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Last week it was reported that the Sydney Entertainment Centre will be demolished and the Sydney Convention Centre closed for three years, as the precinct undergoes a $1 billion makeover.
When I heard the news, I immediately thought it was an amazing opportunity for the football codes in Sydney to be involved in building a state-of-the-art stadium in Darling Harbour.
Roarer ‘Whites’ posted me a link to an article in which New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell announced the development of an integrated exhibition and entertainment precinct in Sydney’s CBD. The fully integrated convention centre will increase the size of the existing precinct by two-thirds to 20 hectares.
Now, I’m no architect or builder, but I can’t help but think that this news indicates that there must be the potential to build a state-of-the-art football stadium in the heart of Sydney.
Surely this is an opportunity too good for the city, and its respective football teams, to pass up?
The three main sporting stadiums in Sydney are the Sydney Football Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground in Moore Park, and ANZ Stadium in Homebush. While the Sydney Football Stadium is in a reasonable location, the SCG has a mountain of history, and Homebush has brilliant facilities, none of these grounds tick all the boxes that paying fans rightfully demand.
The Sydney Football Stadium is out-of-date and small compared to ANZ Stadium. And while its location is fairly convenient, and it’s relatively close to a number of quality pubs, bars and restaurants, it can still be a bit of a pain getting there.
The SCG is a wonderful ground, steeped in tradition. But it’s not conducive to the rectangle shape required of rugby league, rugby union and football.
Meanwhile, ANZ Stadium’s limitations have been well documented. The stadium itself is fantastic, but it’s an absolute nightmare to get to, lacks soul and the social options available pre and post game leave a lot to be desired.
While logistics and finances would obviously need to be worked out, a state-of-the-art stadium in the heart of Sydney certainly has its merits. In fact, ‘merits’ is an understatement on par with saying Miranda Kerr is good looking.
We should encourage the powers that be to investigate the feasibility of building a stadium in Darling Harbour. The ARU, NRL and the FFA need to jump all over this. Maybe even the AFL as well.
The re-development is already in the plans, so it’s not like all the organisations will be required to dig deep into their pockets. While I’m certain some funding would be appreciated and welcomed by the state government, the organisations’ main involvement would be primarily advisory. Along with their tenancy, of course.
In looking at the pros and cons of such a decision, it becomes a no-brainer.
The main gripes from fans about Sydney’s sporting grounds are that the Sydney Football Stadium is old and lacks the ability to hold big crowds, while Homebush is difficult to get to, and not an ideal start to a night out.
A stadium in Darling Harbour completely eradicates those issues.
Additionally, I would guarantee that erecting a stadium in the heart of Sydney would generate millions and millions of revenue for the city. Business would boom for surrounding bars, pubs, restaurants, etc.
The existing plans for the re-development estimate that the project will generate an extra 3500 jobs. Including a stadium in the plans would only increase that figure.
Overall, it would be a boon for the city, its sporting teams, and fans.
Honestly, can someone please tell me why this would be a bad idea?