Locals to take First Look at New Queensland Country Bank Stadium
The great unveiling of the Queensland Country Bank Stadium will take place tomorrow, with the gates unlocked for Open Day – the first opportunity for locals to take a look inside the brand-new home of the beloved North Queensland Cowboys.
The Open Day represents a once-only chance to enjoy a sneak peek of the stadium before its first major events, going behind the scenes to access the team change rooms, inspect the commentary and coaches boxes, and check out the view from one of 25,000 seats.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said it was a proud and exciting day for the people of Townsville.
“This stadium will be a legacy for Townsville and will continue to provide a social and economic boost for the region,” Mr Tudge said.
“Completing this stadium through Australia’s first Cioty Deal shows what can be achieved when all levels of government and the community worked together towards a shared vision.”
Queensland Premier and Minister for Trade Annastacia Palaszczuk said her government had invested $190 million into the stadium which had been a welcome boost for local workers.
”This will lead to a renewed sense of confidence and pride amongst North Queensland residents,” the Premier said
“Make no mistake, construction of the stadium has been a massive shot of confidence for the local economy.
“Almost 500 local businesses have been involved and over 2,000 people worked on the site, including a huge number of Townsville locals and Indigenous Australians.”
Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said the Open Day was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the stadium.
“Open Day is a chance to celebrate the achievements of everyone involved in building this iconic venue and to say thank you to the wider community, which has been hugely supportive of the project,” Mr de Brenni said.
“And now it’s complete, the stadium will – quite literally – be a game-changer for the North Queensland Cowboys and their passionate supporters.”
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said the project would continue to bring a range of benefits to the city.
“We can see here today that three levels of Government have worked together to deliver something which will ensure a strong economic future for the city,” Mr Thompson said.
“The new stadium showcases the growth of Townsville – it will become acentrepiece for the CBD and provide a great place for the Townsville community to enjoy for generations to come.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said Queensland’s newest stadium was a once in a generation project that would revitalise the CBD.
“Tomorrow, North Queensland Families will be coming through the gates in their thousands.
“It’ll be a great day out, with lots of free events and behind the scenes looks at the new North Queensland Cowboys home.”
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill recognised the achievements of all involved and the significance of the stadium in revitalising the city.
“The stadium is a symbol of progress and achievement for Townsville, and should be a source of pride for all of us,” Ms Hill said.
“Bringing rugby league and other major events into the CBD will revitalise the heart of our city and deliver a range of social and economic benefits.
“Council has been working full-tilt to take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity through supporting projects such as the new City Bus Hub, Flinders Lane development, and waterfront promenade upgrade.
“Adults and kids alike should come along to Open Day and meet with your Cowboys heroes, have your face painted, and scope out the best seats for the first game day on 13 March.”
The Open Day will run from 9am to 1pm. Access is free, but a printed ticket will be required for entry. Further information about the stadium and the Open Day, including ticketing information, can be found at queenslandcountrybankstadium.com.au.
With Cowboys players in attendance, face painting and other kids’ activities, and demonstrations by Queensland Emergency Services, the Open Day will be a celebration of this iconic, state-of-the-art venue, which is sure to be enjoyed by Townsville locals for decades to come.
The $293 million stadium is the headline commitment of the Townsville City Deal and was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with more than one million construction hours providing thousands of local job opportunities.
ENDS
