Construction is about to commence on Stage 3 of Dolphin Stadium with the official sod turning scheduled for Wednesday the 29th of January. Dolphins Chairman Bob Jones will be joined by Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth and Acting Mayor of the Moreton Bay Regional Council Cr Mike Charlton to break ground on the project.
The $6.5 million build will deliver an additional 3170 grandstand seats at the northern end of the ground, change facilities suitable for female athletes with direct access to the main field and a second, upgraded field behind Dolphin Stadium, refurbishment of existing facilities to make them suitable for female athletes along with ancillary items such as an electronic scoreboard and additional amenities for spectators.
Upon completion of the Northern Grandstand, Dolphin Stadium will have capacity for over 11,000 spectators, including over 10,000 seats.
Dolphins Chairman Bob Jones said the increased seating capacity at Dolphin Stadium will open up more opportunities to attract major events to the Moreton Bay Region.
“The chance to host even more national and international events generates massive exposure for our region through broadcast as well as huge economic benefits from visitor spending. Every person travelling from outside the area to watch events at Dolphin Stadium is spending here, whether it’s with accommodation providers, tourism operators or at coffee shops, restaurants and bars. It all equals money for our local economy,” Mr Jones said.
Since the completion of the first two stages of Dolphin Stadium, the facility has played host to a raft of high profile events including the Rugby League Commonwealth Championships, the sold out Intrust Super Cup Grand Final and sold out Brisbane Roar A-League Fixtures. Mr Jones said he still expects to put up the ‘sold out’ sign on these major events, even with the additional seating. “Fans love the intimate atmosphere of Dolphin Stadium, being close to the action, not to mention the affordability of getting a drink and something to eat. There’s no doubt in my mind that for every extra seat we put in, there will be an extra person filling it. That is what the demand is telling us.”
Design & Construction company Paynters, responsible for delivering Stages 1 and 2 has also been appointed to construct Stage 3. Paynters plan to engage local trades and suppliers where possible and are expected to create 80-100 jobs including 15-20 apprentices. Paynters Project Manager Matt Hogg said that the project will commence with civil earthworks, followed by construction of foundations, inground services and the grandstand. It is anticipated the build will be completed in August 2020.
The project is being jointly funded by the Moreton Bay Regional Council, the Federal Government and the Redcliffe Leagues Club.
(left to right) Acting Mayor, Mike Charlton; Brisbane Roar CEO, David Pourre; Luke Howarth MP; Chairman, Bob Jones; Cr Peter Flannery
Dolphin Stadium Final Stage Snapshot
- 3170 seat Grandstand at the Northern end
- Additional change facilities suitable for female athletes with direct access to Dolphin Stadium and the second field behind Dolphin Stadium
- Upgrade to existing change facilities to make them suitable for female athletes
- Amenities to cater for additional patrons
- Ancillary items such as scoreboard displays and refurbishment of change facilities
Government Funding Sources
- $500,000 from the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program (Australian Government) for the construction of female facilities
- $3 million from the Community Development Grants Program (Australian Government)
- $2.5 million from the Moreton Bay Regional Council