Great Barrier Reef Arena opens following redevelopment

Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena was recently officially opened with a Legends on the Lawn Concert following its $25 million redevelopment, incorporating a new 2,000-seat grandstand.

Completed in March, the redevelopment boosts the venue’s capacity to 10,000 and features undercover seating, media and broadcast facilities for AFL and cricket, new facilities for players and officials, corporate and events facilities.

The upgrade also introduced adjacent greenspace and public domain for music and cultural event facilities, community events plaza, walking tracks and new food and beverage outlets.

With $20 million in government funding, and more than $5 million contributed by Mackay Cricket Association itself, the arena officially opened with the Legends on the Lawn concert held on the field on May 20.

7,700 spectators filled Great Barrier Reef Arena for the opening where Australian icons Paul Kelly, Bernard Fanning, Missy Higgins, Mark Seymour, Vika & Linda and Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley all performed.

Attending to officially open the Great Barrier Reef Arena in a ribbon cutting ceremony were The Honourable Deputy Premier of Queensland, Steven Miles, The Honourable Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for the Arts Tony Burke, The Honourable State Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport Stirling Hinchcliffe and State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert.

A highlight of the ribbon cutting ceremony was a tour of the Tim Mulherin Community Green, named in dedication of the significant contributions the late State Parliamentarian made to driving the Great Barrier Reef Arena project forward.

General Manager, Adrian Young said, “the Great Barrier Reef Arena represents our city’s commitment to excellence and is testament to our collaborative belief in the power of sports to bring people together, foster inclusion and nurture belonging.

“It will be a place where great memories are created that will last a lifetime.”

Announced by Cricket Australia only days before the Legends Concert, Great Barrier Reef Arena will play host to a four-day tour match between Australia A and New Zealand A in September.

“This announcement is just the first of many to come, and demonstrates that the Great Barrier Reef Arena will deliver a huge array of benefits for our region and will provide Australia’s leading regional event experiences in one of our nation’s most inspiring destinations,” Adrian said.

The venue is also expected to host WBBL and AFLW matches across the upcoming summer, with fixtures to be announced shortly.