Titans Impressed With New Home Stadium
The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans squad took their very first steps on the playing surface at Skilled Park Robina today, the team's much anticipated new home in 2008. Watpac, the principal contractor for the $160 million project hosted a special tour for the players. The team was able to view all aspects of the stadium, from the dressing sheds to corporate facilities, finishing with a walk on the field itself.
The players were impressed with their new 'digs' - Luke Bailey pleasantly surprised by the benchmark standard of the facility.
Bailey said, "It is amazing how quickly it has popped up. Our Football Manager Scott Sattler said it was better than Suncorp but I didn't really believe him until I walked in today. From the sheds to the stands to the field, it is already looking like my favourite field. I like how spacious the dressing sheds are, probably more room than any other I have been in."
Co-captain, Scott Prince was equally in awe and can't wait to lead his team out to a full house in 2008.
Prince said, "All the boys are excited and can't wait to come and play here. It will be awesome. The players facilities are a little like you would expect for royalty, probably a little too flash for football players (laughs). We will take it in our stride and get used to it."
The term 'not a bad seat in the house' certainly rang true for the stadium's visitors today. Once on the field you could sense the thoughts of the players, as they looked to the stands, visualising a capacity crowd.
Coach, John Cartwright said, "Like everyone else I am very impressed with the stadium. It's ultra-modern and has a very good feel to it. You have a look around and even the furthest seat in the stand is pretty close. If we can fill it as we did at Carrara I think it will create a great atmosphere.
"The plan is to win games and set it up as a fortress. It will be a great place to come and play, but it will also be a great place for opposition teams to come and play. The competition for spots to be in that first 17 to play at this stadium is very intense. We had a lot of community support last year and we are expecting the same in 2008 at such a great venue."
The players will officially run onto the field for the first time on March 1 in their only Gold Coast trial match appearance against West Tigers. They'll then take on the Cowboys in the NRL Telstra Premiership season opener on Friday March 14 2008.
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