CoastBhoy
8 May 2009, 12:53
Gold Coast want derby clash with Brisbane Lions as AFL opener
Andrew Hamilton | May 08, 2009 12:00am
GOLD Coast officials will lobby hard to open the $126 million Gold Coast Stadium with a derby against the Brisbane Lions. The blockbuster, which would certainly attract a sell-out crowd of 25,000, could kick off a bi-annual event between the two clubs with a "Kokoda" theme.
AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou gave only cautious support for the proposal, raising fears the construction of the facility might eat into the opening weeks of the 2011 season and would not be available for the NAB Cup and possibly the early premiership rounds.
A derby to kickstart the club's inaugural season would propel membership sales through the roof, given it could be the only way for fans to guarantee a seat at the historic first home game.
Gold Coast chairman John Witheriff confirmed the club would push the derby angle strongly at league headquarters.
"Game one 2011 will be an incredibly important game," he said.
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"But game one at Gold Coast Stadium in front of our own supporters will be an equally important game.
"Wouldn't it be a fantastic dream for game one at the new Gold Coast Stadium to be a Gold Coast verses Brisbane Lions derby. I think that is worth campaigning for."
Lions chairman Tony Kelly said Brisbane would have no objection to being part of the Coast's big celebrations - but said it was too early to talk about themes.
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"We'd like to have a chat to them about the derbys, we're going to play two and the start of the season might be good," he said.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese yesterday delivered the final piece of the funding package with a $36 million development grant to the Gold Coast City Council.
The 25,000 capacity stadium, which has been designed by Brisbane-based Populous (formerly HOK), will include 23,000 seats and standing area for a further 2000. The interior design work has not been completed, but the ground will cater for 2000 corporate guests - most probably including about 100 private boxes and two large dinning rooms.
Demetriou said work would start in the second half of this season after the round 14 premiership match between Richmond and Adelaide on July 4, but he cold not guarantee the stadium would be ready for round 1, 2011.
"That is in the hands of the builders, but even if it is not we can always stage it so it is round 2 or 3, we intend playing football here in 2011," he said.
The race for the new CEO position has narrowed to three with Gold Coast Council CEO and GCFC board member Dale Dickson accepting a new four-year deal from the council.
GCFC chief operating officer Scott Munn appears to have received Demetriou's blessing, although it is understood Geelong's COE Stuart Fox is also highly regarded
Andrew Hamilton | May 08, 2009 12:00am
GOLD Coast officials will lobby hard to open the $126 million Gold Coast Stadium with a derby against the Brisbane Lions. The blockbuster, which would certainly attract a sell-out crowd of 25,000, could kick off a bi-annual event between the two clubs with a "Kokoda" theme.
AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou gave only cautious support for the proposal, raising fears the construction of the facility might eat into the opening weeks of the 2011 season and would not be available for the NAB Cup and possibly the early premiership rounds.
A derby to kickstart the club's inaugural season would propel membership sales through the roof, given it could be the only way for fans to guarantee a seat at the historic first home game.
Gold Coast chairman John Witheriff confirmed the club would push the derby angle strongly at league headquarters.
"Game one 2011 will be an incredibly important game," he said.
Related LinksRichmond star: Brisbane fears Ben Cousins
Jonathan Brown: I wanted Cousins at Lions
"But game one at Gold Coast Stadium in front of our own supporters will be an equally important game.
"Wouldn't it be a fantastic dream for game one at the new Gold Coast Stadium to be a Gold Coast verses Brisbane Lions derby. I think that is worth campaigning for."
Lions chairman Tony Kelly said Brisbane would have no objection to being part of the Coast's big celebrations - but said it was too early to talk about themes.
Print your free tipping sheet
"We'd like to have a chat to them about the derbys, we're going to play two and the start of the season might be good," he said.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese yesterday delivered the final piece of the funding package with a $36 million development grant to the Gold Coast City Council.
The 25,000 capacity stadium, which has been designed by Brisbane-based Populous (formerly HOK), will include 23,000 seats and standing area for a further 2000. The interior design work has not been completed, but the ground will cater for 2000 corporate guests - most probably including about 100 private boxes and two large dinning rooms.
Demetriou said work would start in the second half of this season after the round 14 premiership match between Richmond and Adelaide on July 4, but he cold not guarantee the stadium would be ready for round 1, 2011.
"That is in the hands of the builders, but even if it is not we can always stage it so it is round 2 or 3, we intend playing football here in 2011," he said.
The race for the new CEO position has narrowed to three with Gold Coast Council CEO and GCFC board member Dale Dickson accepting a new four-year deal from the council.
GCFC chief operating officer Scott Munn appears to have received Demetriou's blessing, although it is understood Geelong's COE Stuart Fox is also highly regarded