There’s nothing quite like cheering on your local footie team at their home ground at GIO Stadium – the crowd roaring, smell of hot chips in the air and sea of fans wearing their team’s colours with pride.
GIO Stadium has been a season pilgrimage for many Canberra families and friends for years to watch the Raiders and/or Brumbies, and the experience is only gearing up to get better with the venue’s newly renovated Stadium Sports Lounge.
The place to be this NRL and Super Rugby season, the Stadium Sports Lounge is the perfect space to relax, unwind and watch the game in warmth and comfort — better still, the food comes to you so you can enjoy the game!
We were lucky enough to experience the lounge at the Raiders V Eels game one weekend. One step inside and you instantly feel like a VIP. After being greeted by the welcoming staff we headed to the private, fully serviced cash bar, and while we waited for our drinks we looked out of the lounge and took in the full view of the stadium’s field of play.
Many think GIO Stadium games are predominantly for the blokes, but the Stadium is truly turning it up for the ladies. The lounge’s fit-out is light, airy, filled with natural sunlight and features floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. Just imagine on those colder days and nights where you can view the action indoors while sipping on your beverage of choice and enjoying the excitement of the play on the field. Or choose to sit comfortably and protected from the weather on one of the balcony seats to cheer on your team.
Although the view is the star of the show, the food on offer comes in at a close second thanks to GIO Stadium’s partner, GEMA Group. The aroma of gourmet bites and treats linger in the lounge as guests are treated with a selection of decadent options including crispy pork belly boas, finger-licking buffalo wings and, our favourite, succulent chicken on a bed of creamy mash potato. Delish!
Possibly the best part was watching the Raiders’ Viking Clap at kick-off. The lounge features its own expansive private elevated balcony seating smack bang in the middle of the Eastern Grandstand’s buzzing atmosphere. We ventured from inside to outside in a seamless lounge transition and watched as the Raiders’ fans all stood as one to perform the patriotic Viking Clap. After hearing the crowd rumble and the Green Machine theme song playing even louder, we knew we were in for a one-of-a-kind game day experience.
Inside however there are also several large, wall-mounted plasma screens further adding to the prime vantage point of the lounge – wide views, close ups, spider cam – you really get a panoramic view!
If you’re after a memorable VIP sporting experience and the luxury of stretching out in your own private space with uninterrupted views, then make GIO Stadium Sports Lounge your destination.
To help you celebrate game day, OutInCanberra has teamed up with GIO Stadium to offer our readers a special deal.
HOT DEAL FOR OUTINCANBERA READERS: Enjoy a Raiders or Brumbies regular season game in comfort and style in the GIO Stadium Sports Lounge at a special price of $100 per person. That’s a huge saving of $80 off the regular price. Valid for one game until 12 May 2017. (Ticket includes entry to Stadium Sports Lounge and a gourmet menu. Private cash bar available. Places are limited. Bookings essential.
Call GIO Stadium on 6256 6700 or email [email protected] and quote ‘OutinCanberra special offer’.
