Gate plan secures Suns revenue

THE Surf Coast Suns will install temporary fencing to manage entry for their round 1 clash with Torquay at Banyul Warri Fields.

Four entry points will be set up around Summertime Pools Oval, with a $5 admission fee for adults. Children under 15 will be admitted free.

The ticketed model aligns with other clubs across the Bellarine Football Netball League (BFNL) and addresses a key issue for the Suns, who risked missing out on significant gate revenue without controlled entry.

More than 3,000 spectators are expected to attend the Easter Saturday fixture.

Surf Coast Suns president Jay Williams said the club had been working closely with the Surf Coast Shire to manage the anticipated crowd.

“We will definitely be gating it, particularly for this first game, as we are expected a big turnout from the community,” he said.

“There won’t be any other sport on at the reserve that day, which will help us to manage the site and ensure everything is carried out in the right way.”

The shire said Banyul Warri Fields was designed as an unfenced, open space and there are no current plans to install permanent fencing.

“We have been in discussion with Surf Coast Suns about their senior game days, including advising them there are currently no plans to install permanent fencing around the precinct,” general manager of community life Damian Waight said.

“We are encouraging local people to come and watch the games, leave the car if they live close by and enjoy the inaugural senior season.

“This will help ease parking pressure and limit overflow into nearby streets.”

The shire pointed to other reserves in the region that it says are unfenced and work well on game days.

Williams said the temporary fencing would only be in place for round 1.

The shire will assist with traffic management on the day, while the Suns have undertaken letterbox drops to nearby residents.

Following the opening round, the club and the council will continue working towards a longer-term solution for matchday entry and ticketing.