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21/05/2010 Event build ignites excitement as Sucrogen Townsville 400 draws closer

The first signs of temporary event infrastructure for the Sucrogen Townsville 400 have appeared this week at the city’s V8 Supercar track, with the first of thousands of grandstand seats now in place.

The Reid Park event precinct will be home to a mountain of activity in the coming weeks as preparations for North Queensland’s biggest event – from July 9-11 – are put in place.

This week, dozens of workers have been on-site erecting the first of 25 grandstands, located near one of the most thrilling sections of the 2.86km street circuit.

Sucrogen Townsville 400 Event Manager Kim Faithfull said it was an exciting time to see the first material signs of the event take shape at Reid Park.

“This week marks the start of increasing activity as the countdown to the event begins,” Mr Faithfull said.

“After months of planning behind the scenes, the community will now start to see the transformation of the entire precinct into a world-class event.

“This will include the grandstands and corporate facilities around the circuit, the concrete barriers and fencing, shade structures and a range of amenities.”

Demand for grandstand tickets has seen organisers increase seats by about 1800 this year. The Platinum seating is already sold out and limited grandstand seating in other categories is still available.

Townsville City Councillor and Chair of the Townsville 400 Festival Committee Tony Parsons said: “Seeing the first signs of event infrastructure in Reid Park really ignites a sense of excitement in the community.

“Townsville and North Queensland is very proud of this event and the anticipation is building as the weeks go by.

“We are in a very different situation to last year where much focus was on the construction schedule. Now the community knows what to expect and the talk is about how much we are looking forward to this hugely entertaining event.

“The festival committee is finalising our calendar of events to complement the main event, which features something for every age and interest.

“The Transporter Parade on the Wednesday and the Super Welcome to Townsville Celebration on the Thursday of race week are among the highlights.”

For three days in July, the city will be transformed into a celebration of V8 Supercar fever as world-class rock meets world-class racing.

Rock legends INXS with special guest JD Fortune will take the stage on Saturday 10 July in a one-off concert, which is included in the purchase of a Saturday ticket or three-day ticket to the event.

Townsville’s inaugural V8 Supercar event last year was a massive success and smashed expectations with a crowd of more than 168,000 people over the three days.

Tickets are on sale now and are available through www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849.

A range of accommodation is still available in Townsville for the event, however bookings are filling fast.

The official Townsville Home Stay Program is in place to help meet demand and all accommodation inquiries should be directed to Barrier Reef Dive Cruise and Travel on 4772 5800.






 

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