Cairns’ push to become a “sports tourism” hub reached a new high at the weekend as the Cazalys light towers were erected over the Westcourt ground. The project will allow for live broadcasting – just one of three grounds in Queensland with this capability.
Cairns Regional Council contributed $750,000 to the upgrade, sport and recreation team leader Tim Bendle said.
“We committed to the project based on the fact it will be the only complete television venue in the region,” he said. “We felt it was a significant sports tourism opportunity.”
Cairns hosted the first AFL match of a three-year deal with the Richmond Tigers this year, with almost 11,000 people attending the game.
The State Government also contributed funding – not just to the lights, but to an overall upgrade. Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said baseball was another sport that could benefit. She suggested building a relationship with Japanese baseball associations to bring high-level games to Cairns.
Courtesy of The Cairns Post.
Last Modified on 13/12/2011 11:30