Bit of building before the big NRL game

With a huge marquee, giant television screen and media boxes being installed, the park will be almost unrecognisable when it hosts the round 20 clash between the Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks.

Butlers Events and Staging is in the process of erecting a scaffold deck and marquee that is more than 600 metres squared on the eastern side of the field.

Project manager Corey Wall said that over the next two weeks the marquee will be transformed into a corporate area that will cater for 500 premium package ticket holders.

He added that work had also begun on elevated radio broadcast and media boxes on the eastern side of the ground.

Meanwhile, a 25 metre squared LED screen will be installed next week and construction will begin on public food and bar zones and a merchandise area. 

Bathurst mayor Gary Rush said the work at Carrington Park added to the build-up and excitement for the game. 

As the game got closer, he said, fresh markings would be placed on the field to make it fit for the round 20 match.

Cr Rush said around 4500 tickets had been sold for the game. Carrington Park has a ground capacity of 13,000.

Based on ticket sale statistics, he said the Penrith Panthers believed there would be a huge crowd for the match. 

“Based on the percentage of tickets already sold two weeks beforehand, it looks like we will be close to a full house.”

Cr Rush said while all 1100 grandstand seats have already been snapped up, general admission tickets and around 100 premium package tickets are still available.

“Eighty per cent of tickets for the premium packages have been sold,” he said. “They will give people the chance to enjoy the game in style from the comfort of the marquee.”

The premium packages, which are priced from $120 per person, include a canape style luncheon, drinks, priority parking and game entry. 

Cr Rush said the NSW Cup and Holden Cup matches would be played before the big clash between the Panthers and the Sharks.

Tickets purchased for the game before July 25 are $25 for adults, $10 for children, $15 for concession and $50 for families. On game day, tickets will be $30 per adult. 

Tickets can be purchased from the Bathurst Panthers or http://www.bathurstnrl.com.au/.