“Tonight’s sold-out game further highlights the support for Carlton games here at Etihad Stadium this year. In our five home games already played at Etihad Stadium this year (prior to the round 22 match against Hawthorn), our crowds are up over 9,000 per game, that is a 29% increase,” Kernahan said.
In welcoming the joint major sponsors, Hyundai and Mars, and Carlton’s key corporate partners, Kernahan made special mention of the great opportunities being involved with the Carlton Football Club offers for business.
“It provides wonderful opportunities and positive benefits. A great example is Spotlight’s recent order of 114 Hyundai iLoads, a $3.2 million order that was made possible through Spotlight’s association with Carlton and in turn our joint major sponsor Hyundai.”
The game against Hawthorn was Carlton’s ‘Green Match” for 2011 and Kernahan highlighted the association the Club has with Visy and the ongoing environmental educational programs run by Carlton and Visy.
“Through our strong relationship with Visy, Carlton is committed to educate, motivate and inspire young people to lead more sustainable lives through healthier lifestyle choices and increased environmental awareness.
“The world class facilities at Visy Park display the best practices in sustainability and are the centre of our community programs. Since opening in February last year more than 3,000 students have visited Visy Park as part of the Visy Enviromaniacs Program alone.”
Kernahan was speaking in front of 400 guests at the official Carlton President’s Dinner prior to the game. Special guests included AFL Commission Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick, AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou, former Carlton great Anthony Koutoufides and media star and Carlton ambassador, Dave Hughes.
In closing Kernahan wished Rob Warnock the very best in his 50th game.
