The Sunshine Coast’s growing reputation for showcasing elite sport is set to be enhanced in April when the Cronulla Sharks ‘host’ the North Queensland Cowboys.
The Round 4 NRL encounter was officially launched at Sunshine Coast Stadium Tuesday, with Sunshine Coast Council and Sharks identities on hand.
The match will be held on Saturday, April 3, and droves of locals and tourists are expected to turn out, boosting the local economy.
“The timing couldn’t be better,” Mayor Mark Jamieson said.
“It’s an opportunity to make the most of the long weekend, with all that the Sunshine Coast region has to offer.”
Queensland Health has approved a capacity of just over 6,000 people for the match.
“It’s a fantastic venue and experience for footy fans at a great time of year,” the Mayor said.
“I’d suggest anybody who is interested in attending not to delay (booking tickets).”
He said local businesses should be bolstered.
“Whether you’re in accommodation, restaurants or attractions you’ll be well placed.”
“I can’t foresee what foresee what’s going to happen with COVID but at the moment the Sunshine Coast is well placed and this is a wonderful promotion to Sydney and The Shire.”
Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta expected it to be a great game, attracting fans from the region and from Cronulla.
“It will make a wonderful spectacle and in a first-class facility,” he said.
“It will be one of the first occasions the Sharks take a (home) game outside The Shire and what better place to come than the Sunshine Coast.
“There are so many similarities between the Cronulla district and the community here. We’re looking forward to it. For our members and fans, we encourage you to make the trip.”
Sharks star Shaun Johnson also expected the game to be a highlight of their season.
He said the stadium and surrounds were “great”.
“It’s got an awesome vibe about it. It’s certainly an awesome ground to watch the footy, a great facility.”
The match will be next in a line of big rugby league games contested on the Sunshine Coast.
The Melbourne Storm played six of their NRL matches at the stadium last year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, and the women’s State of Origin clash was also held there. The Rabbitohs are set to host the Warriors at the Bokarina venue in July.
The venue hosted its first NRL match in 2019, when the Rabbitohs played against the Warriors. The venue and region have earned rave reviews since.
“The pitch looks outstanding,” Sharks legend Paul Gallen said, before lauding the club and council for arranging next month’s fixture.
“It’s a great way to spread the game and show the game. I’m a big advocate of that and I think every NRL team should take at least one home game away to regional areas in New South Wales or Queensland, to grow the game and get new fans involved. Hats off to Sharks and to the Sunshine Coast for taking them in.”
Mayor Jamieson said the region had a growing population and footy fanbase and said the Sunshine Coast could have a connection to the NRL team bid from Redcliffe.
“I’ve spoken to them (the bid team) and they are very confident that they’re well placed (to be accepted into the NRL).
“The Brisbane River and north to Wide Bay and South Burnett becomes an obvious target for that new franchise. The Sunshine Coast is part of that (area).”
He said they could even try and form a more pivotal role with the Redcliffe bid, including the possibility of re-naming the team in an effort to encapsulate more of the region.
“We’ve had broad conversations with Redcliffe about it.”
“They’re neighbouring councils, Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast and we are probably the two fastest growing councils in the country.
“I think the people of those areas expect to support their own team in the future.”
He said the Sunshine Coast has now proved its rugby league worth and ability to showcase elite sport.
“With our experience last year, with the Storm playing six games here against six different clubs, we were able to demonstrate we could support NRL, irrespective of who is playing, because this is a real stronghold.”
The stadium’s seating configuration allows the Western Grandstand and Try Zones to operate at full capacity with designated seating.
Temporary individual seating will be provided on the Eastern Hill, similar to the arrangements for the 2020 Storm fixtures.
The northern and southern hills will operate at a reduced capacity for social distancing, with patrons to BYO blanket for picnic style seating.
Ticket prices range from $20 to $75. Family packages are available.
Sharks members can access pre-sale tickets from midday on Wednesday.
Tickets go on sale to the general public from 9am on Monday next week.
For more information and to book your tickets, visit www.ticketek.com.au.
