Magazine - Dairy Farmers to Double Capacity?

By Editor in General News on 15th Nov 2009 6:00

Townsville's major sporting venue, Dairy Farmers Stadium, would almost double in capacity as part of a bid to bring the 2018 or 2022 Football World Cup to Australia.

The stadium's 26,500 capacity would be increased to 40,000 capacity to meet the requirement of the sport's governing body, Federation Internationale de Football Association's (FIFA).

Newcastle's Energy Australia Stadium, Carrara on the Gold Coast, Canberra's Bruce Stadium and a venue in Sydney's west would also be redeveloped. Sydney's ANZ Stadium and Sydney Football Stadium, Melbourne's MCG and Etihad Stadium, Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium will top the list to host games with at least 12 stadiums needed.

Stadiums Queensland yesterday said they would support upgrading Dairy Farmers Stadium as part of the push to lure the biggest sporting spectacle in the world Down Under. "The Queensland Government has indicated in-principle support for the FFA bid and we are working with the Commonwealth and other state and territory governments to consider the FIFA bid requirements and the implications for government," a spokesman said.

Townsville Mayor Les Tyrell said an upgrade of Dairy Farmers Stadium to a 40,000 seat world-class venue would rubber-stamp the city's credentials to host major events. "I think it is a great recognition that we are being considered to host those sorts of matches," he said. "We had a couple of matches for the Rugby League World Cup and we had three matches for the Rugby Union World Cup and obviously our capacity to host those major events has led to us being considered for a Football World Cup.

"It indicates that the State Government has confidence in the city and the stadium to host those events."

Dairy Farmers Stadium's long-serving tenants the North Queensland Cowboys would benefit the most from a major upgrade as would its newest tenants the North Queensland Fury.

LENDL RYAN
Townsville Bulletin

Read more articles in General News, by Editor or from November 2009.