Brisbane blushes for Goodwill Games

Brisbane is painting itself red next month to celebrate the 2001 Goodwill Games, and doing its best to adorn every sporting venue, city building, street pole and even flower beds with the games' theme colour.

South Bank will be the city's Red Centre, where a series of free concerts aboard a floating stage on the river will entertain crowds for eight of the 12 nights of the games. An enormous movie screen in the Queen St Mall will broadcast games action, and a glamorous event, the Splash of Rouge Ball, will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on August 25.

At the Games Opening Gala night on August 28 a collection of international and Australian talent, including Irish pop group The Corrs, will provide the musical entertainment.

Tickets to the Goodwill Games went on sale in April, with the average ticket price at $A51 ($64), with individual ticket prices ranging from $A10 to $A95. Surf lifesaving and triathlon events are free.

Contact: travel agent or visit, Goodwill Games