THE eyes of a sports-mad nation will focus on Cairns like never before when Cazalys hosts three AFL matches featuring Richmond and the Gold Coast over three seasons, starting next year.
Two big-name AFL players representing each club are expected to be at Cazalys for the official announcement today.
Cazalys has hosted NRL, NAB Cup and trial matches before, but never a regular-season AFL fixture.
An exact date for next year's clash will not be confirmed until the AFL releases its 2011 draw, but it is known the match will be played during the day, most likely in July.
Even though next year's game will not be under lights, night matches can be played at the venue in the future after the State Government yesterday committed $2 million to upgrade Cazalys' lighting.
The work is part of a redevelopment to improve spectator and broadcasting facilities at the ground.
Queensland Sports Minister Phil Reeves said Cairns deserved to be in the national sporting spotlight.
"The redevelopment of Cazalys provides a great opportunity for Far North Queensland, allowing AFL premiership matches to be played there for the first time," he said.
"This is good news for fans, good for jobs and great for the Cairns economy," Mr Reeves said.
AFL Cairns president Gary Young agrees, believing the city will reap enormous benefits from the three-year deal to play AFL games at Cazalys.
The Suns feature ex-Geelong superstar Gary Ablett and Far Northern products Jarrod Harbrow, Charlie Dixon, Rex Liddy and Lewis Moss in their squad, while the Tigers boast a passionate supporter base willing to travel to matches.
Mr Young said a lot of hard work had gone into getting premiership games.
Thanks to The Cairns Post, read more at: http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2010/09/30/128931_local-news.html
Last Modified on 27/10/2010 12:20