Ballymore is the home of Queensland rugby and it should remain that way. I think that Queensland desperately needs another large stadium to accommodate the rapid sporting population.
Ballymore’s presence is simply amazing. The stadium needs an expansion, a rapid expansion.
When the Federal Government knocked back the grant, it was disappointing, as it would have helped rugby in Australia with the new academy which could host Schoolboy Championships, and minor international matches – say, games like Samoa verses Fiji, where a bigger crowd would turn up than if it was in Samoa.
When we finally get a provincial competition in the next five or so years (I assure you, we will get one), it would host games there.
Not only that, but with the Football World Cup coming around, it would boost Australia’s chances of getting it if the Queensland government redevelops.
Ballymore could host State of Origin.
It would soothe the tension between the major codes, which is currently occurring. The Queensland government could offer the NRL a place at Ballymore for that years’ series as an alternative.
If this redevelopment occurs, the stadium could be increased to around 45,000. It’s no Suncorp, but it does offer a slight solution for one year.
From next year the Brisbane Roar Football team will probably move to Ballymore, due to their dwindling crowds. The new Super 14 competition, which runs through June and July, could have games at Ballymore.
The NRL games could be played at Ballymore during the Football World Cup. Rugby Union games could be held there, too.
Really it’s up to the Queensland government to ensure that all of the codes can some way reach a solution.
This is the probable way.
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December 16th 2009 @ 6:16am
Crashy said | December 16th 2009 @ 6:16am | Report comment
Westy – Agree that QLD produces the best young Rugby talent – no question there. The problem is the players either get picked up by the Force academy ( stefano Hunt, pocock and his brother, O’Connor etc) or teh Broncos ( Chambers, Barnes) etc. They have to make playing for the Reds the be-all and end-all for the players. Its funny how the dark side or professionalism has an ugly truth sometimes.
The Wallabies seem to perform best at Suncorp so play more tests there I say. ( and this is coming from a NSW’er).
I might had that the Tahs have a helluva squad for 2010 – minus Beale by the looks of it!!
December 16th 2009 @ 10:49am
Comrade Bear said | December 16th 2009 @ 10:49am | Report comment
Saturday, 27 February 2010 6:30PM QR Reds v Auckland Blues ….. at Ballymore – woohoo!
I thought that 2010 was the last year of the contract of having games at Suncorp – ??
For me though – Ballymore is just one of many areas in which the Qld Reds REALLY need to get the act together – FAST!
December 16th 2009 @ 5:37pm
The Other Reds Fan. said | December 16th 2009 @ 5:37pm | Report comment
Howard approved $25m to develop Ballymore and then Rudd canned it. Remember that next time you walk into a voting booth.