Heritage Bank Stadium (Carrara)

robstewart23

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Jul 12, 2012
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Absolutely fantastic stadium to WATCH the footy at. You get so close to the action it is amazing. Having grown up in Melbourne and been to Waverley Park and MCG a million times, to be so close is refreshing. However, there are a myriad of problems with ACCESS to and from the ground. Seriously it is a joke and unless the AFL fix it soon people will stop going. Unless you are prepared to park your car at some shopping centre and ride a bus, you can't get there any other way. There are no drop off zones, no parking, no train stations etc. For those not in QLD, our police service up here are a joke. The allocation of their resources is nothing short of disgraceful, yet come game time for the Suns, there are cops everywhere stopping people doing things. I guess that's the country we live in - there is always someone telling you that you can't do something. I mean they station a cop car at night roadworks up here and yet the total number of cops in Surfers on a Saturday night is about five! After the game last night as we attempted to cross a road a cop told us we had to walk about a kilometre the wrong way to get to our lift. He didn't think it was funny when my mate told him perhaps his time could be better served raiding a biker compound once every five years instead of hassling us. My point is I have been in many 90,000+ crowds in Melbourne and everyone gets to and from the ground quite easily in a number of different ways. Suns crowds are about 12,000+ and it is a complete f*** up.
 
Nice stadium. The food and drink outlets are spaced nicely away from the stadium itself which creates more room. But I agree, on Sat it was my first trip to Metricon and it took a good 30 minutes to get onto a bus after the game which is a bit of a pain...When you consider where the stadium itself is located though, then it is hard to compare bus transport to and from the game with the Gabba for instance - as the Gabba is located right in the center of a public transport network.

I think there were around 16,000 at the game on Sat night I would hate to see what it's like after a sell-out.
 
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Last time I was there was a few years ago before the redevelopment. There's a shitload of space, why wouldn't they provide parking for a few thousand cars? I had a rental car when I was there and had no problem parking across the road then.
 

robstewart23

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There's a shitload of space, why wouldn't they provide parking for a few thousand cars? I had a rental car when I was there and had no problem parking across the road then.

You are right. Directly across from the stadium are acres and acres of empty land that has been earmarked for everything from a shopping centre to a racetrack over the past few years. Every second weekend we all point to it and ask why is it not being used for parking?
 
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You are right. Directly across from the stadium are acres and acres of empty land that has been earmarked for everything from a shopping centre to a racetrack over the past few years. Every second weekend we all point to it and ask why is it not being used for parking?
The land probably got bought by the NRL or one of the Titans backers to sabotage the Suns ;)
 

lincsPJ

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Haven’t been to Metricon but from all accounts it’s a lovely little boutique stadium giving fantastic views of the action.

it is.. getting in and out is the problem - and that's only with 10k people there. imagine if the game got remotely popular up there? they'd need to find a way to introduce car parking and find several more adequate park and ride sites.
 

Oneiros

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Yeah, transportation links is arguably one of the most crucial elements of stadium planning and design. Even the most astounding stadium will be unattended and useless if you put it somewhere you need Sherpas to reach.
 

HereIam86

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You are right. Directly across from the stadium are acres and acres of empty land that has been earmarked for everything from a shopping centre to a racetrack over the past few years. Every second weekend we all point to it and ask why is it not being used for parking?

I ask the Suns staff that last year and they said it would be to hard after a game to get all those cars out.
 

HereIam86

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Nice stadium. The food and drink outlets are spaced nicely away from the stadium itself which creates more room. But I agree, on Sat it was my first trip to Metricon and it took a good 30 minutes to get onto a bus after the game which is a bit of a pain...When you consider where the stadium itself is located though, then it is hard to compare bus transport to and from the game with the Gabba for instance - as the Gabba is located right in the center of a public transport network.

I think there were around 16,000 at the game on Sat night I would hate to see what it's like after a sell-out.
I agreed they need to do something about the buses after the game they have two buses for every stop I get the one that goes to the train station. They fill the two buses up then they go and it's a while before more buses are sent. Than you get to the train station which is 5 minutes away and all these buses are just sitting there. I been to games last year were there were over 20,000 and it's the same your sitting there for a while waiting for a bus.
 

Pessimistic

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I was interested to note melbourne could have had 3 or 4 of these for the price of etihad. and thats at least ten years later

I like how the open end has family friendly things like bouncy castles - need to provide other attractions until the suns footy gets attractive by itself
 

Silent Alarm

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I was interested to note melbourne could have had 3 or 4 of these for the price of etihad. and thats at least ten years later

I like how the open end has family friendly things like bouncy castles - need to provide other attractions until the suns footy gets attractive by itself
Though it's a bit different, isn't it? I was really surprised at the cheapness of Skoda. But Gold Coast and GWS play at stadiums that weren't, basically, nothing. There were pre-existing structures. I don't know how much of it was used, but I'd guess it had something to do with it.
 
