Metricon Stadiums’ new reserved seating bar.
Metricon Stadiums’ new reserved seating bar.
The Gold Coast SUNS are on a winning streak and, if you’re not already, it’s high time you got on board the supporters bandwagon for our one and only AFL team.
With practically a whole new team and coaching staff, we’ve had a cracking start to the season, lead by legendary co-captains David Swallow and Jarrod Witts.
It’s a pretty exciting time for the team and, in turn, those of us who enjoy live sports events in which our team actually wins. And also those of us who like to drink beer and yell things at people who are doing things we could probably (definitely) never do.
Anyway, we’re here today to discuss the recently upgraded bar at Metricon Stadium. It’s called The Pirate Life Deck and, yes, it’s sponsored by one of the very best craft beers around, Pirate Life. How good are pirates.
There are skateboards artfully placed about plus some sweet graffiti feature walls to bring up the good time vibe.
It’s part of the corporate section of the stadium and we highly recommend treating yourself to a ticket first and foremost because VERY DELICIOUS food is included and secondly, it’s the best possible view with plenty of space to spread out.
There are high tables you can sit at to watch the game slash eat all the foods if you get there early enough to nab one.
Back to the food though. Meatballs and pasta, sliders, spring rolls, party pies and sausage rolls are just some of the tasty treats you can expect at The Deck and, in the interest of honest reporting, we sampled them all and they are all the goods.
The food is both brought around by waitstaff and also available for you to help yourself at a station where there is also tea and coffee should you need it.
At the bar, Pirate Lifes’ range of craft beers are on tap and in the fridge there are wine, sparkling and bottled beer options for your sipping pleasure.
The view from The Pirate Life Deck is unrivalled with an epic view of the entire field, it’s all undercover and there’s plenty of space to spread out.
The Pirate Life Deck is the entry-level corporate area at Metricon Stadium. Tickets are $149 per adult and $135 for kids aged six to 12.
It’s one of the best spots to watch the game and you should definitely go check it out for yourself next time the SUNS are playing at home.
LOCATION: Metricon Stadium, Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Carrara
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Having recently been named Co-Captain of the Gold Coast SUNS, David Swallow’s 2019 certainly started off on the right foot, and it’s only been uphill from there. The team is currently on a winning streak after acquiring 14 new players and it seems there’s no stopping them now.
We sat down for a chat with Dave about how it felt to be named Co-Captain and his thoughts on the upcoming season.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I moved to the Gold Coast in 2010 from WA to play for the SUNS during their first season in the VFL – so about 9.5 years now.
What do you love most about living here?
It’s a fantastic lifestyle living here on the Coast and a great environment to train and play AFL Football. The people here on the Gold Coast are really friendly and our family loves being part of it.
Tell us how you came to be a professional AFL player?
I played all my junior footy back home in WA, before moving to the Coast to play for the SUNS in 2010 before they joined the AFL competition. I was then drafted to the club, and have loved being part of the team ever since.
You’ve won plenty of prestigious awards but this season you were named Co-Captain, what does that mean to you?
It’s humbling to be voted by your peers as captain of the Club, it’s a great honour to be able to lead the team and I’m really excited about the future of the Gold Coast SUNS and hopefully I can play a small role in helping to drive the club forward.
The Gold Coast SUNS are on a winning streak at the moment, what do you attribute to such a good start to the season?
It’s been a good start to the year, but we know it’s a long season and there is plenty of football ahead. Over the off-season we had significant change at the club with 14 new players and 13 new staff arriving. Everyone has really bought into what we’re trying to achieve which is the first step, and then we’ve done a mountain of work during the pre-season to set ourselves up the best we possibly can.
How are you and the team feeling about the 2019 season?
Like I said, it’s exciting to have started the way we have, but it’s a long season. We just need to make sure as a group we continue to bring the same effort and intensity each week.
Any tricks up your sleeve?
Haha no unfortunately I don’t have many tricks up my sleeve.
How do you feel about local Gold Coasts’ support of AFL?
It’s fantastic; the Gold Coast AFL community is one that has grown so much since I’ve moved here. We always get great crowds to home games, the crowd at our first home game of the season was one of the loudest I’ve heard which is exciting for the boys. We haven’t had that much success over the years, but hopefully as we continue to keep growing as a team, even more people will fall in love with our game.
If you weren’t a professional sportsman, what would you be doing?
I’m not sure at all. I always wanted to play AFL Footy and that’s what I’ve been focused on, but I reckon a musician would be a dream job.
Any advice for aspiring players?
Have fun and work hard.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Café for breakfast: Can’t go past Nude Sisters Café in Mermaid Waters.
Spot to grab a coffee: Again, would have to be Nude Sisters Café. If you haven’t tried it, you should!
Restaurant: Hellenika in Nobby’s – Best Greek food
How does a weekend in the off-season look like for you: Usually spend time with my partner Georgia and my son Charlie down at the beach. Pretty relaxed!
