Johnathan Thurston reflects on Townsville’s stadium ahead of Cowboys v Knights elimination home final

As Townsville’s stadium prepares to host Saturday’s blockbuster home final, one of the legends who helped make it happen has reflected on just how much it’s transformed the city.

North Queensland Cowboys and rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston inside Queensland Country Bank Stadium in 2020. Pics Adam Head

As Townsville’s stadium prepares to host Saturday’s blockbuster home final, one of the legends who helped make it happen has reflected on just how much it’s transformed the city.

North Queensland Cowboys and Maroons great Johnathan Thurston, who is immortalised in bronze at the entrance of Queensland Country Bank Stadium, highlighted the deep connection between the team and their community.

“I said it back in 2015 when we won the premiership, and it’s still true today — North Queensland deserved this stadium,” Thurston said.

“Today, the team plays in a world-class facility in front of 25,000 passionate fans, with a state-of-the-art high-performance centre. Townsville is now firmly established as the sporting hub of Northern Australia.

“The Cowboys have always been integral to North Queensland. When Townsville Enterprise asked me to support the campaign, it was a no-brainer.”

The campaign push for the stadium was loud from TEL, the Cowboys, Townsville City Council and the Townsville Bulletin, who collaborated strongly to ensure funding from both federal and state governments were secured and delivered.

In the past four years, Townsville’s $318 million stadium has hosted the likes of Sir Elton John, Pink, State of Origin men’s and women’s games, A-league, rugby union and boxing bouts, this week also securing The Killers’ opening Australian tour date.

According to Townsville Enterprise, the stadium has generated more than $200 million in economic benefits for the city in the last two years.

Maroons players celebrate with the Women's State of Origin shield after winning game three of the 2024 Women's State of Origin series at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on June 27, 2024. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

TEL chairman Kevin Gill reflected on the project’s profound impact.

“It was the mid-2010s, and our economy was struggling,” he said. “Unemployment was at record highs and development across the city had stalled. At the time, the ageing stadium in the suburbs was no longer fit for purpose.

“Townsville Enterprise, alongside the North Queensland Cowboys and Townsville City Council, identified a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a catalytic project that would drive investment, enhance liveability, and provide a new home for the Cowboys.”

He emphasised that the success of such advocacy was rooted in collaboration.

“While Townsville Enterprise spearheaded the campaign, we couldn’t have done it without the support of our ambassadors, including Johnathan Thurston, the Townsville Bulletin and country music star Adam Brand. Their contributions helped rally the community and bring the project to life.”

Mr Gill said the advocacy effort spanned multiple stages from concept design and feasibility studies to community consultations, delegations to Brisbane and Canberra and persistent budget submissions.

“We saw tremendous backing from our media partners, and the local community became a vocal force advocating for this project,” he said.

“The stadium has indeed lived up to its promise of being more than just a stadium. We’ve seen investments in hotels like Ardo, new community infrastructure and a boost in retail and hospitality.”

Elton John fans Vanessa Carter, Jackie Kerr and Tina White before the superstar’s concert in Townsville in 2020. Picture: Evan Morgan

CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith reflected on the legacy of the stadium and the broader efforts of the organisation.

“Queensland Country Bank Stadium holds a special place in the heart of this community and Townsville Enterprise. It was a visionary idea that came to life through true collaboration and the determination of North Queensland,” Ms Brumme-Smith said.

“This stadium is one of nearly 50 major projects that Townsville Enterprise has successfully advocated for over the past three decades.

“As we celebrate our 33rd anniversary, we look back proudly on the more than $70 billion in economic activity generated for our region.

“We are deeply thankful for the unwavering support of our partners, members, all levels of government, and the community as we continue working together to secure the future of Townsville North Queensland.”

Originally published as Johnathan Thurston reflects on Townsville’s stadium ahead of Cowboys v Knights elimination home final