Infrastructure for the Sucrogen Townsville 400 is well advanced ahead of the city’s second V8 Supercars event this July.
This week, dozens of workers have been on-site erecting the first of 25 grandstands around the 2.86km street circuit.
Sucrogen Townsville 400 Event Manager Kim Faithfull said it was an exciting time to see the first signs of the event take shape at Reid Park.
“This week marks the start of increasing activity as the countdown to the event begins,” Faithfull said.
“After months of planning behind the scenes, the community will now start to see the transformation of the entire precinct into a world-class event.
“This will include the grandstands and corporate facilities around the circuit, the concrete barriers and fencing, shade structures and a range of amenities.”
Demand for grandstand tickets has seen organisers increase seats by about 1800 this year. The Platinum seating is already sold out and limited grandstand seating in other categories is still available.
Townsville City Councillor and Chair of the Townsville 400 Festival Committee Tony Parsons said that this year’s pre-event hype shifts from construction deadlines to entertainment anticipation.
“Seeing the first signs of event infrastructure in Reid Park really ignites a sense of excitement in the community.
“Townsville and North Queensland is very proud of this event and the anticipation is building as the weeks go by.
“We are in a very different situation to last year where much focus was on the construction schedule. Now the community knows what to expect and the talk is about how much we are looking forward to this hugely entertaining event.
“The festival committee is finalising our calendar of events to complement the main event, which features something for every age and interest.
“The Transporter Parade on the Wednesday and the Super Welcome to Townsville Celebration on the Thursday of race week are among the highlights.”
Rock legends INXS with special guest JD Fortune will take the stage on Saturday, July 10 in a one-off concert, which is included in the purchase of a Saturday ticket or three-day ticket to the event.
Townsville’s inaugural V8 Supercar event last year was deemed a massive success with a crowd of more than 168,000 people over the three days.
