The St Kilda Saints AFL side's trip to Queenstown for a training camp will be worth more to the resort than the camp's estimated price tag of between $150,000 and $200,000, Lakes Leisure management says.
Lakes Leisure events manager J. D. Marrable said the 70-strong entourage of Australian Rules players and support staff would arrive on January 22 for the week-long camp accompanied by Australian television and print media.
"We are getting great exposure to the Australian market," Mr Marrable said.
"They have some 100,000 avid supporters and it's just great for the region."
The team will spend four days training at the Queenstown Events Centre, then move to either Jacks Point or the recreation ground for the final days' training because of the one-day international cricket match between New Zealand and Pakistan being held at the events centre.
"Then, from Thursday, they have three days to do the recreational activities. They are doing a multisport event, having a dinner and cultural experience on Friday evening and flying out on Saturday afternoon," Mr Marrable said.
St Kilda Saints manager Greg Hutchison was in Queenstown this week to scout the location and liked what he saw.
"I've been shown around Queenstown and have been very impressed with the scenery ... The facilities have been outstanding - exactly what we need," he said.
Mr Hutchison did not wish to comment on the teen-sex allegations made against several Saints players, saying only there had already been enough written and said on the subject.
"We are just looking forward to the start of the 2011 football season and looking forward to giving the players a spark for the new year," he said.
Mr Marrable said the Saints were attracted to Queenstown as it offered the full range of training grounds, aquatic centres and other facilities without having to travel for long periods between them.
"These are professional athletes who choose to come here ... The locals and ratepayers should be proud of these facilities that we have available to use."
The visit follows a week-long training camp held by the Western Bulldogs AFL side in November last year.
