Central Coast Council is investing more than $1.7 million in one of the Coast’s most iconic assets, Central Coast Stadium, this financial year to boost the economy and promote sport, recreation and tourism on the Central Coast.

Recent enhancements include the installation of a world-class video screen and upgrade to the sound system – improvements that will support the drive to provide a world-class venue for premier sporting events along with elevating its capacity to host major recreational events and entertainment acts.

Mayor Jane Smith said that Council’s continued investment in the stadium is validation of the tremendous value it brings to the local community.

“In terms of bringing people together and fostering community spirit, the Stadium is an incredibly important asset”, Mayor Smith said.

“By improving our infrastructure, we can better support our partners to improve the quality of experience to all who visit the Stadium”.

Council Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said investing in the Stadium is also a key component of driving tourism and economic development across the Central Coast.

“These upgrades will offer our community the ultimate in visitor experience and prove our reputation as a leading sporting and entertainment venue”, Mr Dowling said.

“Continual improvement is key to the longevity of the Stadium and a demonstration of Council’s commitment to providing a quality sporting, entertainment and recreational venue for the Central Coast.”

CEO of the Central Coast Mariners, Shaun Mielekamp agreed, saying that the upgrades were a timely and welcome development for the growth and development of sport on the Central Coast.

“The Central Coast Mariners have been proudly representing the Central Coast since 2005, and are the only sporting franchise that represent the region on a national and international sporting stage,” Mr Mielekamp said.

“As a club, we are proud to call Central Coast Stadium home and are extremely excited for our supporters who will be offered the ultimate visual and sound experience when we play against Brisbane Roar this weekend.”

The Stadium will boast a busy schedule of high calibre events in the coming months, with 5 Central Coast Mariners home games still to be played in the 2017/2018 season; along with a multi-year commitments from the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters to bring premier games to the venue along with a host of community programs and sporting development initiatives. The stadium will also host International artist Lionel Richie on 31st March and the Queens Baton Relay on 3rd February.

“Central Coast Stadium belongs to the community of the Central Coast. It is a people’s place — a place for the community to come together and share in the various experiences on offer as the momentum and variety of activity at Central Coast Stadium builds.” said Mr Dowling.