Launceston’s UTAS Stadium to host AFL elimination finals

August 23, 2021

In an historic move for Tasmanian sport, Launceston’s UTAS Stadium is set to host two AFL elimination finals in the first week of the final series.

Welcoming the fixtures, to be played this weekend, Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein stated “this is the first time finals will be played in Tasmania and is a massive coup for our football-loving state."

The first final will see the Sydney Swans take on the GWS Giants on Saturday 28th August at 3:20pm while the second final will see the Western Bulldogs play the Essendon Bombers on Sunday 29th August at 3:20pm.

Both fixtures will be played at UTAS stadium, with Premier Gutwein advising that the venue “has been chosen as the venue for both finals based on a range of logistical matters enabling the ground to be set up once for both matches including broadcast and COVID safety provisions”.

Following strong crowd numbers for AFL matches in the state throughout the 2021 season, including the sell-out Hawthorn versus Essendon match in June, Premier Gutwein went on to say “both finals are great opportunities for Tasmanians to show the AFL how serious we are about having a team of our own.

“The finals will be in addition to the 12 regular-season games that have been played in Tasmania this year, making it a record number of matches played in the state over the course of an AFL season.

“The finals will also present a great opportunity for local businesses in Launceston to benefit from the increase in trade as people get out and about before and after the games.

“Tasmania has demonstrated on multiple occasions that it can host AFL matches in a COVID-safe way, and these elimination finals will proceed under strict COVID-safe conditions, with important safeguards in place including capped crowds and masks to be worn.”

Image: Launceston’s UTAS Stadium.

23rd August 2021 - Essendon’s AFLW licence to revitalise the Windy Hill precinct

18th August 2021 - Retiring star Eddie Betts say AFL is not a safe environment for Indigenous players

13th August 2021 - AFL report fails to present ‘clear cut’ option for Tasmanian team

12th August 2021 - AFLW competition to expand to 18 teams for 2022/23

28th July 2021 - No crowds to be allowed at AFL matches in Victoria despite COVID-19 lockdown easing

16th July 2021 - Victoria records two new cases of COVID-19 linked to AFL fixture at the MCG

1st July 2021 - Venues in regional Victoria see prospects for hosting AFL Premiership fixtures

30th June 2021 - State lockdowns sees all 18 AFL clubs relocate to Victoria

29th June 2021 - Tasmanian Government announces creation of new stadium management agency

16th June 2021 - COVID-19 lockdown sees AFL move Melbourne fixtures to Tasmania

8th February 2021 - $200 million plus redevelopment plan proposed for Launceston’s UTAS Stadium

10th September 2020 - UTAS secures licensing agreement for Tourism Tracer App

21st March 2018 - ‘Hard decisions’ ahead for AFL in Tasmania

10th June 2021 - MyState Bank Arena branding for venue at the heart of Tasmanian entertainment and sport

1st March 2021 - AFL Tasmania announces new model for women’s competition

24th February 2021 - Agreement sees A-League games return to Tasmania

21st February 2021 - Tasmanian Premier unhappy with AFL response to bid for state-based team

13th February 2021 - Tasmanian Premier calls for solid timeline for Tasmania getting its own AFL team

2nd July 2020 - Tasmania secures new NBL team for 2021/22 season

23rd October 2019 - Concept revealed for stadium for Tasmanian AFL franchise

5th June 2019 - Project team appointed to build case for Tasmanian AFL

26th August 2019 - Tasmanian Government taskforce calls for AFL licence and new stadium

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.