Though it's a bit different, isn't it? I was really surprised at the cheapness of Skoda. But Gold Coast and GWS play at stadiums that weren't, basically, nothing. There were pre-existing structures. I don't know how much of it was used, but I'd guess it had something to do with it.
Metricon is basically completely new.
Skoda is about 50% new. 1 end has been around since the olympics (the closed end) while the other was redeveloped from an indented, multi level grassed area.
 
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It's also mostly 1 tiered which reduces the cost considerably. And from the looks of the design, a lot of the amenities aren't built into the stands which also keeps costs down.

The design is also helped by the climate on the GC, where it doesn't get bitterly cold and plenty of undercover seats provides protection from the rain. Put it in Melbourne on a day when it's 7 degrees and sleeting and see how popular it is. Especially if the wind is coming in from the open side.
 
I'd just hate to leave after a 7:45 start game, knowing that train services from the GC back to Brisbane are very limited. Fortunately I've only been to games with either daytime or twilight start times so its been relatively simple to get to the train. It can be frustrating also at Nerang station trying to get onto a bus to the ground, surely they know when the trains get into Nerang station.
 
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Christ I am flying up this sounds a nightmare

The only problem with Metricon is the transport there, which even I can admit is shocking.

I think it's a fantastic stadium once you get there. Very open, family friendly, etc. It's just the transport there and back which leaves a lot to be desired.
 
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It's pretty much the stadium that Docklands should have been.

I'm not sure what you mean? The stadium's fantastic for the Gold Coast's climate , but it's extremely open with a limited % of undercover seats. The weather in Melbourne would make Metricon a nightmare to watch footy at.
 

Matchu

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This is some information I posted in the Suns sub-forum in response to someone asking about transport to the stadium. Hopefully people read it and understand that, while it's not ideal, it's not actually that bad if you know what you are doing. Anyway hopefully this information encourages some people to come up to the Coast for the 2013/2014 season/s.

I have now been to quite a few games at Metricon Stadium and feel like I have a good idea about our transport system so I will attempt to give you (and others who read this) as much information about getting to a game as I can for now and the future. The first thing that should be said is that with a pre-purchased ticket public transport (bus, tram and train) is free for 4 hours before the game and 4 hours after the game. Metricon Stadium (Carrara Stadium) is of course located on Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Carrara and depending on how you want to get to the game there are several options:

CAR - DROP OFF/PICK UP
The official drop off/pick up area is Emmanuel College (Birmingham Road, Carrara) which is a 1.5km walk from the stadium.

SHUTTLE BUS - TO THE STADIUM
The shuttle bus areas allow for patrons to either be dropped off at and ride the bus to Metricon Stadium or park and then take the bus ride to the stadium. These areas include:

Broadbeach South Tram Station - Corner of Gold Coast Highway & Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach (Adjacent to the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre)
Cost: Free
Parking: Free parking available in Pacific Fair Shopping Centre which is adjacent to the shuttle area.
Distance: 15 minute drive on bus.
Runs: 2 hours before game and 1 hour after game.

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Boowaggan Park 'n' Ride - Corner of Robina Parkway & Boowaggan Road, Merrimac
Cost: Free
Parking: Allowed and free.
Distance: 10 minutes drive on bus.
Runs: 2 hours before game and 1 hour after game.

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Southport Sharks - Corner of Musgrave Avenue & Olsen Avenue, Southport
Cost: $10 (Must be a Sharks member - Sharks membership costs $6)
Parking: Limited
Distance: 12 minutes drive on the bus. Bus departs behind the scoreboard.
Booking: Bookings must be made at (07) 5532 1155.

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SHUTTLE BUS - GOING FROM THE STADIUM
Shuttle buses from the stadium can take patrons to Nerang Station (Nerang), Broadbeach South Tram Station (Broadbeach), Boowaggan Road (Merrimac).

TRAIN
Metricon Stadium is not near a train station so patrons will need to get to Nerang station and take the free shuttle bus to the stadium. Currently the Gold Coast has 7 train stations: Beenleigh, Ormeau, Coomera, Helensvale, Nerang, Robina and Varsity Lakes. The Suns suggest train travelers should park at the Helensvale Train Station and head south one stop to Nerang where they will then board a free shuttle to the stadium. Using the train service is free to ride if passengers have already pre-purchased their game ticket and may be asked to present the ticket before or while on the train.

Helensvale Train Station - Town Centre Drive, Helensvale
Cost: Free (pre-purchased ticket is required)
Parking: Free.
Distance: 16 minutes drive on train and bus.
Runs: 2 hours before game and 1 hour after game.

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TAXI
A taxi rank operates in the Yellow Car Park just north of Metricon Stadium out the front of the Carrara Indoor Stadium. It is located closest to gate 3. This area is both the pick up and drop off area designated for taxi drivers.

LIGHT RAIL (TRAM) STATIONS
Seeing as majority of tourists will be staying in either Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach I will put a heavy focus on those areas in this explanation.

