A NUMBER of regional towns and cities have invested in sporting facilities and gone out of their way to lure events in recent years. Most have reaped the benefits.
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Armidale is better known for art, music and education and these sectors have served the city well, but sport is another market that needs attention.
Annual events like the Walter Taylor Shield cricket and holiday rugby union and football camps have been injecting cash into the economy in January for years. But there was a time when there were even more summer camps at this time of year.
It can’t be said the city has missed the sporting boat because the formation of the Armidale Sports Council has helped deliver new events like the Legends of League. But perhaps there is still more growth to be had.
Tamworth spent $36 million on its equine centre and has since attracted just about every major horse and rodeo event in the country.
Towns such as Mudgee have spent up big on a rectangular field stadium and it has won the right to host the City versus Country Origin and NRL games.
One might question how Armidale council with its financial difficulties could match these efforts, but it’s not just about spending money.
The key is finding a sporting niche, like the equine centre, but without the huge price tag. Tamworth also built its Sports Dome for a much smaller price and it has attracted national basketball events and Sydney Kings matches. Perhaps taking a closer look at athletics or bike sports is the way to go. The New England Mountain Bike Club is already doing good work in this area and has been widely recognised for it without the need for an expensive facility.
Whatever the niche, the city should find it and watch the visitors and money roll in.
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