Metricon gets ready for Games

NEARLY 10,000 extra sets will be built at Carrara’s Metricon Stadium as workers race against time to convert the AFL ground into the Commonwealth Games centrepiece.

The normally pristine green AFL field has been completely cleared and replaced by dirt and heavy machinery working to complete the transformation with just 204 days remaining until the opening ceremony is held.

Contractor Cockram Constructions has begun excavating the site to create two IAAF certified tracks and 9500 extra seats, taking the stadium’s capacity to 35,000.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the start of the works at Carrara was a significant milestone

“This is an exciting time in the Games journey with this key venue evolving from an AFL field to a spectacular stadium where the eyes of the world will be focused for the Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018,” she said.

“The track and associated infrastructure will be completed in time for the National Athletics Championships in mid-February where we will see some of Australia’s greatest athletes trial the track and the facility ahead of the Games.”