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Parramatta Stadium will be able to accommodate more of the swelling hordes of Western Sydney Wanderers’ fans, with the venue to increase capacity to around 25,000 by 2015, following a $29 million upgrade.
New Federal Sport Minister Don Farrell announced on Tuesday the government would commit $20 million towards the works, including increased grandstand seating, improved changing rooms and hospitality facilities and the lengthening of the adjacent 70-metre training area to a full-sized field.
The stadium hosts the Wanderers and the Parramatta NRL club and accommodates around 19.000 spectators.
“This is a significant moment in the phenomenal journey of the Wanderers,” Football Federation Australia chief executive David Gallop said.
“Only one season in the competition and they have sold out this stadium three times.
“The fans got behind the club and became part of the most sensational atmosphere that you’ll see in Australian sport and they are being rewarded with a stadium upgrade.”
Parramatta also hailed the works, with CEO Ken Edwards saying the Eels previously had to prepare in the worst training facilities in the NRL.
Edwards said the upgrade would allow Parramatta to compete on a level playing field with other clubs and coach Ricky Stuart also acknowledged their significance.
“It’s a big part of elite sport today to have modern facilities – it’s a very very big part of preparation,” Stuart said.
“It’s something the players have lacked here for a number of years.
“I’m glad we’ve got an opportunity to move forward with modernised facilities.
“You don’t need the best facilities in the world – we’re not that precious.
“It’s just a matter of being realistic about the environment and the training facilities around the players.
“We put a lot of pressure on the players to be at their best. It’s our job to give them the best training environment and resources.”
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