robertbb wrote:
Would love to see some details around what we've committed to doing with it. Lights almost certainly... an increase in capacity?
Are we prohibited in any way from any of this money going towards improving our training facilities for both men and women?
Hope to see a statement from our CEO around this.
E-mail from MLG below:
We are delighted to inform you that the Victorian State Government will be committing $20M to the redevelopment of Ikon Park.
As part of the Budget package that allows the upgrade of facilities at suburban grounds and local clubs, we welcome the Andrews Government commitment to Ikon Park as the home of AFLW and the long-term home of the Carlton Football Club.
We are incredibly appreciative of the investment that will see a state-of-the-art facility developed at our iconic ground. The Premier Daniel Andrews and his government must be applauded for their investment in Ikon Park and our football club.
As part of the Masterplan, the stands in the south west corner of Ikon Park will be demolished to make way for new training facilities, an education hub and an administration area to cater for the expansion and growth of female football, the broader Carlton Football Club and the wider football community.
Our AFLW players will have access to facilities that are equitable with the facilities that our AFL players have access to, and that is something we are very proud of being able to deliver.
In addition, the State Government support ensures that the premium AFLW games held each season, whether that be the season opener or the grand final, will be played at a facility that will help improve the fan experience and take the women’s game to a whole new level for our players, coaches and fans.
As is also the case with these major re-developments of club facilities, Carlton Football Club will also be contributing to the funding and we look forward to sharing our capital raising plans with our members and key partners.
We also acknowledge the State Government funding is contingent upon Federal Government investment and we will continue to work with the Federal Government to ensure the entire project is delivered.
Once again, we must thank the Victorian Government, Gillon McLachlan and his team at the AFL and the AFL Commission for confirming their belief in our vision for Ikon Park.
We will keep you informed of any further developments.
Go Blues!
Mark LoGiudice
President