New state-of-the-art floodlights at Sunshine Coast Stadium will be used for the first time in Friday night’s Storm v Titans NRL clash.
The lights are part of continuing upgrades at the stadium which will be Melbourne Storm’s next three home games as the squad continues its camp on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said Storm’s decision to host the Titans, Knights and Bulldogs games at the stadium was a win-win for the NRL and the region.
“We know the Sunshine Coast is a destination of choice for major sporting teams and events and this announcement serves to reinforce that fact,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“We have a track record of selling out the Stadium for top-level rugby league and have no doubt this will be repeated for these Melbourne Storm ‘home’ games, even though it will be a reduced number due to COVID-19 guidelines.
“Our Stadium surface is in pristine condition and is NRL-ready.
“The match against the Titans on July 17 will also be the first opportunity to officially use our new LED Broadcast Lighting system installed earlier this season, which has made hosting these games possible.
“The lighting upgrade had been installed for two other NRL matches and Women’s State of Origin fixtures originally planned pre COVID-19.
“While those two NRL fixtures have unfortunately been cancelled for this year, it is very exciting they have been replaced by these three Storm fixtures.
“We also remain hopeful that the Women’s State of Origin match will be played on the Sunshine Coast later in the year.”
Sunshine Coast Economic Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the three Storm games would provide great opportunities for the region and contribute to boosting the local economy.
“Sourcing local food, beverages, security and production will see some much needed activity in these sectors and for those hundreds of people employed to deliver these events,” Cr O’Pray said.
“In a very competitive tourism market, the national coverage for two games on FOX and one game on FOX and Channel 9 is another great opportunity to showcase our region and entice visitors to come, stay and play on the Sunshine Coast.
“I encourage our residents and Queenslanders to mark the dates in the diary now and book your tickets as soon as possible because they’ll be snapped up very quickly.”
