T20 certain to be cash hit for GC

THE first international Twenty20 fixture at Carrara’s Metricon Stadium is shaping as a multi-million dollar hit for the Gold Coast economy.

In State Parliament yesterday, Tourism Minister Kate Jones excitedly used cricket terminology as she talked up the economic benefits of Saturday night’s clash between Australia and South Africa.

Ms Jones said the game was possible due to the Government’s investment before the Commonwealth Games to make Metricon Stadium capable of hosting elite sport.

“We invested in broadcast quality lighting and a drop-in wicket for Metricon Stadium so we can now host international cricket on the Gold Coast, a lasting legacy of the Commonwealth Games – howzat!” Ms Jones said.

“We expect this event to generate more than $1.5 million for the Gold Coast economy. And with three Big Bash League matches also scheduled for later in the season at Metricon, we know the Gold Coast tourism industry will continue to make runs throughout the season.’’

Ms Jones said the weekend match would launch “an amazing summer of events in Queensland” including the Woodford Folk Festival, the Jeff Horn-Anthony Mundine fight, Magic Millions and Burleigh Pro.

Organisers hope to fill 20,000 seats at Metricon Stadium on Saturday. About 12,000 tickets had been sold by yesterday, bolstering hopes of more international fixtures for the Gold Coast.

About 2000 seats have had to be sacrificed to make room for giant television screens at each end of the ground, broadcasting the action.

In Big Bash matches, the Heat will play the Hurricanes at Metricon Stadium on December 22 – the Brisbane team’s first home game outside of Brisbane – and take on the Sixers on January 1. The Stars and the Thunder play there on January 5.

Fans might have to pack raincoats for Saturday, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a possible shower.