Main Beach Light Rail Station
Patrons choosing to stay in Main Beach will be able to access the Light Rail station that is located along the Gold Coast Highway, just north of the corner of Tedder Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway. Patrons will then get off at Broadbeach South station and walk about five metres to the shuttle bus area and board the bus that is labeled Metricon Stadium.
Notable Hotels near the Main Beach station include: Oscar On Main, Xanadu Resort, Maldives Resort, The Crest and Contessa Condominiums
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Surfers Paradise North Light Rail Station
Patrons choosing to stay in the Northern part of Surfers Paradise will be able to access the Light Rail station that is located along Surfers Paradise Boulevard. Patrons will then get off at Broadbeach South station and walk about five metres to the shuttle bus area and board the bus that is labeled Metricon Stadium.
Notable Hotels near the Surfers Paradise North station include: Mantra Sun City, Golden Gate Resort, QT Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Australis Sovereign Hotel.
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Cypress Avenue Light Rail Station
Patrons choosing to stay in the central-north part of Surfers Paradise will be able to access the Light Rail station that is located along Surfers Paradise Boulevard, opposite Adrenaline Park. Patrons will then get off at Broadbeach South station and walk about five metres to the shuttle bus area and board the bus that is labeled Metricon Stadium.
Notable Hotels near the Cypress Avenue station include: Mantra Crown Towers, Quarterdeck Resort, Breakfree Moroccan, Outrigger Hotel, Olympus Apartments and International Beach Resort.
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Cavill Avenue Light Rail Station
Patrons choosing to stay in the central part of Surfers Paradise will be able to access the Light Rail station that is located along Surfers Paradise Boulevard, north of Cavill Avenue. Patrons will then get off at Broadbeach South station and walk about five metres to the shuttle bus area and board the bus that is labeled Metricon Stadium.
Notable Hotels near the Cavill Avenue station include: Hilton Surfers Paradise, Sea Temple Surfers Paradise, Mantra Circle on Cavill, Chevron Towers, Hotel Grand Chancellor and Monte Carlo Sun Resort.
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Surfers Paradise Light Rail Station
Patrons choosing to stay in the central-south part of Surfers Paradise will be able to access the Light Rail station that is located along Surfers Paradise Boulevard, opposite the Q1. Patrons will then get off at Broadbeach South station and walk about five metres to the shuttle bus area and board the bus that is labeled Metricon Stadium.
Notable Hotels near the Surfers Paradise station include: Q1 Resort, Watermark Hotel, Wyndham Surfers Paradise, Mantra Legends.
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Northcliffe Light Rail Station
Patrons choosing to stay in the south-central part of Surfers Paradise will be able to access the Light Rail station that is located along Surfers Paradise Boulevard, south of Vista Street. Patrons will then get off at Broadbeach South station and walk about five metres to the shuttle bus area and board the bus that is labeled Metricon Stadium.
Notable Hotels near the Northcliffe station include: Artique Resort and Palazzo Colonnades.
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Florida Gardens Light Rail Station
Patrons choosing to stay in the southern part of Surfers Paradise will be able to access the Light Rail station that is located along the Gold Coast Highway. Patrons will then get off at Broadbeach South station and walk about five metres to the shuttle bus area and board the bus that is labeled Metricon Stadium.
Notable Hotels near the Florida Gardens station include: Crowne Plaza, Surfers Hawaiian and Ipanema Holiday Resort.
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Broadbeach South Light Rail Station
Patrons choosing to stay in the southern part of Broadbeach will be able to access the Light Rail station that is located along the Gold Coast Highway, opposite Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. Patrons will then get off at Broadbeach South station and walk about five metres to the shuttle bus area and board the bus that is labeled Metricon Stadium.
Notable Hotels near the Broadbeach South station include: Jupiters Casino, Mantra Sierra Grand, Bel Air On Broadbeach and Ocean Pacific Resort.
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MY SUGGESTION
Seeing as a lot of people like to stay in Surfers Paradise, the best option to get to the stadium would be to board a southbound tram, get out at Broadbeach South station (end of the line) and take the free shuttle bus to Metricon Stadium. After the footy, there is free shuttle bus that runs back to Broadbeach South station so you can get off the bus and back on the tram on your way back to Surfers Paradise. Broadbeach South Tram Station is located right next to Jupiters casino and within walking distance of the Broadbeach nightlife. All forms of public transport after a game is free for four hours (with an AFL ticket) so perhaps you could check out what Broadbeach has to offer before returning to Surfers Paradise.

FUTURE
Gold Coast Suns CEO Andrew Travis all but confirmed in March 2015 that a ferry terminal will be opened at Metricon Stadium in the near future. This will allow footy goers on the Gold Coast to travel to the stadium via a ferry along the Nerang River. Other ferry terminals will be set up in major tourist destinations such as Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise and although it will take longer than the bus ride, it is definitely the more aesthetically pleasing route. An example of what you'll see along the way:

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So there you have it guys, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask and if it is important I will add it to this post.
 
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