ONGOING facility upgrades at Churchill Park in Lautoka are expected to boost the city’s economy and provide an international-level experience for the upcoming Sun Bell Battle of Fiji match on February 6.
Lautoka Board of Special Administrators chair Taitusi Rasoki highlighted the financial significance of the event noting that a standing agreement with the Fijian Drua franchise ensures the council benefits from gate takings and related revenue.
“As far as business is concerned, when there is a big game, people will come to Lautoka because of the popularity of the game, and they will boost the business community financially,” he said.
Mr Rasoki confirmed that work is currently focused on player facilities and ground conditions.
The council is also in negotiations for a new agreement with the Drua franchise.
Specific upgrades completed include maintenance of the Y2E stand, shore realignment work, and pavement improvements.
Planned works include pavilion and lawn upgrades, air conditioning for changing rooms, and turf maintenance.
“The financial benefit is through the crowd that will be coming in.
“Most of them will come in their cars so we will receive revenue through our parking meter.
“Secondly, the gate taking and the boost in the economy through accommodation and things like that.
“It also will boost the GDP and the national benefit because overseas people will be coming as well”
Lautoka Chamber of Commerce Richard Shafiq said retailers are bracing for a significant economic windfall as the city prepares to host a major tournament expected to draw thousands to Churchill Park.
“Any sort of tournament or any sort of game which brings about three to four thousand people to Churchill Park, it gives benefit to the retailers,” he said.
The match is expected to be the first of its kind held in the Sugar City and is likely to draw interest from international visitors.
“In future, we also need this kind of tournament to be held in Churchill Park so that, you know, we can be in the race when it comes to the business standing.
“We at the Lautoka Chamber of Commerce are talking to a few authorities to do extended hours in near future, which we are working very closely with the council, stakeholders, other stakeholders, and as long as, with the bus operators and taxi operators, so that, yeah, and Fiji Police Force.”
