Gosford City Council's new approach to management of Central Coast Stadium

Having taken over the management of the Central Coast Stadium (the former Blue Tongue Stadium) in February, Gosford City Council is currently looking to attract a new naming rights sponsor for the venue as part of plans to reinvigorate the venue.

In an EOI document, the Council state "the naming rights sponsorship is the perfect chance for a business to make their mark on an iconic landmark in a time of major growth and rejuvenation for the (Gosford) CBD.

"With its close proximity to public transport and picturesque views out to Brisbane Water, Central Coast Stadium hosts a wide variety of sporting and entertainment events each year and has a huge potential for future growth.

"Central Coast Stadium is a highly visible sporting and community venue with strong local backing. Council is eager to build on this support by working with a new naming rights sponsor to develop innovative ways to engage with fans and locals."

After 13 years of management by the John Singleton Group, Gosford Council is aiming to maximise the economic and tourism potential of the entire Grahame Park Complex, including the Stadium.

Council General Manager Paul Anderson recently told local media "the stadium is such an important part of our community and a major asset for tourism on the Central Coast, attracting over 2.3 million spectators since its inception and injecting an average of over $3 million into the local economy each year.

"Gosford Council is thrilled to be guiding the future direction and growth of such an integral feature of our local community and will look to further expand on the tourism and economic opportunities this presents."

Commenting on the achievements of Singleton and his management team, Gosford Mayor Lawrie McKinna added "under the guidance of Managing Director Monique Marks and her team, the stadium has staged over 400 events in the past 13 years including international rugby union, A-League football and NRL matches, branching out into boxing, motor cross and open-air rock concerts, as well as hosting a multitude of local sporting and community events.

"I would like to thank (John Singleton and his) management team for its hard work in attracting visitors to our region and its vision in recognising the potential of our city. They have created a strong foundation from which council can continue to grow and develop this valuable community asset."

Managing Director Monique Marks said she was confident the council could continue to build on the achievements of the past 13 years, concluding "after 13 years and so many memorable events staged for residents and visitors to Gosford, it is time to focus on new challenges to support our city.

"Mr Singleton's financial commitment and passion for the Central Coast has seen him personally inject over $5 million into the community during this time, through sponsorships and attracting events to the stadium.

"I am excited the venue will continue to grow under the management of Gosford Council and I am confident council can build on the great reputation we have been able to achieve."

The naming rights EOI is the first step in a two stage process and a formal invitation to submit a tender will be given by council to the shortlisted respondents.

The EOI documents are available free of charge by clicking on the link below.

Submissions close at 1pm on Tuesday 1st April 2014.

For more information, please contact Central Coast Stadium Manager Kath Casey on 02 4304 7679, E: kath.casey@gosford.nsw.gov.au, www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/tenders

10th August 2013 - CENTRAL COAST MARINERS LOOK TO MANAGE GOSFORD’S BLUETONGUE STADIUM