Sport
15 February, 2025
Lights, camera, action
A $10.9 MILLION lighting upgrade at Barlow Park has been unveiled just in time for Friday night footy with the first match of the season for the Northern Pride and a special NRL match as the NQ Cowboys take on the Dolphins.
Barlow Park has reached television broadcast standards thanks to an upgrade in collaboration between the state government and Cairns Regional Council which has given the oval four new lighting poles and a wide video screen for scoring and replays.
The upgrade is part of a plan to have Barlow Park ready to host preliminary football matches for the 2032 Brisbane Games and it was completed in time for the trial matches between the Cowboys and the Dolphins and the Northern Pride vs the PNG Hunters both which will test the synergy of the teams and their new recruitments.
Minister for Sport Tim Mander said the upgrade would mean a lot to local sport.
“This will be fantastic for Friday night, when we have the Dolphins and the Cowboys playing here, as they play the first major game under these lights,” he said.
“These lights are the standard that we require for television and that means that some of the bigger sporting organisations, whether it’s the NRL, the AFL, Super Rugby, or an athletics carnival, Cairns is now an option for those clubs to come up and play fixtures or have pre-season games. “What this also means is that on our runway to the Olympic games of 2032, Cairns could be front and centre of activity. We’re waiting for the review from GECA to confirm where the venues will be over the next four weeks.
“Friday night is the first of many to come and I’m looking forward to seeing many more announcements in the future about other events.”
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said it was a game changer for sport in Cairns.
“This upgrade is a game changer for sports tourism and events in Cairns, boosting the city’s ability to host elite level matches, entertainment and community events for years to come,” she said.
“Broadcast quality lighting means we can now host night fixtures, such as the trial match between the NQ Cowboys and the Dolphins.
“The big screen, which is similar to the one in Townsville and the biggest at a sporting ground in the Far North, will enhance the experience for the crowd.”
NQ Cowboys fullback Thomas Chester said he was excited to play under the new lights.
“Being a North Queensland boy I’m excited about what’s happening in Cairns, I’ve played under the old lights and these new ones seem so much better so rain, hail or shine we hope to see everyone here on Friday,” he said.
Northern Pride new recruit Quinnlan Mooka is looking forward to test himself on the oval for the first time.
“I come here as a centre, I’m learning about the team, its values and I just want to add to what the team’s done last year and hopefully take the premiership,” he said.
“Playing against the Hunters is obviously a challenge, it’s a big physical team but I’m also looking forward to it.”
A crowd of about 7000 people is expected at Barlow Park for the first games of the year.
To buy tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3Edcf96
