Magazine - AAMI Stadium Plans Backed

By Editor in A.F.L on 18th Mar 2008 6:30

South Australian football bosses told the Federal Government at least a month ago they preferred upgrading AAMI stadium to building a new venue in Adelaide's CBD.

SANFL, Adelaide Crows and Port Power chiefs made their position clear at a meeting with Federal Sports Minister Kate Ellis, where she kept the door open for future Federal Government funding for any stadium upgrade.

The revelations come after the SANFL, Crows and Power on Friday publicly supported upgrading AAMI Stadium to the tune of $250 million, distancing themselves from plans for a new stadium in the city.

It is believed a new multi-purpose, FIFA World Cup standard venue would cost up to $1 billion, money the SANFL said should be spent on other priorities such as health, transport and education. Friday's joint announcement came despite SANFL chief executive Leigh Whicker saying last week he would be prepared to support moving to a new stadium if his organisation retained control of the venue.

The meeting with Ms Ellis was attended by Mr Whicker, SANFL chairman Rod Payze, Crows' supremos Steven Trigg and Bill Sanders and Port chiefs Greg Boulton and John James. A spokesman for Ms Ellis said yesterday the SANFL and football clubs had made it clear their preferred option was to upgrade AAMI.

"They spoke about a range of issues, not just the stadium, but they did seem to be clear that they were preferring the AAMI (upgrade) option."

Mr Boulton said he was satisfied the SANFL had investigated all necessary options in ignoring a new inner-city stadium. "I don't think there is any private enterprise that could make a profit on a $1.2-billion venture - and that is today's cost, it might be $1.8 billion," he said. "It would be very, very unlikely to stand up financially, but that is only my personal assessment."

Source: www.news.com.au/adelaidenow

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