ST HELENS' soon-to-be-built stadium will be a major tourism game-changer for the East Coast, Regional Tourism Organisation chief executive Ruth Dowty believes.
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Break O'Day Council approved the construction of the indoor multi-purpose stadium in February, following a state government budget commitment for funds last year.
The facility will be worth $2.5 million.
Construction is expected to be complete by September this year.
Ms Dowty said the stadium would open up new opportunities for the region.
"The stadium could potentially host other large events, including concerts," she said.
"It's terrific to have a venue like that being built on the coast."
Ms Dowty said she had spoken with other tourism stakeholders about making the most of the space, following completion.
"I have already talked to people about utilising the stadium and I think it will do wonders for region in future," she said.
"We're often calling out for larger spaces on the coast. It's a long time coming."
Break O'Day Mayor Mick Tucker said construction had begun.
"Construction is well and truly under way and it's going well," he said.
"At the moment we are going through the initial stages and we're going to see how it progresses."
Cr Tucker said more money could be spent on the project in future and the council would wait to see how much could be spent.
"We'll see how we go timewise. We'll see if there's any extra funding available, but we'll take it as it goes. We want it up and running as quick as we can."
