19 October 2010
Open Day planned for Stadium
As the safety cordons are lifted, Southlanders will be able to view the extensive damage sustained by Stadium Southland at an open day next weekend.
General manager Nigel Skelt said there had been “phenomenal” interest since last month’s heavy snowfall crushed the stadium’s roof.
“The open day is very important to us from a community perspective and is another opportunity to involve the public in the overall process as we move forward,” he said.
The Open Day will be staged on Saturday, October 30, from 12pm to 3pm with Stadium Southland staff members on hand to answer any questions.
“A lot of people have indicated they want to come down and take a look – and for a variety of different reasons,” Skelt said.
“One woman who enjoyed playing tennis at Stadium Southland for the past 10 years said she simply wants to say goodbye, Keiran Fahy, who was in the shower there at the time of the collapse, has his own unfinished business with the place and my kids want to go and stand on the number one court because they played there and have a lot of great memories.
“It all means something different to everyone and it’s important we give the opportunity for closure to those who want it.”
A photo montage of the collapse and subsequent site clearance work would allow people to follow the extensive progress made over the past few weeks – from removing truckloads of rubble to the demise of the main court area and surrounding walls.
“Some powerful images have been captured and really showcase the sheer extent of the damage,” Skelt said.
“The damage definitely posed some challenges for the team but they have done an outstanding job of clearing the site in preparation for the next phase.
“Our focus has now switched to Game on 2012 and rebuilding Stadium Southland so this is an ideal chance for people to see what remains of the original complex.”
With the absence of a roof at present, a wet weather day has been scheduled for Sunday, October 31, if required.
