Suns bring games to Townsville
THE Gold Coast Suns are hoping to boost their North Queensland supporter base, launching a new membership option for the North in Townsville yesterday.
The Suns will play two games in Townsville over the next two years, starting with the highly anticipated clash between the Gold Coast and Geelong, featuring their former captain Gary Ablett who has returned to the Victorian club.
In 2019, the Suns will deliver Townsville its first match for AFL premiership points.
Gold Coast Suns general manager commercial Andrew Thomas said the club was keen to increase its presence in North Queensland.
“Townsville and Cairns are really important recruitment zones for us in terms of our academy,” Mr Thomas said.
“Hopefully in the future we can see a lot of support come out of North Queensland and Townsville.”
People who sign up to the Gold Coast’s Northern Suns membership option get tickets to the two Townsville games and one Suns home game at the Gold Coast’s Metricon Stadium in 2018.
Mayor Jenny Hill said events like next year’s clash between the Suns and Cats were a boost for the Townsville economy.
“Townsville is a sport- loving city and we have a lot to offer as a destination for major events,” Cr Hill said.
“What we know is these kinds of events attract thousands of people from out of town to our region who go on to spend money on things like accommodation, dining out, transport and visiting our tourist attractions.”