Central Coast Mariners and Gosford Council have cemented a landmark agreement that will see the Yellow and Navy play the majority of their home games at Central Coast Stadium for at least the next three seasons.
The new stadium agreement brokered by Central Coast Mariners’ executive vice chairman, Mr Peter Storrie and Gosford Council’s CEO, Mr Paul Anderson comes as a strong sign of commitment to the Central Coast.
Since arriving on the Central Coast earlier this year, Mr Storrie has been working on a brief from Central Coast Mariners owner, Mr Mike Charlesworth to turn the Mariners into a break-even club and a mantra that is central to “Mariners in the community, giving youth a chance”.
Working in collaboration with Gosford Council and securing a long-term future for the Mariners at the stadium has remained high on the priority list of Mr Storrie. “I would just like to say a big thank you to Gosford Council, especially Mr Anderson and mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna for their assistance and professionalism shown over the past few months to allow such a positive deal across the line for both the Central Coast Mariners and Gosford Council,” Mr Storrie said.
“It goes without saying that a strong relationship with Gosford Council is of high importance when it comes to ensuring the financial sustainability of the Central Coast Mariners and today’s announcement is a huge step in the right direction. “Immediately we are faced with a 13 home game season at Central Coast Stadium but this stadium agreement sets up an exciting prospect for our fans and members for the next three seasons at least,” he said.
Mr Anderson marked the agreement as a win for Central Coast residents. “This agreement is a demonstration of Council’s commitment to make sure the Central Coast Mariners are playing as much as possible at the Central Coast’s number one sporting venue,” Mr Anderson said.
“Thousands of Central Coast residents participate in local football, so I’m looking forward to seeing big crowds at Central Coast Stadium over the next three A-League seasons for these home games. “I’d like to thank the Mariners for this latest commitment not only to our stadium but also to the region and its community,” Anderson said.
The new stadium agreement will see the Mariners committed to playing the majority of their home games at Central Coast Stadium until at least the end of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Season.
Media release, 1 July 2015
Tyson Scott, Central
Coast Mariners