Carlton has had a day to remember off the field, not only breaking it's club membership record, but also eliminating it's outstanding debt.
In a momentous day for the Blues, the club has become financially dependent for the first time since 1996, today passing a recommendation that will see the final $4 million of debt eliminated.
The club's website has stated that the planned redevelopment of Ikon Park can now have more funds injected into the project as a result of their new financial independence.
On other fronts, Carlton has recorded a new membership record of 67,036, setting a new record high for the fourth consecutive year.
Weโve always liked Monday mornings.
For the third straight year, weโve posted our all-time membership record before Round 1 of the AFL season!
But thereโs more good news to come... ๐ฅฐ pic.twitter.com/KRcWeC1OhQ
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) January 31, 2021
Considering four years ago in 2017 Carlton recorded 50,326 members, the club is well on their way to reaching their goal of 80,000 members outlined in their strategic plan.
CEO Cain Liddle exclaimed how proud he was of the club, and that the ambition of everyone involved has allowed them to achieve these milestones.
"Itโs been a total unified club effort, by our board, our players, our staff, our members and our commercial partners and sponsors. A totally united club..."
Liddle also went as far as to confidently declare that Carlton are on track to reach 100,000 members by 2023 - a goal that was seen by many to be very ambitious.
โWeโve said multiple times that it has felt as though our members picked us up, put us on their shoulders and carried us forward and todayโs announcements confirm that is exactly the case. Every Carlton member should feel a great sense of pride today" said Liddle.
With the exciting additions that the Blues brought in during the trade period, many will be looking to see if they can stick it to the Tigers in Round 1 and display the on-field progress they have made under David Teague.
