Virgin Australia launches corporate lounge to support the AFLs Gold Coast Suns

Brisbane, 27 May 2011: Virgin Australia will tomorrow launch a stylish corporate lounge at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast, the new home of the Gold Coast Suns AFL team.

Virgin Australia Group Executive of Commercial Liz Savage said: “As the founding partner and official airline of the Gold Coast Suns, we are committed to supporting the team and its fans.”

“The Gold Coast region is also very important for Virgin Australia, as it is a renowned leisure destination and a growing business hub. Coolangatta was one of the first airports that we operated to and we have around 20 daily flights into the area.

“The new lounge provides a significant opportunity to introduce our new brand identity to the Gold Coast region’s business community and we look forward to growing our profile here”, Ms Savage said.

Similar in look and feel to Virgin Australia's designer airport lounges, the 900-person space will be hosted by Virgin Australia staff and includes premier stadium seating, an outdoor deck, a gourmet food service and a feature bar.

"We wanted to create something different to the traditional corporate box experience and provide guests with a taste of what Virgin Australia's excellent service is like", Ms Savage said.

"The contemporary design creates a feeling of space and light that is the hallmark of the new Virgin Australia look and feel. The curved architecture, innovative lighting and separate relaxation zones all work together to create a first-rate, comfortable game-day experience".

The Virgin Australia lounge will open for the first-ever game at Metricon Stadium at 7.20pm tomorrow, when the Gold Coast Suns play the Geelong Cats.

Metricon Stadium has been jointly funded by the Queensland Government, Commonwealth Government, Gold Coast City Council and the AFL and is a multipurpose facility that currently seats 25,000 spectators and will be capable of being extended to 40,000 seats in the future.

Metricon Stadium features an AFL oval that will host eight home games for the Gold Coast Suns in 2011 and will also be capable of holding ICC cricket matches, concerts, festivals, IAAF athletics events and FIFA World Cup soccer matches.

Media enquiries: Emma Copeman, 0421 702 193