Hume city to be home to first Victorian state-of-the-art AFL Max venue

Published on 23 August 2024

Cr Kurt - AFL Max sod turn.jpg

Hume City will soon add another exciting asset to its growing state-of-the-art leisure facilities, with Hume City Mayor Cr Naim Kurt helping break ground on the new AFL Max entertainment and education centre on Thursday 22 August. 

Set to open at Melbourne Airport next year, the custom-built facility will add to the already stacked landscape of specialist tourism attractions and sports venues near Melbourne Airport alongside Australia’s first surf park URBNSURF and the Essendon Football Club. 

It’s Victoria’s first AFL Max venue, which has already proven to be a huge success in South Australia, featuring indoor footy field, trampolines, climb zones, interactive screens, skill-testing attractions and more.  

It will also have five party rooms, a cafe and kitchen available, giving Hume another venue for families and schools to be active and have fun. 

On top of the unique recreational opportunity, AFL Max is also a strong addition to the local Visitor Economy, creating an estimated 120 jobs.  

Given Victoria’s strong affiliation with Australian rules football it’s projected AFL Max will attract an annual visitation of up to 200,000 people.  

The introduction of this unique offer will further position Hume as a visitor destination with diverse experiences for both locals and visitors, helping drive spend and repeat visitation, stimulating overnight stays, and disperse visitors across other tourism and hospitality businesses in Hume including hotels, cafes, restaurants, retail, attractions and parks. 

It also presents opportunities for local schools to participate in curriculum programs such as overnight camps and excursions, that are facilitate within the safety of the venue.  

Welcoming AFL Max to Hume supports Council’s commitment to delivering experiences that give all people the opportunity to get active, have fun and engage in lifelong learning.  

By delivering entertainment, education, and engaging programs, AFL Max supports Council’s vision to offer our community access to safe, unique and fun experiences.   

We look forward to growing Hume City’s already strong connection to our national game, and seeing our youth develop their physical, social and emotional wellbeing in this unique environment. 

Quotes attributable to Hume City Mayor, Cr Naim Kurt: 

“AFL Max is set to be a game-changer for Hume, offering a unique entertainment and education experience that will create jobs, boost tourism, and provide new opportunities for families, schools, and footy fans.

“This $10 million capital investment will provide 120 jobs to our local economy and draw in over 200,000 visitors annually to our City, enhancing our reputation as a premier leisure destination. 

“With the introduction of AFL Max alongside URBNSURF, and the Essendon Football Club, Hume is fast cementing itself as a home for destination sport facilities in Melbourne."