Local’s cup runs over as Madrid take title
AS Real Madrid lifted a record 13th UEFA Cup, Gold Coast’s Tony Cochrane was adding the latest piece of silverware to an exhibition set to begin half a world away.
The Suns chairman and International Entertainment Consulting (IEC) co-founder is the man behind the Real Madrid “World of Football” Experience, set to begin in Melbourne on June 9.
All of Real Madrid’s trophies will be on show, including the 13th one secured with their 3-1 triumph over Liverpool yesterday morning.
“We are doing this big Real Madrid touring exhibition around the world, which is fantastic for the club and this win is good timing for us,” Cochrane said.
Cochrane and wife Thea Jeanes-Cochrane were approached by one of sport’s biggest and most successful clubs two years ago to showcase the franchise to a fanbase of more than 600 million people worldwide.
“We have been working with the club to produce a world touring exhibition and an experience for the greatest club in the world,” Cochrane said.
“There are interactive parts to it so kids can get involved and compare their skills against Real Madrid champions like (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Gareth) Bale.
“There is a 360 degree cinema and all the famous trophies, including the one they just won.
“The club has an amazing history that will be shown.”
The Australian exhibition will be held at a 16,000 sqm facility at Melbourne Museum Plaza for 16 weeks before moving on to China, where it will be based for more than a year as part of a tour that will visit 15 cities around the world over five years.