Redcliffe Dolphins ready to open stage two of Dolphin Stadium

PLAYING at Dolphin Stadium is special for the home side and their opponents - something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by one former player who’s looking forward to stage two opening on July 1.

Redcliffe Dolphins' chief executive Tony Murphy and chairman Bob Jones in the new grandstand. Photo: Dominika Lis

BOB JONES just is a little bit jealous of the current crop of players who call Dolphin Stadium home.

With stage two of the $15 million facility due to open on July 1, the Redcliffe Dolphins chairman and former player says there’s something special about playing at the ground. And it’s something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by opposition teams either.

“There was nothing like running out of the tunnel and seeing that hill full of people, but to see it now ... it would be fantastic to be a player today,” Bob says.

“It would be very, very special. Our guys love it and even the opposition love it.”

It seems spectators are also enjoying comfortable seating and protection provided by the roof on the western grandstand.

The new eastern stand will add 3000 seats, with capacity for 1000 standing spectators, contributing to a total capacity of 10,000.

“We’re finding it’s bringing a lot of supporters back to the game and brought new ones too,” Bob says. “They’re better facilities than sitting on the grass and getting hammered by green ants. In its day, that was OK but we have to give people more.”

Bob is grateful for the support the project has received from Moreton Bay Regional Council, the state and federal governments and club members.

He’s certain stage two will open up even more opportunities for the stadium, which has already hosted the 2018 Rugby League Commonwealth Championships, a friendly between Peninsula Power and Melbourne City football clubs and the national final of the U18 rugby league competition. It will host the 2018 Touch Football State of Origin in November.

Australia celebrates their win at the Rugby League Commonwealth Championships, Redcliffe in February. Picture: AAP/Image Sarah Marshall.

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATIONS

Date: Sunday, July 1

Gates Open: 9am

Game Times:

Colts V Wynnum Manly Seagulls 10am

BRL A Grade V Wynnum Manly Seagulls 11.45am

Village Motors Dolphins V Wynnum Manly Seagulls 2pm

Entry: Free to the new eastern stand. Entry to the Des Webb Stand is $10 adults, $5 pensioners and children 15-18 years. Entry for children 14 years and under is free.

DOLPHIN STADIUM FACTS

● Stage one, the Des Webb Stand, opened in August, 2016

● Stage two is expected to be officially opened on July 1 when the Dolphins take on bitter rivals Wynnum in the second round of the Herald Press Cup

● The project has cost $15 million, including $6 million for stage two. It has been funded by Moreton Bay Regional Council, the state and federal governments and the club

● There are plans for a third stage, to develop the northern end of the ground, in the future