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The controversial proposed upgrade of Allianz Stadium is set to be put aside, with the NSW government green-lighting a $1.6 billion stadium redevelopment package focused on ANZ Stadium.
The news comes just days after the Waratahs, Sydney Roosters and Sydney FC collectively spoke out against the proposed rebuild of Allianz Stadium, which would have required all three clubs to move their home games to different venues for four years.
However, the NSW Government today approved a $1.6 billion stadium upgrade package which does not include rebuilding Allianz Stadium. Instead, Parramatta Stadium will be upgraded into a 30,000-seat facility, and $700 million will be spent on upgrading ANZ Stadium.
Allianz Stadium will also be upgraded, although not rebuilt as previously planned.
The agreement between the NSW Government and some of Australia’s sports organisations will also see a number of sporting events remain in Sydney. The agreement includes State of Origin matches for the next 20 years, and at least one Socceroos and Matildas game per year. The next ten Bledisloe Cup openers will also be played in Sydney.
ARU have committed to playing first Bledisloe Cup in Sydney until 2026.
— Iain Payten (@iainpayten) April 14, 2016
The news is a major boost for NRL clubs, the majority of whom were in favour of allocating the bulk of the state government’s funding to ANZ, rather than Allianz Stadium.
“This is an historic day for rugby league… one which will give our fans the comfort and facilities they deserve,” the NRL’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, said.
“Our aim was to ensure that rugby league benefited from any allocation of stadium funding – and this package delivers that outcome.”
Under the upgrade, ANZ Stadium will be reconfigured into a 70,000-seat rectangular field, with some seats brought as much as 48 metres closer to the playing surface when compared to the current layout.
According to ANZ Stadium’s website, the upgrade also includes plans for a retractable roof, increased food and beverage areas, and a $20 million home base for the NSW Blues.
One of the major criticisms of ANZ Stadium at the moment is the lack of atmosphere at the ground. However, under the proposed upgrade, the ground will be able to be reconfigured to best cater for three different levels of attendance – 20,000, 35,000 and 70,000.
An LED-lighting method, similar to what was in place at London’s Olympic Stadium, will be used to screen out the top tier of seating when not in use, and the current uniformly-coloured seats will be replaced with a multicolour scheme comparable to what is in place at the Gabba.
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