EMPTY STADIUM A WORRY FOR CITY

THERE is no doubt Townsville’s new $300M stadium has had a golden run. When the venue first opened as Covid-19 reared its ugly head, people where pinning their hopes on how the facility could revitalise Townsville and the CBD.

After the first lockdown and the NRL was put on hold, those hopes seemed dashed.

But since then, Queensland Country Bank Stadium has hosted sporting events no one thought possible.

Yes, Townsville’s seemingly Covid-19 free environment helped, but if we didn’t have the stadium the city would have missed out on history making event such as State of Origin.

Since that high point, the stadium has hosted NRL finals, a rugby union double-header and more.

Now as Townsville heads into summer, the stadium schedule looks bare.

Gone are all the sporting events with the only highlight on the horizon being the rock concert involving international band KISS.

And even that seems a long way off. Now Townsville residents used to big-name events every month will have to wait until early next year.

Itneeds to be f illed all year round

For many it will be a reprieve and time to save a few pennies before the onslaught next year.

But for a $300M stadium to stand idle for so long has to be a concern.

Covid-19, while a blessing during winter, may turn out to be a disaster over summer where patrons are looking for live music events for entertainment.

Even with the A-league playing during summer, Townsville is yet to score a match.

There is no doubt the stadium has been a boon for the city, but what must happen now is that momentum is kept going.

The stadium can’t be just a home to the Cowboys, it needs to be filled all year round with world-class events that put Townsville on the world stage. It has to happen to improve the lives of all who call Townsville home.