Canberra has added another sporting event to its centenary celebrations, with confirmation on Tuesday that the AFL Hall of Fame will be held in the national capital next year.
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It's the first time the glamour event has been hosted outside of Victoria in a major coup for the ACT.
The Hall of Fame dinner will be held at Parliament House with the date to be locked in early in the new year.
Some of the game's biggest names will be in attendance, with former Essendon spearhead Matthew Lloyd and Richmond great Matthew Richardson among those in contention to be included in the exclusive group in 2013.
ACT Sports Minister Andrew Barr was elated to have secured another highly-sought after event to the ever-growing list of quality sport.
''It is a reflection of the AFL's commitment to the Canberra region, and the strength of Australian football locally, that the ceremony will be held in the ACT,'' Barr said.
''It will be a great addition to the packed calendar of events in Canberra during 2013.''
The Hall of Fame is one of the biggest night’s on the AFL calendar, and adds to the four GWS Giants games that will be held at Manuka Oval next year.
That will include the first-ever match under lights when the Giants take on Essendon in a NAB Cup game in March.
Other notable sporting events in the ACT’s centenary year include the rugby league Test between Australia and New Zealand, along with the historic first visit of the Australian cricket team for a one-day international with the West Indies.
The ACT Government is still in negotiations with Football Federation Australia to host a Socceroos friendly in the second half of next year.
Tickets for Kangaroos rugby league Test with the Kiwis at Canberra Stadium in April go on sale on Wednesday at 10am.
