Five thousand flood victims, volunteers and emergency services personnel will be offered the chance to attend the Brisbane Roar v Gold Coast United M1 Derby.
Brisbane Roar CEO Peter McLennan said the club’s return to its home ground, one of the iconic images of the flooding, was a fitting time to bring together those affected by the floods and those who responded to the crisis together.
McLennan said the Roar were pleased to help in a small way to brighten the lives of those who suffered during the floods and reward those who stepped up to help their fellow Queenslanders during their time of difficulty.
“We believe this match represents the fighting spirit of Queenslanders and is a symbolic moment on the road to recovery for the city and the state,” McLennan said.
“We appreciate the support of key stakeholders such as Suncorp Stadium, Queensland Rail, Brisbane Transport and Ticketek for this initiative.
“During the flood crisis the sight of Suncorp Stadium underwater become one of the most recognisable images of the devastation which affected so many.
“When we saw the amount of water on the surface, it was anyone-s guess as to when we might be able to play there again.
“But full credit to Alan Graham and his team for putting in an ‘around the clock- effort to enable us to play this important game at our home ground.
“It will be great to see a big crowd for our first home game back at Suncorp Stadium as newly crowned Hyundai A-League 2010/11 Premiers and I-m over the moon that a large number of our fans who suffered during the floods will be able to share the moment, as our guests.”
Many of the free tickets will be distributed to those who were hardest hit in the Ipswich area, particularly the Goodna small business and wider community, the refugee communities in Yeronga, Rocklea and Oxley and the football communities based around the Centenary, Moggill, Toowong and Oxley football clubs.
There will also be special attention provided to Toowoomba and the Southern Downs football and general communities, particularly Withcott.
Special Emergency Services volunteers will be invited to attend as well.
Brisbane Roar host Gold Coast United on Saturday 12 February at Suncorp Stadium.
Kick off is at 8.15pm, gates open from 6.45pm. Those given tickets will be free to travel to and from Suncorp Stadium on Brisbane Transport services and QR train services.
For those buying tickets to the match, pre-purchasing tickets is encouraged to make use of the free public transport and avoid possible queues at entrance gates.
