The Sunshine Coast has shown its great support for elite sport in the region with “sold out” signs going up for both the Melbourne Storm and Sunshine Coast Lightning matches this weekend.
Both Storm and Lightning will be facing Queensland opposition on Sunday with the NRL clash against North Queensland Cowboys at Sunshine Coast Stadium and the Super Netball fixture against Queensland Firebirds at USC Stadium.
The two games are only three hours – and just a few kilometres - apart and will give thousands of fans the chance to see Storm and Lightning continue their push towards their respective finals series on the Sunshine Coast.
Tickets for the Storm v Cowboys clash were sold out just 24 hours after going on public sale on Monday.
It will be the fifth match – and fourth sellout - at Storm’s “home away from home” which has coincided with a four-game winning streak for Craig Bellamy’s team at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
With three rounds remaining for both teams before their league’s respective finals, Storm lie in clear second place on the ladder, while Lightning is in third, just behind second-placed NSW Swifts on percentage.
Both matches on Sunday will operate under Queensland Government approved COVID-Safe plans.
Storm CEO Dave Donaghy today thanked Sunshine Coast residents and Sunshine Coast Council for their continued support of both teams.
“To have two sellouts for Sunday is a huge positive for our two clubs and another big show of support from the locals who have adopted Lightning and Storm as their teams either via memberships or purchasing gameday tickets,” Donaghy said.
“I know there will be some fans who will get a unique Super Netball/NRL double-header experience on Sunday – the Lightning game at 1pm at USC Stadium followed by Storm v Cowboys for the first time at Sunshine Coast Stadium at 4pm.
“It’s a fantastic afternoon of sport coming up for the Coast and there’s more to come with another Storm home match against Wests Tigers on September 19 and Lightning to face the Vixens for the final round of the regular season at their home at USC Stadium.
“We have been embraced by the community and received wonderful assistance from Sunshine Coast Council, and our teams will be determined to make it two victories for us to celebrate this Sunday.”
Lightning CEO Danielle Smith said the loyalty and support of the Sunshine Coast community in what has been a challenging year has been nothing short of remarkable.
“The Sunshine Coast community is such an integral part of Lightning and to see the outpouring of support for our club, and for them to welcome Storm with open arms has been incredible,” Smith said.
“As a club we have greatly missed being out in the community in person this season, but the team has relished the opportunity to play in front of a such a passionate, vocal crowd.
“I hope members and fans take advantage of this rare double header this Sunday, with both teams playing to capacity crowds.”
A limited number of additional tickets are expected to go on sale on Friday for Lightning’s match against the Firebirds, when some League contractual tickets are returned to the club.
Tickets for the Storm v Tigers game will go on public sale via Ticketek on Monday following a members’ only buying window this Friday.
