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With all the debate about what to do regarding new grounds in Sydney, does anyone have an answer as to which sport deserves a new stadium? This article looks at the four major football codes before laying out who exactly has the best case for a new ground.
AFL
Sport: Australian rules football
Pitch: Oval
Effect: Kicking, running and tackling with studs can dig up the ground
Ground share: None
2013 Average Sydney attendance: 17,000
Teams: Sydney Swans, GWS Giants
Stadiums: Sydney Showground, Sydney Cricket Ground, ANZ Stadium
The AFL is meant to be Australia’s league. It is our own unique sport played in our own unique league. Yet the core of the support and teams, belongs in Victoria. But are the arenas in Sydney up to scratch?
Yes. Of the three stadiums used for AFL, only one has not undergone major renovations in the past ten years. The Sydney Cricket Ground is currently undergoing major renovations that will see the “old” ground, transformed into the new generation Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Greater Western Sydney Giants also have their own ground, Skoda Stadium. It has been branded especially for the team and has been newly renovated to cater for AFL games rather than the “showground” purposes it was originally designed for.
The next stadium, which is not often used, but is occasionally, is ANZ Stadium.
It is arguably the best stadium in Sydney. It has a capacity of over 80,000 and is located in the heart of Sydney’s Olympic park. It is a world class venue and although it is not ideal for AFL, it is by no means a first choice stadium for either Sydney teams.
A-League
Sport: Association football
Pitch: Rectangular
Effect: Slide tackles and regular kicking can take off top layer
Ground share: rugby union, rugby league
2013 Average Sydney attendance: 15,000
Team: Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney FC
Stadiums: Allianz Stadium, Parramatta Stadium
The A-League was only started in 2005. One of the inaugural teams, Sydney FC has been playing ever since, however last year, the introduction of the Western Sydney Wanderers saw the competition rise in popularity in the west.
Sydney FC’s home ground is Allianz Stadium. And for the time being Sydney FC should be quite content with this as their home ground.
The ground sharing is sometimes an issue, with rugby teams playing on the field up to a day before and leaving it looking like a war zone, but for the most part, this is kept to a minimum.
However with the new developments at Allianz Stadium, Sydney will certainly not need to look anywhere else for a little while.
Western Sydney Wanderers however, are playing on a rugby pitch, in a rugby stadium.
Parramatta Stadium, while rectangular, is a disappointment. A master plan has been announced but with development a little way off and the support for Western Sydney Wanderers swelling, a new stadium would suit them well.
Super Rugby
Sport: rugby union
Pitch: Rectangular
Effect: Tackling, scrums and running dig up ground
Ground share: rugby league, association football
2013 Average Sydney Attendance: 24,000
Teams: Waratahs
Stadiums: Allianz Stadium
There is only one Super Rugby team in Sydney and it’s the Waratahs. Playing their games at Allianz Stadium, a venue which comfortably fits the average attendance and has major redevelopments planned, they should be quite comfortable that they have the great stadium.
No need for a new stadium here.
NRL
Sport: rugby league
Pitch: Rectangular
Effect: Tackling and running digs up ground
Ground share: Rubgy Union, association football
2013 Average Sydney Attendance: 15,000
Teams: Canterbury Bulldogs, Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters, Cronulla Sharks, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Manly Sea Eagles, Parramatta Eels, St George Illawarra Dragons
Stadiums: Allianz Stadium, ANZ Stadium, Brookvale Oval, Parramatta Stadium, Centrebet Stadium, Toyota Park, WIN Stadium
Lots of teams and a lot of stadiums. Any teams playing at Allianz Stadium or ANZ Stadium should be extremely happy with the grounds that they have the privilege to play at. However there are some other teams that don’t have the same luxury.
Brookvale Oval has had some recent redevelopments and while the stadium may seem a disappointment to many away fans, the grass hill and feel of the stadiums is something that the home fans love.
Parramatta Stadium, as mentioned before, is a rugby stadium, meaning that it is ideal for Parramatta, however there is a clear need for the master plan that has previously been suggested, to be put into place.
CentreBet Stadium again has an average attendance that is easily catered for by the stadium. The stadium, again has a grass hill and although it doesn’t have most ideal facilities, a redevelopment would fix the small problems it has. A new stadium is not exactly needed.
Toyota Park is another stadium that is not in need of being replaced. It was redeveloped in 2008 and there is again a plan to redevelop it again.
WIN Stadium has also seen recent redevelopment and is not in any need of being replaced.
The verdict
The Western Sydney Wanderers deserve a new stadium. Not only would it boost the profile of the club, it would boost the popularity of the sport in the West. A stadium capacity between 25,000 and 30,000 would suffice.
The previously scrapped plans for the Bankstown World Cup Stadium could be re-addressed to give Western Sydney the stadium it deserves.
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