It came just a week after vandals carelessly ruined sponsorship banners and a goal net at the ground.

Around $600,000 was spent on the project, which involved adding a whole new story to the original single-level structure that only had change rooms in it.

In the second story is a fully furnished club room with seating and tables for the use of club associates and invited guests to use, particularly in poor weather.

The room also has a kitchen that has all appliances needed for full catering purposes.

Construction took place last year after the project was approved in 2009.

Queanbeyan City Council Mayor Tim Overall said upgrades to Riverside were well overdue given the original facility was constructed in the 1970’s.

“The building was very tired, not up to Capital Football standard by any means, was surrounded by mesh fencing and barbed wire, and was pretty much third world,” said Cr Overall.

“Stage one of the improvements involved upgrading the amenities and change rooms downstairs, before adding the second story with the club room and the kiosk.”

“We also improved the ground and enhanced the lighting to go with it.”

Adding to the $450,000 provided by the Commonwealth Government and the $250,000 from the Council for this project, a further $170,000 from the Commonwealth will be used to continue the facility’s maintenance.

Monaro Panthers Club president Simon France said the new clubhouse would make watching games far more comfortable.

“It’s a terrific new facility o be able to watch games indoors,” he said.

“It will also benefit the Queanbeyan community as a whole, as a better facility to host which ever events people organize to use it for.”

Queanbeyan City have signed a three year deal with Council as the primary users of the facility, while Monaro will be the secondary users.