Tasmania's Devils Face Delayed Stadium, Top Talent Hunt

0:00Hey, it's Corey, with Sydney News Today, your city, your news, every day. Tasmania's new AFL team, The Devils, faces a longer wait for their state-of-the-art stadium at McCory Point in Hobart. The $1.13 billion project won't be ready until the end of 2030, meaning the team skips the 2030 season there, and debuts in 2031. Delays them from a snap election last year that pushed back parliamentary approval, plus the fine print in the deal with the AFL requiring completion by December 30th, 2030. Earlier hopes pointed to 2029, but the developers always planned for the full timeline. Club leaders and fans expected games sooner, with The Devils' chief executive once assuming just two more years at older venues like Belarive and York Park. Player agents touring recently left, thinking stars could play under the new roof by 2030. Minister Erica Betts now says he's comfortable with the 2031 start, admitting the full contract time is needed.

1:01The government would prefer a bill yesterday, but acknowledges the challenges of over 140 permit conditions on a tough site. This could make it harder for The Devils to lure top talent, who might hesitate at prime years in smaller grounds. The club gets $4.5 million per delayed season as compensation, but nothing beats the draw of the shiny new home for memberships and broadcasts. Appreciation to our sponsor for backing this episode, your pillow, your podcast, your moment, made for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.