North Queensland Stadium gets commercial name

The under-construction new home of the North Queensland Cowboys will be known as Queensland Country Bank Stadium, following the signing of its inaugural naming-rights sponsor.

The price tag of the sponsorship hasn’t been disclosed, but the money generated from the six-year partnership is expected to pay for the stadium’s ongoing maintenance.

The new 25,000-seat stadium will host its first event on February 29 when Elton John opens the venue in style. An open-day will be held on February 22, while the Cowboys will host their first game at their new home on March 13.

The naming rights deal comes in lock step with Queensland Country Credit Union’s efforts to rebrand itself as Queensland Country Bank in order to regain relevance and expand further across the state.

Stadiums Queensland chief executive Todd Harris said Queensland Country Bank was chosen after an “exhaustive” naming rights process, which included interest from local, national and international companies.

“A lot of thought was put into the partnership and how the partner did fit with the community and the purpose of this venue,” he said.

Commercial names are no stranger to the Townsville public, with the NQ Cowboys former home known initially as Stockland Stadium, then Malanda Stadium, Dairy Farmers Stadium and most recently, 1300SMILES Stadium.

The new name is likely to be shortened to QCB Stadium on occasions.

Construction of the $293.5 million stadium in Townsville’s CBD is nearing completion, with the roof in place, majority of seating installed, big screen up, while testing of the venue’s external LED lighting has been spotted at night.