Magazine - Eureka Stadium to Host AFL matches in 5 years?

By Editor in A.F.L on 6th Sep 2009 6:35

Eureka Stadium could host AFL home-and-away matches within five years under a new deal signed yesterday between North Melbourne and Ballarat City Council.

The agreement also makes it likely the ground will host either a NAB Cup match next February or a pre-season practice match. Signing the deal at Eureka Stadium yesterday, North Melbourne chief executive officer Eugene Arocca said it cemented the club's commitment to Ballarat and he would be "pushing very hard" to have the AFL assign a NAB Cup game to the ground in 2010.

"This ground is ready ... I would be disappointed if the AFL does not fixture us for a regional game here early next year," he said. Mr Arocca said the long-term aim of the deal was to have North Melbourne play as many as four home games in Ballarat each season.

However, he said the goal could not be realised until a stadium to increase the ground's spectator capacity from 8000 to between 10,000 and 15,000 was constructed. Mr Arocca said the agreement with council, concluded after more than six months of negotiations, built on the strong association the North Melbourne club had with its VFL affiliate, reigning premier North Ballarat. "This is a unique relationship. It's the first time I am aware of an AFL club forming an association with regional Victoria," he said.

Ballarat Mayor Judy Verlin said that although redevelopment to bring the stadium up to AFL standard was under way, completing the project within the expected five years would rely heavily upon council securing funding partners. "One day this is going to be a stadium to host AFL games. The stakes are high but the rewards will be greater," Cr Verlin said. "The flow-on effects for the community and the economy will be evident."

Source & More: www.thecourier.com.au

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