The Gold Coast will host its first official AFL match in 14 years later this month when the Brisbane Lions clash with Essendon in the 2006 NAB preseason cup on Friday - February 24th.
Carrara Stadium will also host two AFL premiership matches in 2006, with Melbourne facing Adelaide in round three (April 16th) and the Brisbane Lions vs Hawthorn in a round seven encounter on May 13th.
Carrara Stadium is situated 8km west of Surfers Paradise. It was the home of the Brisbane Bears from 1987 when the club was admitted to the VFL competition through to 1993 when the club relocated to the Gabba. Carrara has an estimated capacity of around 22000 with seating under cover for 5300. The playing surface is similar in size to the MCG and the ground is well served by excellent floodlighting and facilities.
The Australian Football League (AFL) has made a $1 million commitment to the upgrade of Carrara with the Gold Coast City Council budgetting in $2 million as well.
There is also speculation that if succsesful that an ailing Melbourne based team could be relocated to the Coast. This would add to the recently appointed NRL team on the Coast, the Gold Coast Dolphins and see the Gold Coast become a destination for football fans of the nations two biggest codes.
See the AFL website for fixtures and round details.
