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USC opens impressive $10 million stadium
Sporting groups are lining up to use the University of the Sunshine Coast’s new $10 million indoor sports stadium which was opened today by Federal Education, Science and Training Minister Julie Bishop.
The air-conditioned 3705 square metre stadium will be used for University and community sporting events – including basketball, netball, futsal, volleyball and badminton – and for University research and teaching.
USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Thomas AM said the stadium, which accommodates three basketball courts, was an impressive sports venue that was the first of its kind on the Sunshine Coast.
“What singles this stadium out is that there will be analytical and research activities associated with the sports undertaken there, to enhance the performance of young and old, elite or leisure participants,” he said.
“The impressive range of services provided by coaches, researchers, medical and allied health staff will increase further once a Health and Sport Centre adjoining the stadium is completed.”
Professor Thomas said the USC Council recently approved an immediate start on planning for this Health and Sport Centre.
“The University is continuing to expand its world-class health and sport facilities for the benefit, not only of staff and students of the University and Chancellor State College, but also for the whole community,” he said.
“We are grateful for the strong support from the Commonwealth Government and the State Government, whose contributions have enabled USC to build this impressive complex.”
Construction of the stadium received $5 million from the Federal Government’s Voluntary Student Unionism Transition Fund for Sporting and Recreational Facilities and $2.9 million from the Queensland Government.
The Queensland Government contribution comprised $2 million from the Department of Education, Training and the Arts and $900,000 from the Department of Sport and Recreation.