The Gold Coast could have a multi-sport boutique stadium within 18 months "under a Sports Gold Coast plan to breathe life into the city’s arenas." The venue "could house various teams" such as National Premier Leagues Queensland club Gold Coast United, which is "looking for advanced facilities" as it pushes for an A-League return. Sports Gold Coast Chair Geoff Smith said that a 5,000-seat facility "would offer grassroots sports a quality venue option without the breakeven costs associated with an elite stadium" (GOLD COAST BULLETIN, 4/18).
Hampden Park reached a peak volume of 115 decibels at the Scottish Cup match last weekend.GETTY IMAGES
The famous "Hampden Roar" lived up to its name during the Scottish Cup match between Celtic and Rangers last weekend "as the noise generated by fans was said to be the equivalent of a real lion." Sound expert Vanguardia "recorded a peak volume of 115 decibels at the national stadium" during the semifinal match on Sunday. Vanguardia said that it was "equivalent to the roar of a lion from less than a metre away or being in the front row of a music concert and just short of a jet engine at take-off from 25 metres" (LONDON TIMES, 4/18).
A "historic" sports stadium in Birmingham, which is "earmarked for a major housing development," was sold for more than £13M ($18.5M). Galliford Try Partnerships bought Hall Green Stadium, which has planning permission for up to 210 new homes. The deal comes "as a bid to demolish the former greyhound track was approved by Birmingham City Council" (INSIDER MEDIA, 4/18).
Optus Stadium received "significant praise" for its modern facilities and atmosphere. However, "teething problems include queries surrounding the firmness of the playing surface," while the ground was "forced to add protective covers" to the state-of-the-art LED signage around the fencing after two players sliced their hands. A senior player added that he was "staggered by how hard the ground was" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 4/19).
Tottenham revealed it intends to "phase out single-use plastic" as it plans to open its new stadium. The club will move into its 62,000-capacity ground next season and it is introducing measures to reduce its single-use plastic footprint. Tottenham's stadium "will eliminate the use of plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and all plastic disposable packaging that accompanies these items" (London DAILY MAIL, 4/18).