The next time a stadium is upgraded or a new stadium is build, it is time for the NRL to finally contribute to the cost.
In doing so, the NRL will be rewarded – one just need to look at the Gold Coast Suns.
The AFL contributed $10 million of the $145 million need for the development of Metricon Stadium. Management rights were awarded to the AFL and passed to the Suns.
While the Gold Coast Titans have to pay $300,000 per game at Cbus Super Stadium, which is fully government funded.
The NRL had no negotiating power on the rent since they did not contribute at all.
In Townsville, there is discussion of a CBD super stadium and entertainment centre which will provide an economic boost and provide a mini Suncorp in the north, along with greater facilities to host local, national and international events.
This is the ideal opportunity for the NRL to provide money to get the stadium off the ground running and perhaps gain management rights like the AFL did on the Gold Coast and pass it to the Cowboys who will greatly benefit like the Suns.
At a current cost of $316 million, the NRL should chip in $30 to $50 million minimum as a signal of support for the stadium and by assisting the government in funding should be rewarded like the AFL in stadium management rights.
With the billion dollar deal the NRL has the opportunity to partially fund the hollowed grounds of all NRL teams and should no longer coast on government funding as shown by the titans dilemma.
NF
Roar Guru
Terry billion dollar tv deal say otherwise to no money if managed properly and not used as handouts to clubs. Strength in numbers, the ffa can't do it on its own that for sure. The more codes lobby together then everyone benefits. As for the crowd issue I covered that in previous articles. All I say if you care about your team a least show up for one game. I go to Cowboys game on the regular and have no problem or excuses in doing so. Other nrl fans though cue the endless list of excuses.
NF
Roar Guru
Of course turbo I'm suggesting this for the future, long term vision something rugby league lack since day 1. Raiders crowd are a embarrassment to the code, being a raider fan turbo you must have answers for this. I know a bad team draws bad crowds but the cowboys at there worst did better than the raiders. Parra 2 spoon in row did better than raiders.
NF
Roar Guru
E meter I prefer government spending to focus on health and education. Sport funding should be the last thing on a budget once the important areas are covered. I'm saying if the opportunity arises for stadium funding, the nrl needs to step up and contribute money to it as it shows responsibility and ownership of the stadium instead of it being just gifted to them out of the taxpayers pocket. It's why I want nrl to make significant contributions to any stadium contributions so taxpayer money can go elsewhere.
Terry
Guest
Unfortunately the NRL has neither the money nor the government influence to build a decent stadium and will have to rely on soccer (the FFA) to put up most of the cash. The ARU is no better off than the NRL despite its fans being wealthy folk in contrast to the NRL's 'battlers'. Dave smith should be much more concerned that people who call themselves NRL fans rarely attend games and crowds haven't increased for a decade despite the population of Australia increasing enormously by over 3 million since 2003.
Rob9
Guest
Agree agree and very much agree.
turbodewd
Guest
NF, umm....we cant argue for better stadiums when crowds are going backwards :^( Raiders and Titans about to put in their worst crowds ever :^( NRL HQ doesnt give a flying...
E-Meter
Guest
Just what our society needs, more bloody stadiums. Hospitals, schools, nahhhhhh. Just build me a stadium.
Sportfreak
Guest
ARU are building their own $20 million facility at T G Milner Field. This includes a substantial increase to seating so I expect them not to have surplus $ to help the other codes lock in stadium deals.
AR
Guest
Stadium sharing already happens between those 3 codes, so it's a no-brainer that they should pool their money in order to achieve the best usage outcomes via proprietary rights. The problem, is that I doubt the FFA and ARU have money to chip in.
Cowelly
Guest
Agreed. The crowds there have been woeful this year, too.
Cowelly
Guest
The NRL's stubborn approach to A-League is going to hurt it in the end. They should be helping out the FFA as much as they can, as well as getting the ARU onside. Three massive codes trying to get government funding, as well as funding these stadiums would certainly get world class rectangular stadiums built in Australia, as well as the infrastructure to get people to and from these stadiums. We cannot keep up with the AFL by ourselves, but at the same time shouldn't look at the other codes with such animosity.
Cowelly
Guest
They need it! It's freezing out at Bruce. Work something out with the ARU and possibly even A-League. DO NOT allow the stadium to be an Oval, however.
AR
Guest
The AFL's negotiating on Metricon provided good long term stability for the new club, no doubt. The NRL's disadvantage is that it's starting so late. The decision to build Waverley was one that began in the late 1950s, when the VFL had no money. But by the time the AFL sold it in 1999, $30M from the sale price went towards the construction of Docklands Stadium. The upshot is that in 2025 the AFL will take ownership of Docklands (a billion dollar asset) for $1. But better late than never - the NRL should decide which stadium it wants equity in (I think it has to be ANZ) and take the plunge.
NF
Roar Guru
If nrl, aru & ffa chip into upgrading parramatta stadium for example. In return, rental costs should be reduced as a result of the organization's contribution. As a result, clubs will have a easier break even point reducing financial stress of respective clubs. The reduction of rental costs passes to the fans in more affordable ticket prices and transport. In a ideal scenario.
Sluggers
Roar Rookie
Hey NF, I agree. I think the NRL should look at building their own Stadium. This is an article I wrote back in 2011. Short term pain would mean a long term gain for the game. http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/06/21/anz-stadium-no-good-for-nrl-fans/
Sportfreak
Guest
oh god dont fall for the ol 'train line on the northern beaches' trick. It has been talked about for decades and will never ever happen. The libs dont need to spend money on the area to buy votes and a labor govt will never every get in power there. It always has and always will be a pipe dream.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
At first I thought this was going to be another "the NRL needs to build more stadiums that are not too big and not too small so that they meet my specific needs as a fan" article. I was pleasantly surprised to find something a little more sensible. The NRL SHOULD be investing in stadiums, rather than leaving it to the government. Obviously this will give them more leverage to get stadiums more suited to the code. I think it was mentioned above, but how good would it be if the NRL, ARU and FFA went thirds in buying a significant stake in ANZ and refiguring it? They could use another FIFA world cup bid as an excuse to get the government to chip in and make it purely rectangular.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Apparently the plan is for the Northern Beaches to be the next region to receive a rail line once the North-West rail link is completed. Perhaps this will increase the numbers of Manly fans who travel as well as 'away' fans at Brookvale. However, this also opens a new kettle of fish. Will the access provided by this line mean fans are willing to travel to the city for home games? Will Brookvale get it's own station? Should a new stadium be located elsewhere on the Northern Beaches to be more accessible?
NF
Roar Guru
Thanks for the points and correction ar. I wrote this article like my previous spur on the moment so it does look rushed at times. The gold coast afl deal was genius and something the nrl needs to do when they provide capital to stadiums.
Football United
Guest
If you mean travel for Away games, then yeah i agree. If you mean they should be expected to watch manly home games outside of Manly then you don't get it. If i lived there and supported them there wouldn't be a chance in hell i'd be making a habit of travelling over the bridge for home games at a stadium where the team has no prior history when there is a perfectly good ground in Manly.