The news comes just three weeks after a similar proposal was rejected by the Hobart City Council to conduct the night stage on the Queens Domain.
The action will take place around a custom-designed 1.14 kilometre tarmac stage. The entire course will be lit and covered by television cameras, providing pictures to two giant screens placed for spectator and VIP viewing in the Bowen Room at the DEC.
As well as spectators being able to view the action when some 300 classic and modern cars make their charge around the course, full commentary will be available over a specially-installed public address system.
Targa Tasmania Event Director, Mark Perry, believes the night stage will bring great exposure to the event and the City of Glenorchy.
“A night stage really is a dream outcome for Glenorchy and Targa,” Perry said.
“The TV coverage will be shown worldwide and the stage will be the highlight of this year’s event.”
“We have driven through Glenorchy for fifteen years but never stopped, so to be able to hold a stage there is a great thrill, and we’re confident that it will be a stage enjoyed by both competitors and spectators.”
Glenorchy Mayor, Adriana Taylor, is also looking forward to what will be a great event for the city.
“I am delighted that our staff and Targa staff have been able to put such a large event together in such a short time, given the running of the stage is less than a month away,” Taylor said.
“It will bring an amazing level of exposure to Glenorchy and provide a great family night out for everyone.”
“With the pending development of Wilkinson’s Point, this is a great time to introduce this event and to promote the Point to potential developers, and best of all, give the people of Glenorchy and Hobart free access to a spectacular car show.”
“There will be a fantastic range of viewing spots and entry is free.”
The Glenorchy City Council and Targa Tasmania are already discussing a long-term relationship that could see a permanent home for the night stage built in conjunction with the development of Wilkinson’s Point.
Perry believes a permanent home for a night stage would ensure Glenorchy a major part of the annual tarmac rally and provide Targa Tasmania with a fantastic marketing tool to ensure competitors continue to come to the State for years to come.
“No other event has the infrastructure matched with the location to have a night stage, so having an annual stage under the stars at the DEC helps ensure that Targa Tasmania remains the ultimate tarmac rally into the future.”