On Thursday, September 17, the Mariners played a warm up game against the Western Mariners at Wade Park in front of about 500 spectators before taking on the Newcastle Jets in an A-League match before 2145 people on Sunday, September 20.

According to Cr Hamling, who is also the chairman of the council’s sport and recreation policy committee, the visit by the Central Coast Mariners represented a “good investment” by council.

Cr Hamling said the team was very approachable when it came to meeting fans.

“They acknowledge the kids and the juniors walked on with the players,” he said.

“The kids got to touch their heroes and that’s worth it; it doesn’t matter how much it cost.”

Cr Hamling said the fact that it rained an hour before the game may have kept spectator numbers down.

He said the positive impact the visit had on Orange’s tourism sector can not be underestimated.

In a report prepared for council by the sport and recreation policy committee it was revealed the event cost council $34,000 with $24,000 of that money going directly to the Central Coast Mariners.

In addition to the direct payment to the Mariners, security, promotional and staff costs including ground preparation were incurred.

After ticket sales of $14,545 were tallied the net cost to council was $19,455.

According to the report, council was unable to offset the cost of organising the visit through sponsorship due to the short lead time between finding out the Central Coast Mariners were coming and their arrival.

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au