BIG PLANS FOR STADIUM’S FAREWELL GAME
Cowboys and fans to farewell 1300Smiles in style
THE Cowboys’ inaugural home ground that has served the club and fans for more than two decades will be farewelled in style when players take the field for the last time this week.
Taking the theme of “Memories and Milestones”, the Townsville Bulletin can reveal how the stadium will be farewelled, with a raft of entertainment planned for spectators on Thursday night.
Before kick-off, club legends Laurie Spina, Matt Bowen, Paul Bowman (pictured) and other iconic figures will lead the Memories and Milestones Flag Ceremony, which will celebrate the different chapters of the North Queensland Cowboys in a stroll down memory lane.
The night will also include an eight-minute fireworks show, musical and dance performances and an on-field Stadium Farewell Fan photo.
The Cowboys Old Boys will form a guard of honour, representing generations of players who have left their blood, sweat and tears on the field.
“This hallowed ground has given us so many memories, so it’s the perfect opportunity for people to return to our wonderful city and first home of the Cowboys to take part in a momentous occasion, which is a pivotal time for our club and the community,” Cowboys chief executive Jeff Reibel said.
“As well as giving the stadium the send-off it deserves, we are also focused on recognising and honouring the many people who have contributed to the time we have spent here.”
On March 11, 1995 the Cowboys ran out on the ground for the first time against the Canterbury Bulldogs in front of a crowd of 23,156. Fittingly, the final game on Thursday will be against the same club.
“We set out to farewell our stadium against the Bulldogs, since we played them in 1995 when we opened up the stadium, so it will be a great night of football and entertainment,” Mr Reibel said.
After the final whistle fans will be allowed on the field for a final goodbye.
“I could not think of a better way to farewell this stadium than getting everyone together on to the ground for a photo before we close the gates for the final time,” Mr Reibel said.
He said it was an opportunity to reminisce but also celebrate.
“I’d like people to leave knowing that they were part of history, that they were part of saying goodbye to this ground, but also feeling part of the future and looking forward to 2020 and beyond,” Mr Reibel said.
Townsville City Council Mayor Jenny Hill will open the Memories and Milestones Flag Ceremony.
“This is something close to the heart of so many Townsville residents and it personifies our community spirit, given the effort it took in the beginning by so many people to get the club off the ground,” she said.
Gates open at 5.50pm with the formal ceremonies beginning at 6.50pm this Thursday before a 7.50pm kick-off at 1300SMILES Stadium.