Metricon Stadium Ready for the Rising Suns

May 23, 2011

Construction work on the new Metricon Stadium has been completed on time, under budget in 350 work days. Designed by Populous, the global architecture and design practice, the 25,000 capacity stadium is set to become one of Australia’s greenest stadium designs, and at a cost of $144 million is also one of Australia’s most cost effective.

Metricon Stadium, home to the Gold Coast SUNS AFL team, represents a unique development of the community stadium. The design focuses on the traditions of ‘footy in the park,‘ developed to encourage family and community participation. Public food courts are located in the park creating outdoor picnic and food court areas – a characteristic reminiscent of the old Carrara. Inside the stadium, spectators are treated to the best sightlines of any AFL venue in Australia.

Chris Paterson, Principal at Populous and lead architect on the new stadium said the new facility draws on the wealth of international expertise that Populous brings to the design of stadia, whilst providing a unique local solution.

“New corporate hospitality options replace the traditional banquet tables providing a whole new dimension to the live game experience. Stylish and contemporary suites and lounges, with informal seating and coffee tables, will create an atmosphere of ‘watching from home’ at the live match experience. Open corporate barbecue terraces offer a more relaxed corporate environment and reflect the Gold Coast lifestyle. The Coaches Field Club offers a completely new concept in fan experience in Australia. Members are fully immersed in the game. They have direct viewing access into the Club’s warm-up areas, and can even high-five the players as they run out onto the pitch,” said Paterson.

AFL Stadium Development Manager Simon Gorr agreed the stadium has set a new benchmark in AFL stadium design. “Metricon Stadium will offer the ultimate spectator experience for the live event, in a stadium that is both cost effective and distinctive. We are very proud to have Metricon Stadium, home of the Gold Coast SUNS, as our newest AFL stadium.”

In another Australia-first, a ‘solar halo’ has been integrated into the stadium roof design. Photo-voltaic cells integrated into the ‘solar halo’ provide the stadium with 20 percent of its power usage. In addition, extensive water harvesting and a new public transport system creates a new benchmark for environmentally sustainable stadia.

The stadium’s roof design references its unique Gold Coast identity with its undulating wave form  reminiscent of the swell of the Broadbeach Surf and the undulating backdrop of the hinterland. “The new stadium is a significant landmark on the Coast; the architecture’s colour and form generates a sense of fun and excitement,” says Paterson.

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