Sports Technology

Spectators at major Queensland stadiums will be able to find their friends, their seats, where to get refreshments and the location of the nearest toilet thanks to a new iPhone app.

The Stadiums Queensland app features information about upcoming events at each of its nine major venues.

The Megafan app includes basic information about transport and travel options along with links to ticket sellers along with a quick 'seat-finder' tool, allowing users to pinpoint on an aerial map the location of their seats or those of friends.

Introducing Megafan, Queensland Sports Minister Phil Reeves explained "iPhone apps are handy tools when it comes to entertainment and events, opening up a wealth of information for ticket-holders.

"Megafan is essentially a one-stop shop for people attending any Queensland sporting or entertainment event held at one of Stadiums Queensland's nine major venues making it easier and hassle-free.

"It's been six months in the making, but there's now an app for that.

"Nowhere else can sports fans find event information across all sports and concerts in the one place, and it's at the tip of your fingers.

"The app is a great addition to the match day experience. Fans can view venue maps, find their seats, find food and beverage outlets, get live scores, look up transport information, buy tickets and relive some great sporting moments all from their iPhone.

You won't have to jump from website to website. All the info is available in this one handy app.

"It also serves to promote all events across all venues and will assist hirers to get spectators at their events. It's a great way for the venues to promote the events and help our clubs sell tickets."

Minister Reeves said as technology changes we have to adapt to the new ways of communication, adding "this applies to our major sports venues that are always looking at new and exciting ways to improve the match day experience.

"Events-based tourism, particularly sports tourism, is vitally important to our economy.

"Our major venues pump around $308 million into the Queensland economy and provide jobs to thousands across a range of industries.

"Much of this economic benefit comes as a result of business generated by game day patrons and interstate travelers visiting Brisbane, Townsville or the Gold Coast for events.

"Many of these visitors who come for a game and stay for a holiday will be able to download the app and have all of the event information at their fingertips."

Minister Reeves highlighted Stadiums Queensland's strong calendar of events for the remainder of 2011 and into 2012, with Megafan making it easier for fans to check out what's happening and how they can get there.

"The Wallabies could clinch the Tri-Nations this weekend, the Broncos and Cowboys are September bound, the Lions and Suns have a home match to go, over the summer the reigning A-League Champions Brisbane Roar defend their title, and Queensland Cricket will launch the new Brisbane Heat Twenty20 team along with concerts at the BEC and Metricon Stadium.

The nine Stadiums Queensland venues using Megafan are The Gabba, Suncorp Stadium; Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QSAC, the Sleeman Sports Complex and the State Tennis Centre in Brisbane; Skilled Park and Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast; along with Townsville's Dairy Farmers Stadium.

Upcoming events at the venues include:

26th August - Skilled Park - Australian Barbarians v Canada
27th August - Suncorp Stadium - Bledisloe Cup Australia v New Zealand
27th August - The Gabba - Brisbane Lions v West Coast Eagles
27th August - Dairy Farmers Stadium - Cowboys v Sharks
28th August - Suncorp Stadium - Broncos v Rabbitohs
2nd September - Suncorp Stadium - Socceroos v Thailand
3rd September - Metricon Stadium - Gold Coast Suns v Hawthorn.

The Megafan new iPhone app can be downloaded at http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qld-megafan/id454323567?mt=8

17th December 2009 - NEW APPOINTMENTS TO STADIUMS QUEENSLAND BOARD

24th April 2008 - CHANGES AT MSFA