The addition of an international- standard cross country course at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre is another valuable piece of infrastructure for Tamworth.
As the city builds its sporting business opportunities through facilities and events, Tamworth is moving further ahead of its competition. It is also building an already established reputation for being a progressive city.
There are few regional centres in Australia which can boast the extent or quality of facilities Tamworth has now amassed.
The organisers of the recent Australian Under 16 Basketball Championships were full of praise for Tamworth, not only acknowledging the Sports Dome, but the level of support and assistance they received prior to and during the event.
The audit of the city’s sports infrastructure conducted a number of years ago confirmed Tamworth had failed to fully capitalise on its potential as a sporting destination.
That has now changed. It is now hosting major events regularly. The city’s sporting facilities are getting well used and in the process, those who come here to compete go away and rave about Tamworth.
The positive publicity is invaluable.
While it’s good to have people around Australia talking positively about Tamworth, the real value to the city is the revenue these events bring to the city.
The recent Eastern University Games, with its large number of participants and supporters, was a major earner.
The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre is the envy of every other regional city in Australia. And its new cross country course will attract more events to the facility.
But what is distinguishing Tamworth from other centres is the number of quality facilities it has and its proven ability to host and support major events.
Sport is now big business for Tamworth. The revenue being earned, not only by the council but the city as well, justifies the investment in top-class facilities.