It was initially reported that council was divided over the prospect of a third game from 2015 and beyond, but now the Mercury states the chances of a new deal are ‘strong’ and says the locals continue to vote with their ‘feet and wallets’.
The council currently contributes $250,000-a-year towards North’s games at Blundstone and the AFL is seeking a two-year extension when the agreement ends this year.
A recent economic report commissioned by Tourism Tasmania showed the direct expenditure into the economy from the club’s Hobart games was more than $2.1 million in 2013 and about $4.3 million combined with 2012 (the first year of North’s Hobart deal).
North’s first game in Hobart for the season sold-out more than a month in advance and tickets to the Adelaide clash in Round 22 are running out fast. All available seating has been sold for the game, but another 250 seats will be released on Wednesday.
The match against the Crows is likely to be critical for both side’s finals prospects and ladder positions.
North sits in sixth position while Adelaide is now in the eight after a solid win over Collingwood on Sunday.
