Andrew BarrGETTY IMAGES
Canberra A-League bid officials have "thrown their weight behind a new stadium in the capital," revealing a proposed A$350M ($263M) indoor venue will be a part of the campaign to secure an expansion license, according to Chris Dutton of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The bid team is "tapping into relationships with overseas clubs" in Scotland, England and Spain as ONTHEGO duo Mick Spencer and Michael Caggiano help "drive the expression of interest campaign." The A-League for Canberra proposal will be submitted to Football Federation Australia in nine days when bid officials finalize a 100-page document "detailing why the capital should join the competition." A successful bid for an A-League team "would be a massive boost" for delayed plans for a new stadium in Civic after ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said last year that football content was "crucial" to the business model. The "desperate need" for a new stadium or "knock-down rebuild" of Canberra Stadium has been "thrown back on the ACT government's radar" after Super Rugby side ACT Brumbies and National Rugby League club Canberra Raiders crowds "dipped" (SMH, 5/15).
