EDITORIAL:
The Central Coast is in the grip of Mariners fever as the home team prepares to meet Melbourne Victory in the A-League grand final on Saturday night.
It will be the first time an A-League grand final has been played in the region, with Industree Group Stadium in Gosford and the surrounding precinct set to buzz with excitement.
The Mariners will be hoping for their second successive A-League grand final win, after finishing the season as premiers and recently taking out the AFC Cup 2023/24.
But this event goes way beyond being a major sporting fixture.
With thousands expected to flock to the stadium and to Leagues Club Park, where a family friendly afternoon of food, entertainment, music and activities kicks off at 4pm, followed by a broadcast of the game on a huge outdoor screen, businesses in and around the CBD are hoping for a spending frenzy.
Gosford Erina Business Chamber President Peter Lawley says in addition to locals visiting the city and venues before and after the game, the anticipated 5,000 or so fans supporting the visitors, Melbourne Victory, will be staying in local motels and rentals.
This all adds up to a huge financial boost for the region.
And beyond the economics of hosting such a major event, the grand final looms as a shining light for a region which has been plagued by housing shortages, cost-of-living woes and uncertainty surrounding the looming local government elections which will see councillors returned to the region as the lengthy period of administration comes to an end.
Central Coast Council CEO David Farmer says it’s a chance to be part of something special, a moment where unity and pride will converge on the field.
And he’s right.
Little can unite an Aussie community as much as watching a home team thrive in the sporting arena.
You only have to think back on the Matildas’ World Cup journey to appreciate that.
On Saturday night, the Central Coast community will leave behind the problems many have faced this year and unite in cheering on the boys in yellow and blue.
Win or lose on Saturday, the Mariners have united the region in hope and given us all something to be proud of as we followed their A-League journey this season.
Go the Mariners!
Terry Collins, Editor
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