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JUPITERS Hotel & Casino has jumped in early as the first official partner for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and staked its ambitions to make Broadbeach party central during the event.
Financial details of the partnership have not been disclosed, but according to Echo Entertainment Group (ASX:EGP) chairman John O'Neill the move is a no brainer for the city's iconic property.
He says plans are in place to create range of "world-class entertainment offerings" during the Games to complement the official program.
"These will not only help deliver the greatest ever friendly Games, but will further reinforce the positioning of the Gold Coast as one of the most dynamic and exciting destinations," says O'Neill.
"For Jupiters, it's a compelling partnership. The Commonwealth Games will transform the Gold Coast. The key legacy of the games will be an even stronger positioning of the Gold Coast as a destination of choice for tourists and investors for decades to come.
"The Games will further enhance the region's global reputation and provide a significant tourism and economic catalyst for the Coast."
The sponsorship move by Jupiters has been lauded by GOLDOC chairman Nigel Chamier as the earliest corporate support for any Commonwealth Games, with 954 days still to go to the event.
"It demonstrates confidence in the city and the state (and) indicates to others the value this event can deliver to Australian businesses," Chamier says.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones describes the deal as a "significant milestone" for the delivery of the Games.
"Sponsorship is a very important part of ensuring we put on the best Commonwealth Games," she says.
"If we continue on this path we know we will get the sponsorship we need for the Games."
Both Jones and Chamier, who addressed a media event at Jupiters this morning, say construction of venues is on track and on budget.
Big-name Olympic stars lent their support to today's event, including Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson who says she is on track to get back to full training on September 7.
Today's announcement comes on the heels of Jupiters' owner Echo announcing last week that it was just weeks away from starting construction of a new six-star hotel on the Broadbeach property.
The 17-storey hotel, featuring the biggest hotel rooms on the Gold Coast and a suite of new restaurants and bars, is primarily aimed at capturing the lucrative high-roller market.
The development is part of a $345 million capital works program earmarked for the Gold Coast to reinvigorate the property, which marks its 30th anniversary in November.
Image: Echo Entertainment Chairman John O'Neill AO & Chairman of the 2018 Commonwealth Games Nigel Chamier OAM.
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