Stadium promotes Coast to new audience

Mayor Mark Jamieson today announced Council would retain the naming rights of the Sunshine Coast Stadium and Kawana Sports Precinct, the region’s premier sport, recreation and events venue.

Mayor Jamieson said this new direction provided an opportunity to better promote the Sunshine Coast region to a local, state, national and international audience.

“The 45 hectare Kawana Sports Precinct, formerly known as Stockland Park, consists of the re-branded Sunshine Coast Stadium, Lake Kawana, Kawana Aquatic Centre, Eastern Fields and the Western Fields,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“This decision strengthens Council’s commitment towards sourcing and securing new major events which will help promote the Coast and shape a globally competitive economy in our region.

“Sunshine Coast Stadium is the Sunshine Coast’s premier sporting facility and after reviewing naming submissions, which were lodged through an expression of interest process, Council has decided to re-brand this venue in a way that is geographically recognisable.

“Stockland Development Pty Ltd sponsored the precinct over the past seven years and this agreement expired on June, 30 2014.

“Council has enjoyed a great partnership with Stockland over that time and thanks the organisation for its past support.”

Division 3 Councillor Peter Cox said retaining the naming rights was an exciting step forward and the Kawana Sports Precinct would continue to host an array of events.

“The precinct injects millions of dollars into the local economy by attracting international, national, state and local games across a range of codes, training camps, travelling shows, community events as well as major music and entertainment events,” Cr Cox said.

“The Sunshine Coast Stadium, the region’s flagship venue, will build on its reputation as a highly visible and widely recognised community facility delivering exceptional and diverse experiences that will excite, challenge and engage the community.

“The Kawana Sports Precinct, coupled with the region’s natural assets, liveability and environmental credentials, will promote the region’s reputation as a major events destination.

“I invite the community to attend the first event under the new branding today. We are holding a free family-friendly community event for people to watch the greatest game of rugby league live – State of Origin III - with unrestricted views on a jumbo screen at the Sunshine Coast Stadium.

“The action starts at 2pm with a HOT 91.1 live broadcast, blow up fields and activities for the kids, live entertainment by Shades, giveaways and prizes and most importantly a live screening of our favourite battle between QLD and NSW.”

Background

The Kawana Sports Precinct is a Sunshine Coast Council sport and recreation facility. The 45 hectare precinct includes Sunshine Coast Stadium, Eastern Fields, Western Fields, Lake Kawana and Kawana Aquatic Centre all centrally located on the Sunshine Coast in Kawana.

The facility is home to two Sunshine Coast regional sporting teams – Sunshine Coast Falcons and Sunshine Coast FC (Fire).

The precinct is also home to a number of community sporting teams and competitions including Brothers Rugby Union, Sunshine Coast Rugby Union, Kawana Junior Rugby League, Kawana Senior Rugby League, Kawana Soccer Club, Sunshine Coast Churches Soccer and Kawana Touch Association. These groups utilise the precinct for training throughout the week, and to host scheduled games on weekends.

Kawana Aquatic Centre offers a variety of activities from learn to swim classes, to Aqua-Aerobics. The centre has served as the training base for all levels and codes including swimming, diving and water polo. Kawana Aquatic Centre also provides a venue for many Sunshine Coast schools for coaching, water safety and carnivals.

The Sunshine Coast Lake Kawana is home to a variety of clubs such as the Sunshine Coast Dragon Boats and Ladies Dragons Abreast, AOCRA (Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association), Sunshine Coast Junior Outrigger Paddling, Kawana Canoe and Kayak Club and hosts regattas, state titles and triathlons throughout the year, including the GPS Head of the River rowing regattas.

The facility hosts an array of events including international, national, state and local games across codes, training camps, travelling shows, community events as well as major music and entertainment events.