The media giant has backed North Melbourne’s plans to play games in Ballarat, telling the region’s largest selling newspaper The Courier that a boutique stadium is a great idea.
“Absolutely - and I hope it does well because there will be nothing better than a boutique stadium seating 20,000 for Ballarat,” McGuire told Melanie Whelan.
“It’s great and nothing like sitting in the shadows of the MCG or Etihad Stadium and watching footy, but it would be wonderful for Ballarat and great for the AFL to take more games into regional areas.”
North chief executive Eugene Arocca has been leading the charge to have the Roos play for premiership points at a revamped Eureka Stadium arguing it would be of mutual benefit to the club and community.
“There’s no doubt AFL games in Ballarat would bring a significant economic boost to the local economy,” Arocca told kangaroos.com.au.
“It is particularly pleasing to hear Eddie sees merit in our push and there is no doubt many others in the AFL industry share his views. We firmly believe Ballarat is the next destination for AFL footy.
“We have committed to bringing more football to the region through our partnership with the Ballarat city council and have delivered on that promise with another NAB Cup game against the Bulldogs on March 11 which will be live on the Fox Footy channel.
“We have a fantastic relationship with the city and surrounding areas but need everyone to support our quest to secure government funding to redevelop Eureka Stadium,” Arocca added.
