Grab a bite, cheer the Devils and support North Hobart

Published on 18 March 2026

The City of Hobart and the Tasmania Football Club are encouraging footy fans heading to the Devils’ first-ever VFL game at North Hobart Oval this Saturday to make the most of North Hobart’s dining and entertainment precinct before and after the match.

With a large crowd expected for the historic Devils debut, the City is urging supporters to arrive early, grab a pregame drink or bite to eat, and stay on afterwards to celebrate at one of the many local venues along the North Hobart strip.

The game presents a fantastic opportunity to back the local hospitality sector.

North Hobart’s hospitality scene is a key economic driver for the precinct. North Hobart food, dining, and hospitality businesses account for nearly half of the retail floorspace, and speciality cafés and restaurants make up around one third overall.

In a report from 2023, the precinct saw $80.6 million in retail spending, including $53.1 million on dining and entertainment alone.

Impressively, 64% of that visitor spend came from outside the Hobart local government area—highlighting the precinct’s strong regional draw.

Hospitality also plays a vital role in local jobs, with the precinct boasting a higher concentration of hospitality employment than the Hobart average.

The City of Hobart will continue supporting local traders during major events and working with the TFC as the club establishes a home in North Hobart.

Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:

“North Hobart is one of Greater Hobart’s standout dining and entertainment destinations, and this weekend is the perfect chance for fans to show their support.

“With thousands flocking to North Hobart Oval for the Devils’ first VFL game, we’re encouraging everyone to enjoy a drink before the match or stay on for dinner and help give our local traders a real boost.

“The Devils have the power to lift our sporting culture, but they also have the potential to lift our local economy.

“A packed oval and busy restaurants, cafés, and bars is a win for everyone—so let’s turn Saturday into a celebration of Tasmanian footy and Hobart small business.”

Quotes to be attributed to Tasmania Football Club Chief Executive Officer Brendon Gale:

“The first game for Tasmania Football Club is a real milestone moment for our Club and the Tasmanian community.  We are really looking forward to a great day of celebration on Saturday.

“We know how much Tasmanians love their footy and with an expected sell-out crowd we encourage those coming to the game to make a day of it.  There are so many great venues in the vicinity of the North Hobart oval for game attendees to visit pre- and post-game.

“We are confident that the direct and indirect economic impact of Tasmania Football Club across our State will be significant and games like this one on Saturday will be a great representation of the opportunity ahead of us.”

Quotes to be attributed to Queens Head Hotel owner Cameron McCulloch:

“Local venues like ours used to thrive on game days during the TFL and VFL eras, so seeing football return to North Hobart Oval is incredibly exciting.

“Having the Devils launch at North Hobart, one of the most historic football venues in Tasmania, is a special moment for the state.

“We have just committed to be a main sponsor of North Hobart Football club.

“These partnerships are about shared community benefits at the heart of it.

“Events like this show how much local sport can energise the community and support nearby businesses.”

Pictured: Tasmania Football Club Chief Executive Office Brendon Gale, Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds and Queens Head Hotel co-owner Nick Sallmann at the Queens Head Hotel.