Why invest in the stadium?

With a $13.4 million upgrade announced it's a question worth answering.

The Southern Stars will play two one dayers versus England at C.ex Coffs International Stadium on October 26 and October 29. Picture: Robert Cianflone

THE recent announcement that Council was successful in its bid for Federal funding towards a $13.4m upgrade of the C.ex Coffs International has rightly been lauded as fantastic news for the city, for sport and for the region's economy.

But you may ask yourself - why is Council spending money at the Stadium again?

It's a question that does come up and I'd like to outline why it is so important to improve its facilities to maintain the Stadium's reputation as one of Australia's premier regional event venues.

Put simply, it's about dollars. Sports tourism delivers around $30m every year to the Coffs Coast - and the Stadium can claim credit for around $19m of that money. We're not talking about ticket sales or beverage revenue; the money goes directly to the locals providing accommodation, meals, shopping and other services that the participants, supporters, officials and media enjoy when they are here for an event.

That money is recycled through the local economy via wages and services, helping generate more jobs and more services which, in turn, ultimately help grow the region's economy.

Picture: Daniel Heather

However, there has been no significant investment in the grandstand, or the facilities for players, spectators, media and officials, corporate hospitality options, parking and refreshments areas for more than 20 years.

But now we have the grant, we can begin the necessary upgrades for the stadium to maintain its ranking as a top regional and national venue into the future.

Hosting top-flight sports stars is also a surefire way of capturing the imagination of the young local sports stars of the future - as well as encouraging participation in activities that help build healthy and active communities.

Of course, the state and national events that bring the top-flight players also attract fans and families, who play a large part in increasing the numbers of visitors coming to Coffs every year.

Let's not forget too that the Stadium is a very important venue for those youngsters all year round with a huge number of school carnivals and local sports competitions held there annually, as well as providing enjoyment - and employment - for the wider community.