Published Friday, 18 July, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Spence announces $6 Million upgrade package for Dairy Farmers Stadium
Sport Minister Judy Spence last night announced $6.2 Million in capital works upgrades will be undertaken at Dairy Farmers Stadium over the next 12 months.
Speaking at the Jupiters Towers Queensland Derby Dinner, Ms Spence said the package includes funding for six new outdoor corporate boxes, as record crowd numbers in the past year have increased demand for corporate facilities at Dairy Farmers.
“Over the past 12 months 335,175 patrons have flocked to Dairy Farmers Stadium, to attend sporting and other major events.
“These attendance figures are up almost 40% on the previous year and are the highest recorded at the stadium to date.
“By establishing six new outdoor corporate boxes we will take the corporate capacity of the stadium to 1,754 people in 128 outdoor boxes, 12 internal suites, and 3 corporate function spaces.
“The additional boxes will be built over the summer, ready for the start of the 2009 NRL season.
“Corporate boxes are extremely popular with local businesses wanting to experience events in a premium location with premium service, and they provide an excellent opportunity to showcase this great Townsville venue to corporate visitors.
Also included in the $6.2 Million package of works will be:
• An expansion of the concourse areas in the Eastern grandstand;
• Significant upgrades of food outlets and toilet facilities; and
• Refurbishments to venue offices.
Ms Spence said the Queensland Government has already invested significant funding to transform Dairy Farmers Stadium into a first-class facility, with a reputation as a premier sporting and entertainment venue.
“Last financial year we committed over $6 Million to expand seating, add extra toilet facilities, upgrade access stairways to the Northern grandstand, and redevelop the Queensland Cowboys administration block.
“The work also included the installation of a pedestrian bridge over the drainage swale to the North East of the stadium, which will be used for the first time at the Cowboys and Broncos derby clash.
“These investments are clearly paying dividends – as the stadium continues to attract major events, such as the sold-out Elton John concert late last year and the Crusty Demons Regional Australia Tour.
“In October and November, rugby league fans from across the state’s north will also pack the stands for the two Rugby League World Cup games scheduled to be played here.”
Member for Townsville Mike Reynolds welcomed the funding for facilities in his electorate.
“These upgrades will ensure Dairy Farmers Stadium continues to grow into a facility the people of Townsville can be proud of,” Mr Reynolds said.
“This government’s on-going support for Dairy Farmers means the people of Townsville can continue to enjoy the kind of major events such a high quality stadium attracts.
“This is also great news for our local team, the Cowboys, who can continue to enjoy the benefits of a first-rate home ground.”
Cowboys Chief Executive Officer, Peter Parr said he is delighted with the announcement.
“The Cowboys appreciates the support it receives from the Townsville business and corporate community and the Minister’s announcement helps us accommodate the growing demand for corporate facilities,” Mr Parr said.
“This announcement is part of an ongoing program of works the Queensland Government has undertaken to upgrade the facilities at Dairy Farmers Stadium and this commitment by the Government and Stadiums Queensland to improving the facilities at the Cowboys home ground is appreciated.”
Media contact: 3239 6172
Speaking at the Jupiters Towers Queensland Derby Dinner, Ms Spence said the package includes funding for six new outdoor corporate boxes, as record crowd numbers in the past year have increased demand for corporate facilities at Dairy Farmers.
“Over the past 12 months 335,175 patrons have flocked to Dairy Farmers Stadium, to attend sporting and other major events.
“These attendance figures are up almost 40% on the previous year and are the highest recorded at the stadium to date.
“By establishing six new outdoor corporate boxes we will take the corporate capacity of the stadium to 1,754 people in 128 outdoor boxes, 12 internal suites, and 3 corporate function spaces.
“The additional boxes will be built over the summer, ready for the start of the 2009 NRL season.
“Corporate boxes are extremely popular with local businesses wanting to experience events in a premium location with premium service, and they provide an excellent opportunity to showcase this great Townsville venue to corporate visitors.
Also included in the $6.2 Million package of works will be:
• An expansion of the concourse areas in the Eastern grandstand;
• Significant upgrades of food outlets and toilet facilities; and
• Refurbishments to venue offices.
Ms Spence said the Queensland Government has already invested significant funding to transform Dairy Farmers Stadium into a first-class facility, with a reputation as a premier sporting and entertainment venue.
“Last financial year we committed over $6 Million to expand seating, add extra toilet facilities, upgrade access stairways to the Northern grandstand, and redevelop the Queensland Cowboys administration block.
“The work also included the installation of a pedestrian bridge over the drainage swale to the North East of the stadium, which will be used for the first time at the Cowboys and Broncos derby clash.
“These investments are clearly paying dividends – as the stadium continues to attract major events, such as the sold-out Elton John concert late last year and the Crusty Demons Regional Australia Tour.
“In October and November, rugby league fans from across the state’s north will also pack the stands for the two Rugby League World Cup games scheduled to be played here.”
Member for Townsville Mike Reynolds welcomed the funding for facilities in his electorate.
“These upgrades will ensure Dairy Farmers Stadium continues to grow into a facility the people of Townsville can be proud of,” Mr Reynolds said.
“This government’s on-going support for Dairy Farmers means the people of Townsville can continue to enjoy the kind of major events such a high quality stadium attracts.
“This is also great news for our local team, the Cowboys, who can continue to enjoy the benefits of a first-rate home ground.”
Cowboys Chief Executive Officer, Peter Parr said he is delighted with the announcement.
“The Cowboys appreciates the support it receives from the Townsville business and corporate community and the Minister’s announcement helps us accommodate the growing demand for corporate facilities,” Mr Parr said.
“This announcement is part of an ongoing program of works the Queensland Government has undertaken to upgrade the facilities at Dairy Farmers Stadium and this commitment by the Government and Stadiums Queensland to improving the facilities at the Cowboys home ground is appreciated.”
Media contact: 3239 6172