PREMIER SHOWS OFF NEW GOLD COAST STADIUM TO RUGBY CHIEF

Premier Peter Beattie was on the Gold Coast today to show off Australia’s newest rectangular stadium to Australian Rugby Union CEO John O’Neill.

Mr Beattie said having the ARU chief in town was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate that on completion, Skilled Park will be a multi-purpose stadium able to host rugby league, union and soccer fixtures.

“Skilled Park will provide players and spectators of all codes the same high standard of venue they’ve come to expect from Suncorp Stadium,” Mr Beattie said.

“The $160 million world-class, multipurpose venue will be suitable for all rectangular sports and be up there with the best venues of its size in Australia.

“And being located at one of Queensland’s most popular business and holiday destinations, it has potential to attract other corporate events to the State.

“Between Skilled Park and Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville, Queenslanders have some of the best regional sporting facilities in the country.”

Mr Beattie said the fastening of 23,000 square metres of roof fabric is continuing in synch with the ongoing installation of the roof rafters.

“The roof rafters, which measure 30 metres from the pitch to the tip, are the main component of the roof structure that will give the new venue its iconic Gold Coast look,” he said.

Mr Beattie said the recently announced second function room would benefit all hirers on match days and also increase the venue's ability to host additional non-event day functions throughout the year.

Construction of the 25,000 seat venue remained on-time and on-budget to be ready for the 2008 NRL season kick-off.

ENDS

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