Upgrades to the Satellite City BMX Club facilities in Marlow Lagoon are complete and the stadium will be officially opened for action today.
The Northern Territory Government spent $1.98 million upgrading Spanlift Stadium to refurbish the track and install a roof over the complex.
Department of Tourism and Culture, Executive Director Sport and Recreation, Phillip Leslie said the track can now be used all year round.
“The dramatic seasonal changes and heat we have in Darwin restricted the time of year and day that the old track could be used, but now with the roof it can be utilised in the Wet and Dry seasons and through-out all hours of the day,” said Mr Leslie.
The single span roof, built by Spanlift Australia, is 68m wide by 105m long. When the 7,104m2 roof was lifted into place, it was the biggest roof lift ever carried out by Spanlift; and possibly the biggest in Australia.
“The upgrades will help local BMX riders to improve their skills and also enable the Satellite City BMX Club to host local and National competitions, which have a positive financial flow-on effect to all of Darwin,” added Mr Leslie.
Aspiring BMX riders are invited to attend a “come and try” day at the new track on Sunday 7 May from 10am-2pm. The official opening will be held on Saturday 6 May with a competition ride starting at 5pm.
Satellite City BMX Club President Daniel Shean encouraged anyone, who has ever wanted to ride a BMX track or learn more about the sport, to attend the open day.
“The best thing about BMX is it really is for everyone, all ages and genders are welcome and catered for. With the new stadium we can ride all year long and expand our already thriving membership and talent pool,” explained Mr Shean.
“BMX is one of the only sports where total family participation can take place. From helping as volunteers, riding, or even merely sitting on the side watching the racing, there is something for the whole family. From the sport of BMX, team camaraderie is formed and great mate-ship is made.”
The new facility will also be put to the ultimate test in October when the club hosts the 2017 NT BMX Titles.
The Satellite City BMX club has also lodged an expression of interest with BMX Australia to hold a National series in 2018, which will provide a potential economic benefit to the local community.
“The new and improved facility will provide a great venue for competitive BMX racing and, the facility will aid in better preparing riders for national (and international) events.
“It’s very exciting that we can now pitch for and host national competitions and we know that interstate riders will be impressed with our facilities. The competition experience for our local riders is boundless,” added Mr Shean.
Along with the new roof and upgrades to the track, a new start gate was also purchased and installed.
The Satellite City BMX Club is situated at the Marlow Lagoon Recreation Park and was established in 1986.
Media Event: Media are invited to attend the official opening on Saturday 6th May
Time: First ride will take place from 5pm, gates open at 2pm and official opening at 4pm
Details: Members can register from 2pm-4pm to be the first to ride the track, winners will be draw at 4.50pm and the first ride down the 8 metre and 5 metre ramps will take place from 5pm
Contact: Satellite City BMX Club interviews - 0401 473 664
For more information on The Satellite City BMX Club please visit: http://www.satellitecitybmxclub.com/members-info.html
Department of Tourism and Culture | Media Manager: 0476 844 832
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND CULTURE - THE HOME OF SPORT AND RECREATION - ARTS AND MUSEUMS - PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION - TOURISM NT – HERITAGE