Sunshine Coast Stadium at Bokarina is readying for an even brighter future with construction of the $2.7 million broadcast lighting upgrade nearing completion.
The Sunshine Coast’s premier sporting facility will soon deliver international broadcast lighting standards, attracting international and national sports teams to the region.
Two, 200-tonne cranes were used to install the four new light poles, which each weighing 35 tonnes. The original poles and lights will be removed next month, weather permitting.
Sunshine Coast Council Division 3 Councillor Peter Cox was on site during the installation and said the major works were a huge coup for our sporting region.
“The region’s premier venue for sport, recreation and events will continue to grow and expand making it a major drawcard to stage big events,” Cr Cox said.
“The continuous upgrades will strengthen and deliver significant economic and social value to our community as we retain a healthy, smart and creative region.
“The NRL has confirmed its 2020 fixtures, including South Sydney Rabbitohs and Cronulla Sharks, and the new lighting will enhance the success of these highly anticipated events.”
In addition, council has partnered with Tourism and Events Queensland to secure the 2020 Holden Women’s State of Origin fixture to be played under lights at the stadium.
Before switching on the lights, around 25 kilometres of electrical cables will be connected and commissioned in time for the thrills and spills of Nitro Circus on March 29.
Each pole is 45 metres high with a total of 308 LED fittings all controlled by the stadium’s control centre.
Lighting standards for regular fixtures and training sessions will remain unchanged.
When it comes to turning up the lights for events to be broadcast, more than 100 louvres and the latest LED technology have been installed to minimise glare and to meet required standards for broadcast.
The lighting upgrade project follows council’s approval in December 2019 of a concept design for an initial $68 million expansion to the Sunshine Coast Stadium, which would increase fixed seating capacity from 1,046 to 11,618 seats. Council also agreed to commit $17 million towards the project, subject to matching funding being secured from each of the State and Federal governments and other sources.
