BUY GAMES TICKET, TAKE GAMES RIDE

IT is Games on Gold Coast.

There is an old saying ‘buy the ticket, take the ride’. And that is exactly the attitude the whole city needs to embrace now just a touch over two weeks out from the sporting extravaganza officially starting on April 4.

No matter where you look, Commonwealth Games buzz is building apace.

Yes, there are those flashing roadside signs all over the Gold Coast warning you to get ready and think about how you will get around the place. You also can’t miss the bright orange ‘Games lane’ lines on the main roads.

Businesses aiming to capitalise on the event and million extra visitors expected to pour into the city are exercising their grey matter on how to best logistically deal with the influx and disrupt to normal scheduling of deliveries.

Equally, the sexier and more exciting aspects of the event are also starting to emerge.

Yesterday, one of the world’s fastest men – Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake dotted down in Queensland ahead of his star appearance on the athletics track out at Carrara Stadium.

It appears almost a certainty one of the few people on the planet who can beat him – yes, his countryman Usain Bolt – will be on deck in the city as an ambassador during the Games.

The huge police and military presence which has already begun its build-up will start to become commonplace.

Even Games Minister Kate Jones, joined by visiting media, has donned her pyjamas to help give the Athletes Village a test drive overnight.

The latter part of this coming week will see The Star entertainment complex in Broadbeach launch its new six-star hotel, Darling. That will be followed by the party of the year to unveil the 19 bar and restaurant on its roof, a proud and fitting partnership with entertainment guru Billy Cross and top restaurateur Simon Gloftis.

It is an exciting time for the city.

As we have heard ad infinitum, this global event – which more than 1.5 billion people are expected to tune into – will be a defining moment in the history of this great city.

Just like the athletes out on track, in the pool, on the road and at the sporting venues, there will be pain for parts of the city. It is unavoidable when hosting an event of such magnitude for almost two weeks.

But just like those athletes who will push through the pain barrier, give their best and strive for the ultimate, the rewards will be monumental.

The nation and indeed the world is about to realise just how far the Gold Coast has come since its days as just a beachy village which was an amazing place to visit.

Now it is not just that – it is also an amazing place to live, work and play and the rest of the planet is about to be let in on the secret.

Everyone has a part to play in showing off the city and the rewards will be well worth the effort.

You’ve bought the ticket Gold Coast. Now it is time to take the ride.