Metricon Stadium named as a finalist in global stadium awards

Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coact has been named as a finalist in the 2012 Stadium Business Awards.

The new stadium, completed in May 2011, joins a number of international stadium projects on the finalists list, including the expansion of Edgbaston International Cricket Stadium, Birmingham, UK and The Wing at Silverstone, also in the UK.

Inaugurated in 2010, and held annually alongside The StadiumBusiness Summit, The Stadium Business Awards recognise leadership, innovation and achievement in the delivery, operation and management of sports facilities globally.

Greg Kempton, Managing Director of Watpac, the managing contractor on the redevelopment project, is delighted that Metricon Stadium has been named as a finalist at the Awards, stating "Watpac has established a strong reputation for delivering high quality sport stadia.

"The fact Metricon has been recognised at this very high level is testament to our credentials in this specialist area of building and project management.

"I congratulate everyone involved with the development of Metricon on this prestigious nomination and wish the venue all the very best with the award."

The $144.2 million Metricon Stadium redevelopment features an AFL oval that is suitable for hosting international cricket, and also incorporates an athletics field and FIFA sanctioned football field. Its design included an increase in capacity to 25,000 people and facilities for 2,500 corporate patrons.

The Populous designed Stadium is Australia's first 'solar stadium', incorporating a solar roof which has enough capacity to power around 20% of the stadium's energy requirements over the course of a year.

Watpac's previous experience developing sports stadia include Suncorp Stadium and the Stage 6 redevelopment of The Gabba in Brisbane, and Skilled Park on the Gold Coast.

Watpac is currently constructing the $112 million Eastern Plaza, stage one of the Melbourne Park redevelopment, and is undertaking $4 million civil infrastructure works to Melbourne's new Olympic Park facility.

The Stadium Business Awards will be presented in Turin, Italy, during the The StadiumBusiness Summit on 15th May 2012.

For more information go to www.stadiumbusinessawards.com

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