WE may not see National Rugby League action, nor will we see the likes of the Super 15, AFL or A League over the next 12 months - but the 2013 year is still shaping up as one of the biggest sporting wise Orange has seen.
The high octane motocross act Nitro Circus Oz Regional Tour will land at Wade Park on Saturday, April 13.
Having sold out shows at Las Vegas and London, it’s a world class spectacle set to roar into action at the city’s premier sporting facility.
There might not be big hits, super tries or incredible goals but flying eskies and the death defying stunts on show throughout the Nitro Circus will be enough to quench the event-filled thirst of Orange for 12 months.
Orange councillor Jason Hamling said he was rapt the city had such an event on the card for 2013.
He said the Nitro Circus alone would ensure a big year ahead.
“I’ve heard numbers like eight, nine, 10 thousand people bandied around,” Cr Hamling said, pointing towards massive support for the event.
“And Orange is just one of two regional centres selected to host it.
“We’re expecting support not just from Orange but from places like Bathurst, Dubbo, Cowra, right around the region.”
Wagga Wagga will also host one of the tour’s 14 stops across Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
Other than the action-packed Nitro Circus, 2013 will throw up a number of other major issues revolving around sport.
The Wade Park Masterplan will come into consideration throughout the year, with Cr Hamling suggesting that will probably be sooner rather than later, while the future of Moulder Park as a cricket/velodrome will also be decided.
The Wade Park Masterplan is arguably the biggest item on the sporting calendar in 2013, with the direction council decides to take set to determine whether or not the ground will be solely used for rugby league or cricket.
In turn, the proposed sports purpose-built rectangular facility at Waratah Sportsground will also be affected.
Cr Hamling said he was looking forward to a successful 12 months for Orange both on and off the field.
“Hopefully all of the city’s rugby league, union, aussie rules and hockey sides can excel in their local competitions as well,” he said.
