Leading up to this Monday night’s game against the Storm, I have found myself watching old videos of the Canterbury Bulldogs playing at Belmore Oval.
Now before I get, this is just me daydreaming about how good it would be playing at Belmore more often, not a proposal – I understand it won’t happen
I dream of the Bulldogs playing out of a revamped Belmore Oval – maybe even call it Canterbury Stadium, or the Dogs go out and get sponsored and call it Emirates Stadium or what have you.
I hate that we share a home ground with Souths, Parramatta, the Tigers, Dragons and maybe now the Roosters. Opposition teams do not hate going to ANZ Stadium, it’s virtually neutral. Sure it’s state of the art (sort of), comfortable for fans, and has good access with the train station right there, but I guarantee the Bulldogs would win 90 per cent of there home games at Belmore.
I imagine a 30,000 seat stadium, built as bigger version of Parramatta Stadium, with steep stands either sides like some of the South African stadiums.
Canterbury average crowds of around 22,00 as is, this sort of crowd in a 30,000-seat stadium would be great atmosphere and an intimidating place for opposition teams to travel to.
Access to the stadium may be an issue, but the NSW government could put a station right behind the ground, and instal a multi-storey car park.
In the dream I see each club have their own ground or, grounds for the joint ventures, and ANZ is just for the special occasions. We should try and turn it into a Wembley Stadium – one that players dream of and then are excited to be playing at.
Regardless of it only being a dream, I am still excited about going ‘Back to Belmore’.
Dean
Guest
I wish you’re 90% success rate at Belmore came true.
Compo
Roar Rookie
when you say access is an issue... you do know that BELMORE railway station is right there??? it's like a five minute walk from the station to the ground and only one minute from the station to Canterbury Leagues Club for afters... i grew up in the area and most of the time it had a fun family atmosphere...watching the footy being kicked for goal over the train line was always fun...even Trains used to stop so the passengers could have a quick look... yes it's nostalgic, but on tv tonight the ground looked in much better shape than Brookvale and the stands were at least filled, something you can't do at Leichhardt. and 16,000 odd fans wasnt too bad considering some parts of the ground were off limits
steveng
Roar Rookie
As a South Sydney fan I also demand back to 'Redfern Oval' games for every game that Souths have. That ANZ stadium is a shocker and has no atmosphere and cannot compete with that Redfern Oval. Its about time that all Rabbit fans stood up to this and demanded that either the council or Souths or both improve Redfern Oval, so that all of the Rabbits home games are played there.
John Fisher
Roar Rookie
Would love to see the bulldogs play at belmore every week and make it their own. Nothing worse when the anz stadium is empty. Should play the big games at the anz but I think it's about time the likes of the bulldogs, roosters and the rabbitohs find their own grounds and build a new Base.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Way to stick the knife in Madrok.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
They seem to like Leichhardt today,packed out.It's hardly Cote d'Azour.
Madrok
Guest
Belmore?! Talk about a $10 NRL poverty pack! Talk about a crowd squasher. People dont like vagrant venues like Campbelltown or Belmore. The crowds stay away in droves because its poor and dreary and a real Centrelink of a place. Ive heard tales of people trying to buy hotdogs with a $50 and the staff at Campbelltown werent even sure that it was Australian currency. They hadnt seen a $50! If thats the case then a $100 would probably make them pass out.
big J
Guest
Well said, we all know that I would like the Bulldogs put down today, but you have a point, it is bettter to have home Games at Belmore get the numbers up rather than having a near empty 60000 seat stadium at ANZ. Atmosphere is the whole reason many people go to a game in the first place, the live action, the half time games, the local radio member on the mic encouraging the crowd to cheer for the home team, getting photos with the cheergirls, the lot. Living in Townsville for 4 years I was able to attend a few matches of the Cowboys at that stadium is great for Atomsphere, sitting on the hill the watching the action only twenty metres from you is awesome. (especially when you get to catch a kick at goal). You don't get to do that is a big stadium. The NRL has some many things wrong with it is hard to know where to start fixing the problem. Keeping the fans happy is a great way to start.
Leaguecoach101
Guest
School holidays - make it a family night out. I imagine that was the idea.
Jason Hosken
Guest
I get to Brooky a lot and have been to Belmore recently - it's no worse in comparison. If only Brookvale had a grandstand comparable in size. I notice Belmore has tidied up the northern and southern ends to meet fire regulations. Another stand at the residential end would be ideal - although they'd probably have to acquire the adjacent blocks, if they don't already own them. Massive hill too, plenty of room to house a big screen. Hopefully the Storm and Sharks games are successful and initiate further upgrades and more games.
Jason Hosken
Guest
Has been gone for a while now.
woodo
Guest
Does Belmore still have the giant Winfield sign? That getting covered up or what?
woodo
Guest
Most of the rugby league specific stadiums are only small 10-15,000 parks, the larger stadiums are either shared with cricket and rugby union teams (Leeds) or are stadiums that actually belong to soccer teams (Wigan, Hull, etc)
lester
Guest
I'd like to know how it is possible that Super League clubs are capable of funding their own grounds but NRL clubs find it impossible.
Christian D'Aloia
Roar Guru
See, I think that is a perfectly valid idea and I'd love to see it come true. The only deterrent is probably the fact that there's no big screen there, but there's no doubt the fans couldn't care less as long as they're at Belmore.
millsy of perth
Guest
Perhaps suburban grounds can accommodate interstate or travelling non Sydney teams who have not many supporters away from their home bases. Play block busters AFL slogan at the bigger venues at what clubs are alluding to now
woodo
Guest
Well they probably didn't choose the day, but maybe they thought the novelty element of having it there would mean a sellout even on a Monday.
woodo
Guest
Maybe QPR and Fulham aren't the best examples to give, considering if they'd played in bigger stadiums and thus had more funds for players they wouldn't have - both - been relegated.
The Lazy Phoenix
Guest
You only need the current size at Belmore, and they could play close to half the home games there (against the non drawing sides). The blockbusters can stay at Homebush.
bbt
Guest
A recent thread on The Roar discussed merging/relocating Sydney NRL clubs. This article is the proof that is a dumb idea. In the age of the internet, act local, think global is the mantra. Obviously money is hard come by, but doing up the Sydney suburban grounds to a reasonable level of modern amenity, to a capacity of 25 - 30K would be the way to go. Tribalism and locality are rare and precious commodities in today's corporate world.