GAMES FOR FUTURE

THE Commonwealth Games were a business flop for many.

That is not in dispute and there will always be a lesson in that talking up transport issues ahead of an event will solve those issues by driving people away. Unfortunately it drives so many away it impacts the very atmosphere of a busy, buzzing city that is trying to be fostered.

A year on from the Games, the biggest event this city has ever hosted, new research confirms many bought into the hype and stocked up and staffed up but were let down by the crowds which did not eventuate except for the sports arenas. Not all suffered though.

There were many shining lights however, and many businesses who were lucky to be on the tram line – such as Swannies bar in Southport – or visited night after night by sports stars (such as Sin City with its mutually beneficial relationship with Usain Bolt) and newly opened Star Gold Coast rooftop restaurant and bar Nineteen, which hosted a parade of medallists and teams. And in the long term, many realise the payoff is coming their way.