Gold Coast Titans get home ground base at Robina Cbus Stadium for much better price
THE Gold Coast Titans have finally locked in a stadium for the right price, ending months of speculation the club could move away from the Glitter Strip thanks to a stoush with Stadiums Queensland.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Gold Coast Titans have locked in their Robina home ground for 10 games a year in a deal being hailed a win for fans, the city and local player development.
Titans bosses will today confirm signing an agreement with State Government’s Stadiums Queensland to keep hosting visiting sides at their Cbus Super Stadium fortress.
The five-year deal — through to 2022 but understood to include options within that period in the Titans favour — kicks in tonight when the Titans take on the Rabbitohs at Cbus.
MOMENTUM BUILDS FOR BOUTIQUE STADIUM
Protracted talks prior to the deal had led to threats to shift home games elsewhere as the club explored saving on stadium costs so it could spend more on the team.
The new deal now ensures a minimum of 10 home games a season at Cbus, the Bulletin can reveal.
GET A TABLET WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN
The Titans are understood to have been paying $110,000 to use it on a game by game basis before this week’s new deal was struck. Titans bosses had long argued the club was paying well above the market rates paid by other NRL clubs.
The Bulletin understands the new agreement sees a significant reduction in the club’s annual $1.3 million stadium bill and is closer to the market rates paid by other clubs.
Last night, Titans CEO Graham Annesley would not reveal the new fee structure but said “both parties compromised to get the deal done”.
Asked if the Titans were now paying market rates, he said: “Any improvement is closer to where we believe we should be. Even though I’m sure it’s not an ideal outcome for either party, it’s great to be in a position to get on with our primary objective of improving the club on and off the field.
TITANS LOOKED TO BRISBANE FOR NEW STADIUM DEAL
“It allows us to spend more money on our football side,” Mr Annesley said.
“There are incentives in the deal for both parties to grow crowds. The more money we make, the more money they make.
“This is a relief because we had spent an inordinate amount of time on it. To have it locked away for the foreseeable future means we can focus on the team, performance and development of local players.
“It’s a great outcome for the Gold Coast and everyone who supports the Titans. This is a city that deserves national sporting teams and to have them in a great facility at market rates,” Mr Annesley said.
Titans head coach Garth Brennan added: “This is a win for the members and fans.
“We want Cbus Super Stadium to become a fortress other clubs fear, and now it’s been confirmed as our long-term home, it’s up to us to ensure it becomes just that through our performances.”
GET A TABLET WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN
Titans co-owner Rebecca Frizelle said: “It’s great to be able to focus on the operation and success of the club and not drawn out negotiations.
“It gives long-term certainty to sponsors, our members and fans to have this locked in for a longer period on commercial terms,” she said.”
You pick: Vote now for ultimate Qld Schoolboys team of the year
Vote now: Discover the top schoolboys rugby league players in Queensland and pick your ultimate team of the year from the NRL’s elite Year 10 and senior competitions. Cast your vote here.
‘Rather go surfing’: How Elgey lost, rekindled, rugby league love
Kane Elgey burst onto the NRL scene but by 25 he was lost to the game. Five years later, he has cleaned up in his rare return. He opens up on loving life as a termite inspector and why he doesn’t regret a thing.