Prime Minister Julia Gillard described Geelong’s unveiling of their $10 million light towers for their round 10 AFL match at Simonds Stadium on Saturday night as a fantastic moment.

Ms Gillard battled driving rain to flick the switch in an on-field ceremony about 20 minutes before the match began.

Adding to the sense of occasion, the Cats were hosting Gold Coast, led by 2009 Brownlow Medallist Gary Ablett. A two-time club champion at Geelong and the Suns, Ablett was making his first on-field appearance back in Geelong since quitting the club after the 2010 season.

The lights are part of the latest redevelopment of what is one of the best regional sporting venues in Australia, boasting an increased capacity of 33,600.

Geelong also unveiled a new scoreboard and their players’ stand.

“We’re witnessing the debut of this stadium as a genuine third-stadium option for big events in Victoria,” Gillard told the pre-match function as a capacity crowd packed into the stadium.

“I’m very pleased to be here in what is a tremendous facility.”

The 73m high towers dominate the Geelong skyline, rising above the spire of nearby St Mary’s church.

Geelong Football Club president Colin Carter thanked the federal government, the Victorian government, the City of Greater Geelong and the AFL for their financial support in redeveloping the stadium.

AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick and deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan were also guests at the pre-match dinner.