THE decrepit and outdated Gold Coast Stadium as we all knew it is officially no more -- buried in the rubble along with the demons of the past.
The $126 million redevelopment of the new 25,000-seat stadium has gone into overdrive with demolition of the old Carrara complex now complete.

Sports Minister Phil Reeves made the trek to Carrara along with Gold Coast Football Club chief executive Travis Auld and coach Guy McKenna to mark the occasion.

Auld said it was another step towards the completion of the stadium, which is set for 2011, that will house the GCFC.

"The construction of the stadium is quite symbolic of the construction of our club," said Auld.

"This has been built on the back of feedback from people who attended our games last year, football fans and with the expertise and knowledge of the architects that have travelled the world and built stadiums around the world."

Auld said the fledgling club planned to turn the Carrara stadium into a fortress.

"It is going to be the centrepiece of our club and our home," he said.

"If you look at the Melbourne clubs, one club will play on a Friday night at a stadium and then another club the next day and another club on the Sunday.

"They all try and make it their own but essentially it is not where they live."

The stadium will include 2000 corporate seats with a range of corporate facilities, including a Chairman's lounge, field club, club lounge, corporate suites, BBQ decks and a large HD video scoreboard.

"The feedback tells us that the people of the Gold Coast want to have a good time," said Auld.

"It is not just about the game -- it is about going somewhere and having a bit of fun."

Courtesy of Nick Smart, Gold Coast Bulletin