In the News - 2008 / 2009
PLAN TO AVOID QUEUES
By Megan Hogarth
7 October 2008
ORGANISERS of Saturday's Monster Truck spectacle are hoping for a sell-out crowd, but this time they will be prepared for the masses.
Last year's event at the Latrobe Speedway attracted an unexpected crowd of more than 8000 people, causing a traffic backlog on the highway and long wait times for spectators.
But venue General Manager John Carr said a lot of money and time had been spent to improve the experience.
"We never thought we'd draw the crowd we did last year in our wildest dreams," he said.
"We've spent $60,000 on improving the traffic flow into the event this year."
Mr Carr has consulted with the Tasmania Fire Service, Police, the Latrobe Council, State Emergency Service, Workplace Standards and the Ambulance Service to develop traffic management plans, emergency evacuation procedures and other strategies to manage the crowd.
Some spectators waited for hours to get to the venue last year, were forced to park a long distance from the venue and several hundred missed out on tickets upon getting to the gate.
Mr Carr said the process of people driving to the gate, stopping to buy their tickets and then going into the venue to park contributed to the bottleneck of traffic on the highway last year.
Instead people will this year be asked to park first, before making their way to turnstiles to purchase tickets.
He said parking had been expanded and SES volunteers would help direct traffic.
"We put this in place in Hobart, which had a record crowd, and it worked magnificently," he said.
People with pre- purchased tickets will be able to use an express lane.
Tickets are available from the Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre or online at www.centertainment.com.au
Bendigo Bank backs Latrobe Speedway
27 August 2008
BENDIGO Bank Tasmania has announced its sponsorship of the Latrobe International Speedway including the naming rights of the complex.
The monetary value of the sponsorship wasn't disclosed but the Speedway will be renamed Bendigo Bank Arena immediately.
The bank says it is an ongoing commitment to secure the future of one of the region's major attractions.
"`Bendigo Bank has identified the Latrobe Speedway as an excellent opportunity to develop the region and engage the community," said Mr Robert Hanley, Bendigo Bank Tasmanian regional manager.
"We have committed a significant annual contribution which we believe will give the complex the necessary funding, to not only support speedway racing,but also extend the complex offering to the public beyond motorsports."
Mr John Carr, of the Latrobe Speedway, said he considered the partnership to be a watershed not only for the sport of speedway racing, but for the wider community.
"The support of the Bendigo Bank will allow us to reach new audiences as we now have the backing to widen the appeal of the complex and introduce more frequent and wide-ranging events to the region, including cultural events, varied sporting events and trade shows."
The newly named Bendigo Bank Arena will make its debut to the public on Saturday, October 18, with a line-up of racing including Super Sedans, AMCA, Tassie Sixes, Formula 500's, Mini Sprints, Junior Sedans and Side Cars.