A new 30,000 capacity stadium at Parramatta, a new 50,000 capacity rectangular stadium at Moore Park, a new indoor arena near Sydney CBD, and Stadium Australia to be given a retractable roof, have all been promised by the NSW Government in a major announcement on Friday.
NSW Premier Mike Baird and NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres announced the huge new sport and major event package.
“A global city like Sydney needs world-class sporting venues and this investment will ensure fans and sporting teams have the facilities they deserve,” Mr Baird said.
“Our first priority is building a new 30,000 seat stadium at Parramatta on the site of the existing facility, with work to begin as soon as possible and construction expected to be completed by 2019,” he said.
While all codes that use a rectangular stadium will benefit, including rugby league, football, and rugby union, NRL CEO Dave Smith was first out of the gate, saying the package was “a victory for fans, players and the NSW economy”.
“This is a fantastic result for rugby league and especially the fans who deserve world class facilities,” Mr Smith said.
“This is the biggest investment in rugby league infrastructure in the game’s history.
“The NRL has worked closely with the NSW Government over many months to secure better facilities for fans – and this is just what we need.
“It means we will have a world class stadium at Parramatta – right in the heart of western Sydney.
“This is an ideal site, close to transport, restaurants, bars and other services.
“We will also have a modern stadium, purpose built for rugby Lleague, at Moore Park and an upgrade of Stadium Australia.
“Sydney has been crying out for quality sporting venues – and now we are going to get them.”
More to come.
hikikomori
Guest
"I'll believe it when I see it"
3 Hats
Guest
This Sporting Stadia policy must surely be a joke....Right? The SFS for what a 50,000 to 60,000 seats? What A joke... The Roosters are lucky to get 20K to a game. The most bitter rival against Souths... only got 25K last night! Play the Waratahs at the ANZ stadium. Leave the SFS as it is and just put a roof on it! Parramatta Stadium...Now that is where we need a 50,000 seat stadium. aka the Wanderers, Socceroos and concerts! Stadium Australia must be rectangular with a roof on it. Move Manly and/or the Roosters to Gosford, FULL TIME.
3 Hats
Guest
The SFS was built in 1988...Not the 70s!
duecer
Guest
Surely some of the money could've been spent fixing up the rail line into Homebush instead of the ridiculous situation of having to get off in Lidcombe. I know they go direct if there is a guarantee of a big gate, but with more money, the NRL and AFL should be subsiding that component for their matches.
Xavier Smith
Roar Rookie
“A global city like Sydney needs world-class sporting venues and this investment will ensure fans and sporting teams have the facilities they deserve,” Mr Baird said. Sydney hosted the Olympics 15 years ago. Surely all that "investment" gave Sydney the stadiums its needs, barring some technological upgrades?
Jack Russell
Roar Guru
So 1 stadium in Perth is costing $1.4 billion and will seat 60k, and doesn't even have a roof. Yet the NSW government reckon for $400 million less they're going to build 2 new stadiums of 30k and 50k, and conduct a huge redevelopment of a 3rd? Gee the cost of living must be cheap in Sydney.
Nathan Absalom
Roar Guru
You never know, one day Sydney may even host the Olympic games.
The artist formerly known as Punter
Guest
Anything can happen, when the Giants got a 25K stadium. Pigs do fly.
jamesb
Guest
Maybe with the old SFS, they should build it in a different location that is close to public transport.
Josh
Guest
It's a great day, stadium size has impacted WSW and its ability to increase membership numbers, now we have the ability to have a genuine 25,000 members at least - maybe more & attendances can also go up. Season ticket holders too not 3 game memberships like GWS Giants.
Josh
Guest
The Swans did that Christo, the crowd figure last weekend shows the maximum that will ever attend a Giants match.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Asia Cup? Netball World Cup? MLB season opener?
DT
Guest
Pollies porkbarrelling again! When is Murwillumbah going to it's own 30,000 seat stadium?
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Tahs have got a 50k crowd how many times in the past 20 years? Last years final and....? Sydney FC will get a crowd for the derby and IF they host the GF If 50k is expected then host it at Homebush. Why spend tax payers money for something that maybe used at capacity once every couple of years. Other then a roof at ANZ it is a waste of money that can be better used elsewhere
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
The plan is to demolish Allianz and build a replacement. Um, the redevelopment of Darling Harbour is well beyond the planning stages actually. The Ent Cent's replacement (The Sydney Theatre) is almost finished. The indoor sports arena is proposed for the Moore Park area. Personally I would have built a larger stadium at Parramatta and kept the one at Moore Park at its current capacity (and maybe even reduce it a bit).
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
You mean apart from two weeks ago?
Anonymous
Roar Pro
Never give up the opportunity to take a jab at the opposition!
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
On that logic, the Roosters v Dragons ANZAC game may go close to filling it for the occasion.
duecer
Guest
Good news for WSW - expect their membership numbers to rapidly increase, although 35 thousand would've been better - can see them selling out the venue a few times, although would the extra money be worth it for a sell out by WSW every few matches.
duecer
Guest
although it must be said that 10-15 thousand in a 25 thousand stadium is better than 10-15 thousand in a 50 thousand stadium.