Stadium’s name up in lights

GEELONG’S GMHBA stadium has added to its accolades with a prestigious nationwide award for best regional stadium.

The Austadium awards judge stadiums on the number of public votes they receive.

GMHBA Stadium received 20 per cent of votes for the best regional stadium, followed by Metricon Stadium (11 per cent), Bendigo Stadium (8 per cent), University of Tasmania Stadium (6 per cent) and Mars Stadium (6 per cent).

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Michael Brown said he was “thrilled” that the stadium had been recognised.

“There were some pretty impressive stadiums on the list so there was plenty of competition,” he said. “It’s testament to all the great games we have brought to Geelong.”

The Austadium win was a first for GMHBA stadium, which hasn’t been involved in the awards before.

Mr Brown said the award was great for the Geelong community who supported games like the Big Bash League, AFL, AFLW, rugby and soccer at the ground.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground won Australia’s Best Stadium, Best AFL Stadium and Best Major Stadium.

AAMI Park was named the Best Mid-Sized Stadium, Best A-League Stadium and Best NRL Stadium.

GMHBA Stadium is set to host rugby league on February 22 (Melbourne Storm v New Zealand Warriors) and A-League soccer on March 2 (Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets) before launching in to the AFL season.