Tasmanians will get to witness live AFL finals action for the first time ever after it was announced UTAS Stadium will host two elimination finals next week.
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The decision means that the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants will face-off at UTAS Stadium on Saturday before the Western Bulldogs and Essendon do battle on Sunday in a do-or-die clash.
Premier Peter Gutwein said the announcement was a positive step for AFL in Tasmania.
"We can't wait for Tasmanians to have the opportunity to attend these games and witness the spectacle of AFL finals footy in our State for the very first time," he said.
The addition of the finals fixtures mean Tasmania has hosted a record twelve games of AFL football this season, including a sell-out Hawthorn and Essendon clash.
The COVID-19 situation in NSW and Victoria meant the finals fixtures had to be moved given the AFL wanted crowds to attend the first week of finals football.
AFL broadcasting and clubs general manager Travis Auld indicated that the ability for fans to attend the finals fixtures at UTAS Stadium had been a key factor in the decision.
"We thank the South Australian Government and Tasmanian Government for their commitment to finals football and we are excited for members and supporters in both states to attend the 2021 Toyota AFL Finals Series," he said.
"It is the first time in the history of the AFL where finals matches will be played in Tasmania with two games in week one of the finals series scheduled for UTAS Stadium in Launceston.
"We are really looking forward to what is shaping up to be an extraordinary Finals Series where any team can win."
Launceston council mayor Albert van Zetten welcomed the news that the city would host two AFL finals.
"To have both games in Launceston is a huge vote of confidence from the AFL and shows the faith they have in Launceston to host two games in two days at UTAS Stadium. We know our ground-staff do a fantastic job of maintaining the playing surface. It's no accident that it is regarded as the best in the country," he said.
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"It will also be wonderful to see Buddy Franklin return to Launceston with the high-flying Swans against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday.
"He was a huge drawcard when he played here for the Hawks and I would expect football fans from right across the state to jump at the chance to potentially see him kick his 1000th AFL goal."
Gutwein said the finals opportunity would be another chance to further the state's push for an AFL team.
"UTAS has been chosen as the venue for both finals based on a range of logistical matters enabling the ground to be set up once for both matches including broadcast and COVID safety provisions," he said.
"Both finals are great opportunities for Tasmanians to show the AFL how serious we are about having a team of our own."
Capped crowds and mandatory masks will be occur at the game similar to when UTAS Stadium hosted regular season games this year.
Auld confirmed that the teams involved would adhere to strict protocols and travel arrangements.
"The AFL, together with all teams participating in the finals series, have agreed to strict travel arrangements and other protocols as approved by respective state governments," he said
"As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to make changes that best manage the current environment and we will work closely with respective state and territory governments, all AFL Clubs and other key stakeholders while ensuring the health and safety of the community remains paramount."
Cr van Zetten hoped that the state government would lift the capacity beyond the previous 10,000 limit seen in the regular season.
In terms of capacity, we will just have to wait and see what the State Government announces this week. I hope it's lifted above 10,000 but whatever they decide on, it will be an incredible experience," he said.
"We saw how quickly the tickets sold out last time Essendon played here. Given this weekend it will be an elimination final against the Bulldogs, I wouldn't be surprised if they sell out even faster this time around."
The Sydney Swans take on the GWS Giants at UTAS Stadium on Saturday, August 28 at 3:20pm while Western Bulldogs play the Essendon Bombers on Sunday, August 29 at 3:20pm.
Match day ticket information for all games of the first week of the AFL Finals series will be announced on Monday August 23.
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