The Brisbane Lions’ new social club in Springwood officially opened on Saturday 27 November and was greeted by crowds of eager Lions fans and members of the local community who had their first look inside the state-of-the-art facility.

LIONS@springwood was launched after Simon Black slotted a goal through the full-sized goalposts located on the roof of the social club’s main entrance with some assistance from skipper Jonathan Brown.

Despite being engulfed by supporters, media and local councillors, Black kicked truly from the car park much to the delight of the onlookers.

Local City Council Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton was even on hand to play the role as goal umpire.

Lions Chairman Angus Johnson revealed later that the Brownlow Medallist - who had yet to commence pre-season skills training - had some added pressure to deal with.

“The Manager of the complex gave Blacky a bit of a pep talk beforehand and pointed out to him that he wasn’t to hit the goalposts because they are worth a substantial amount of money,” Mr Johnson said.

Black and Brown were joined by the rest of the Lions players and coaches throughout the morning to mingle with patrons and familiarise themselves with the Club’s new home-away-from-home.

The LIONS@springwood complex promises to be a popular venue among Lions fans and the local community with features including ‘The Jungle’ alfresco with a giant plasma screen; mouth-watering Caffe Suprimo dining; ‘The Cage’ TAB and sports bar; ‘The Lair’ corporate and private function box; live entertainment; weekly competitions; Lions-themed events; player visits; a gaming room with 200 of the latest pokies; and live sport beamed through 100 huge plasma and LCD screens.

There is also plenty of Lions memorabilia on display including the three premiership cups.

Lions Chairman Angus Johnson addressed the patrons who attended the launch event and said that the new social club would prove a significant step forward for the Club.

“How good is this?” Mr Johnson said.

“When we began planning this strategy, the managers of the facility told us they would deliver the best club in Queensland, and from what I’ve seen today they’ve understated that. Clearly now we have the best club in Australia!”

“The Logan City Council have been fantastic supporters of the Lions and this project,” he said.

“The Brisbane Lions are a community based Club and we’re all about putting as much back into the community as we can.”

“What we’ve been able to deliver here is a community based social club for the people of Logan and Brisbane and it’s something that we can all be proud of.”

“We’ve also had wonderful support from our sponsors in getting this social club off the ground - particularly Major Sponsors BOQ and Conergy.”

BOQ donated a $10,000 web savings account which was offered as a prize for all members who signed up to the social club prior to the winners’ draw on Saturday night.

Conergy also made a substantial contribution by installing a 390sqm solar power system at the facility which is made up of over 240 solar panels.

There has been an overwhelming response to the opening of LIONS@springwood with well over 10,000 people already signed up as members.

All current Lions members will automatically become members of the social club while non-members can sign up for life as a social member for just $1.

The new social club is located at 2 Pannikin Street, Rochedale South (the old Ikea site).

Web image courtesy of Queensland Times Community Newspapers (Griffith Thomas).