Crisafulli Government lights up Barlow Park to score more professional events
- Crisafulli Government unveils $10.9 million worth of upgrades at Barlow Park in Cairns
- Television broadcast standard lighting upgrades to attract more professional level sporting events to Cairns
- Upgrades are a game-changer for sports tourism and events in Far North Queensland
The Crisafulli Government has unveiled $10.9 million worth of upgrades to shine a new light on Barlow Park, which will help in securing more professional televised sporting events to Cairns.
The upgrades include new broadcast quality lighting, and a large-screen replay scoreboard, enhancing the match-day experience for players and fans.
The new lighting will allow Barlow Park to host more high-profile events in prime-time evening slots – including NRL, Super Rugby and A-League fixtures – which will bolster the region’s reputation as a sporting destination.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the new infrastructure would have an enormous impact on the community.
“Barlow Park is the beating heart of sport in Cairns, and these upgrades ensure it remains a first-class venue that can attract top-level sporting content,” Minister Mander said.
“The lighting upgrades will not only ensure it is an even better facility for the community to use, but that Barlow Park can host televised professional sporting content with broadcast standard lighting.
“The experience for fans will have a flow-on effect, encouraging and inspiring greater participation in sport within the community while boosting local businesses, creating jobs, and delivering a real economic return for the region.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring all Queenslanders have access to world-class sporting facilities and opportunities, backing communities with the infrastructure they deserve.“
Barron River MP Bree James said the flow-on effects to the local economy can’t be underestimated.
“It’s a great opportunity for our local sporting clubs to get to play on the same grounds as their sporting heroes, which can be really inspiring for young kids,” she said.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden say the broadcast quality lighting will mean that Cairns can now host night fixtures, such as next week’s trial match between the NQ Cowboys and the Dolphins.
“This upgrade is a game-changer for sports tourism and events in Cairns, boosting the city’s ability to host elite level matches, entertainment, and community events for years to come,” Mayor Eden said.
“They are also part of a broader project to upgrade this facility ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, where it has been earmarked to host football (soccer) preliminary group games.
“Broadcast quality lighting means we can now host night fixtures, such as next week’s trial match between the NQ Cowboys and the Dolphins.
“The big screen, which is similar to the one in Townsville and the biggest at a sporting ground in the Far North, will enhance the experience for the crowd.”
