Arena's $1b boost for AFL Glenn McFarlane
Sunday Herald Sun
March 07, 2010
FORMER AFL chief executive Wayne Jackson says the league could be set for a $1 billion windfall when it becomes owner of Etihad Stadium in 15 years.
... he said the venue had transformed into the best AFL stadium for crowds of between 20,000 and 55,000.
"In the context of what this game has meant to Australians for 150 years, and what many believe it will for the next 100 years, the challenges we had for a year or two would pale into insignificance," he said.
"What we have now is this magnificent piece of real estate in the middle of Melbourne.
"It is the best stadium in Australia to watch footy in, certainly for any game with crowds between 20,000 and 55,000.
"Sure, the MCG is the best stadium in the world if you have more than 75,000 people there.
"I am not denigrating the MCG, but if you get 35,000 there, you are disappointed with the atmosphere."
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