One of the Gold Coast’s biggest sporting venues now has a new name.
The Gold Coast Suns have confirmed a multi-million dollar deal with Heritage Bank, which will see them take over the naming rights sponsorship of their stadium in Carrara.
The venue, which was formerly known as Metricon Stadium, will now become Heritage Bank Stadium for at least the next five years.
Suns CEO Mark Evans said the announcement heralded a new era for the club.
“Today marks a historic occasion for our football club, to be able to partner with Heritage Bank to help them give back to their members and the people of Queensland,” Mr Evans said.
“Heritage Bank Stadium is a community asset, it’s for the people of the Gold Coast and alongside Heritage Bank, we will continue to strive to bring engaging and diverse content to the region, for its people.
“We are a community-focused club with a commitment to our members, just like Heritage Bank, so we are thrilled to be able to partner with an organisation that shares the same values as we do.”
Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said it was a big moment for the city.
“This is a union that kicks goals for sport and tourism on the Gold Coast,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“When visitors travel to the Gold Coast for world-class stadium sport and entertainment experiences, they support good local jobs and a vibrant visitor economy.”
Heritage Bank CEO Peter Lock said the deal would help propel the brand further onto the national stage.
“Naming this complex the Heritage Bank Stadium name will provide us with incredible national exposure, as well as providing a platform to engage with and support the community of the wider Gold Coast region,” Mr Lock said.
“This facility is much more than a sporting stadium. It’s an important community facility that plays an integral role in the region’s social fabric. We’ll be looking to maximise those community benefits throughout our partnership.
“As a mutual bank, we will be offering people around Australia the chance to switch to a genuinely customer-centric alternative, one that doesn’t put the pursuit of profit ahead of customer service.”
The newly named stadium will hold its first major event next week, when superstar Harry Styles takes to the stage.
