AIRPORT CELEBRATES STADIUM LIFT- OFF

TOWNSVILLE Airport has unveiled a staggering artwork replicating a glimpse of what the North Queensland Stadium will look like.

Locals and people visiting Townsville will have the opportunity to stand next to cut- outs of North Queensland Toyota Cowboys co- captains Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott on turf.

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys chief executive Greg Tonner said the artwork showed the reality of what the stadium would look like.

“It’s fun. The Cowboys are the one thing that brings us together, represent country spirit, and to have it in Townsville’s airport is fantastic,” he said.

Mr Tonner said as the stadium was closer to being completed more pictures would be added to the fea- ture. “What we’re looking forward to is once the design is completed, to bring to the North Queensland community what it feels like,” he said.

Cowboys community ambassador and former NRL player Ray Thompson said the new stadium was rewarding for players and fans.

“We definitely would love to bring the game closer to the city and make it a bit more of an atmosphere for everybody before the game and after the game,” he said.

“It’s great to see that it has finally come to fruition.”

North Queensland Stadium Watpac project manager Bryan Hayes said the stadium was on schedule to be completed on time.

“Construction is going as planned and is on target for a completion for the 2020 season,” Mr Hayes said.

Picture: EVAN MORGAN SPLASH OF COLOUR: Former North Queensland Cowboys player Ray Thompson ( front) with NQ Cowboys CEO Greg Tonner and stadium project manager Brian Hayes from Watpac with the new artwork at the Townsville Airport.