clashing fixtures. However, space to develop the ground is limited due to Punt Road's eastern boundary.

With an existing capacity for around 15,000, Princes Park would be a less expensive option but the venue does not have a nearby train line or parking.

Princes Park was previously Melbourne's third AFL venue until 2005 when it hosted its final premiership season game.

North Melbourne's Arden Street Oval has also been considered as an option but is disadvantaged in terms of public transport and other infrastructure.

Development of a new venue is being considered to ease financial burdens on clubs such as Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and North Melbourne. Currently, these clubs need to draw upwards of 20,000 fans to fixtures to avoid making a loss at Etihad Stadium, and over 30,000 to make some sort of profit.

The AFL is set to take over ownership of Etihad Stadium in 2025 while AFL Commission Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick recently confirmed that it would like to buy the Stadium before that date.

However, he pointed out that while negotiations had been going on for several years, the league and the ground's managers, Melbourne Stadiums Ltd, remained some distance apart on a price.

Fitzpatrick stated "obviously as time goes on, because we will pick it up essentially for nothing in 2025, the difficult issue for us is deciding at what stage it is worth picking up, because we could simply wait it out."

In 2009, the AFL briefly considered a stadium on site near North Melbourne train station and Footscray Road.

9th March 2010 - ETIHAD STADIUM STORM DAMAGE WON’T DISRUPT GAMES, SAYS AFL

18th September 2008 - AFL CONSIDERS A THIRD MELBOURNE STADIUM


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

PerfectGym

Perfect Gym Solutions is a software as a service (SaaS) solution purpose-built to service the fitness industry, with over 1000 clients servicing over two million gym members across 40 countries making…

read more

Access / Fitness / Marketing / Recreation / Technology

 
 

TICKETSERV

As of 2018, TicketServ operates as SeatGeek Asia Pacific Pty Limited, part of international ticketing platform SeatGeek. Click here to contact SeatGeek Asia Pacific via their entry in…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Events / Sport / Ticketing

 
 

AlphaFit

AUSTRALIAN MADE. FIT FOR PURPOSE. Based on the Gold Coast, AlphaFit is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Australian gym equipment specifically for the commercial, strength and conditioning,…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

APT Asia Pacific Pty Ltd

APT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…

read more

Environment / Sport / Surfaces / Technology

 
 

SENtag

Developed in Europe, this innovative system offers a safety management solution for swimming pools that checks individual swimmers via their wristband - monitoring their depth and time. Sensors…

read more

Aquatics / Hospitality / Safety / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

BODY BIKE APAC

BODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

COMMERCIAL AQUATICS AUSTRALIA

Commercial Aquatics Australia provides aquatic solutions nationwide and is one of the largest and most experienced companies specialising in the design, construction, renovation, service, maintenance…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks

 
 

Mattioli

Gianni Mattoli Director 0412 360 378 E: gianni@mattoli.com.au E: marketing@mattioli.com.au Tony Aloi National Operations Manager 0425 762 864 E: tony@mattoli.com.au MEL · SYD · ADE…

read more

Aquatics / Recreation / Safety / Technology

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business