Construction on the Gold Coast Stadium is fast approaching the final siren with the Gold Coast SUNS set to take to the field for the first time at their new home ground in just over three months.
Sports Minister, Phil Reeves, inspected progress on the new $144.2 million venue today and said construction of the stadium continued on time and on budget.
“The installation of the vibrant red seating throughout the venue is near complete, all 450 metres of solar panelling is ready to start producing solar power, the 200sqm scoreboard dominates the northern end of the ground and the fit out of the function rooms and corporate facilities in the Western Stand continues.
“The venue is really taking shape and looking great. One thing you really notice as you enter the stadium is the close proximity to the field and the great views across the field.
“As a fan it’s almost as if you’re right on top of the action. The roar of the crowd as the GC SUNS take to the field on May 28 against Geelong will be something special.”
Member for Broadwater, Peta-Kaye Croft said the stadium will not only be good for fans, but also good for jobs and great for the local economy.
“Tourism is the lifeblood of the Gold Coast and sports fans from around the country now have another incentive to come to the Coast,” Ms Croft said.
“Not only does the Coast have great beaches, theme parks and nightlife, sports fans can come and watch their team take on the GC SUNS at this great new venue.
“Data provided by the AFL shows that over a 10-year period, this project will generate $415 million of economic activity, as well as a direct tourism impact of $34 million every year through day trips and overnight stays for AFL matches.”
GC SUNS Chairman, John Witheriff, said the GC SUNS can’t wait to play their first match at home on May 28.
“Our club has been rapidly growing at the same time as the stadium. We’ve watched the old Carrara come down and watched our new home, Gold Coast Stadium, take shape. As a club we can’t wait to take to the field with the support of the people of the Gold Coast.
Mr Witheriff said the scoreboard will be one of the highlight pieces of infrastructure at the venue and will enhance the fan experience at Gold Coast SUNS AFL matches.
“At 8.5 metres high x 23 metres in width, the high-res LED scoreboard is one of the largest in Australia.
“The scoreboard will make a huge impact on fans. It will certainly add to the fan experience and allow the club to stream live video, graphics and statistics to keep the crowd entertained and informed. “
The Gold Coast Stadium has been designed by Populous and is being constructed by Watpac.
The Gold Coast SUNS first home match is against the Geelong Cats on Saturday 28 May.
Further information:
Other features of the new Gold Coast Stadium
- The project importantly provides jobs for Queenslanders now and into the future. There are currently 200 workers onsite, up to 1,100 will be employed throughout the construction phase.
- Up to 700 jobs will be created per event when operational.
- A recent study on the impact of a Gold Coast-based AFL side found that when the club was up and running at full capacity, it would generate more than 440 local jobs.
- Up to five metres of full solar clear photovoltaic (PV) panelling has been installed around the inner edge of the stadium’s horseshoe shaped roof. This will maximise the venues solar harvesting potential while at the same time ensuring it is a highly visible building element, both from the air and the ground.
- In a Queensland first the installation of solar panelling would generate approximately 275,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per annum, around 20 per cent of the stadium's total electricity needs. This is equivalent to powering more than 250 homes in Queensland by using one of the state’s best commodities to power the new stadium.
- Stadiums Queensland venues pump more than $308 million into the state economy and provide more than 2,050 jobs across the state.
