The NSW Government and the NRL are currently discussing the approach to stadium upgrades with the Sydney clubs.
In order to best determine funding, it makes sense to understand where clubs and games will be based in the future.
I propose that games are allocated to best encourage shared derby games with both teams fans attending which equates to larger crowds. I have tried to succinctly outline my suggestion of how best to allocate Sydney games below.
More:
» Sydney Stadiums on a deadline
Firstly, consider grouping clubs into geographical zones:
East Inner including the Roosters, Dragons and Souths.
East Outer including Manly and Cronulla.
West Inner including Tigers, Bulldogs and Eels.
West Outer which just includes the Panthers.
Then, we must allocate games to stadiums encouraging shared home derby games.
The SFS would hold all east derbies including inner and outer teams. Parramatta Stadium would host all western derbies.
ANZ would host all west inner versus east inner teams.
Finally all other games would take place at the selection of the home side.
While teams still plays some others twice under the current system, the draw should be designed to ensure all derby games are doubles.
Finally, stadiums should be upgraded.
The proposed game strategy places Homebush as the premier stadium for the larger Sydney derbies and premier games. As such, the majority of the Government finds should be spent on upgrading the ANZ to Australia’s best rectangular stadium, as well as improving the precinct visitor experience.
I believe this proposal encourages fans of both teams to attend the ‘big event’ games at the three upgraded main stadiums, while importantly recognising the role of the traditional grounds for non derby games. The proposal also considers the pragmatics if travelling for games if outer sydney teams such as Penrith and Cronulla.
I write this article in the hope that the NRL and the clubs can come to an agreement that places fans first.
pat malone
Guest
thats why the two home teams there have been averaging 20k for the past 5 ears
pat malone
Guest
thanks mr doomsday. check the actual crowds, the aveage is 16k, every sydney club averages over 12k
pat malone
Guest
4 hours? king of exaggeration
pat malone
Guest
it what way is ANZ outdated? they have a better type of plastic seat now?
Rob9
Guest
Not bad. I'd go: Bulldogs- ANZ fulltime Roosters and Rabbitohs- Allianz fulltime All west derbies (Dogs, Eels, Tigers, Panthers) played at ANZ along with Tigers and Eels home games against Dragons and Rabbits. Dragons home game vs Rabbits at SCG for heritage round and their home game against Roosters at Allianz. Leave Sharks in the Shire and Sea Eagles at Brookie (Allianz only for home a major semi)
djcooper
Roar Guru
As a qlder having access to a purpose built league stadium my opinion is probably moot BUT I have travelled to ANZ to watch numerous origins and last years gf and I am not surprised people don't turn up to that stadium to watch a club game because the fasciities are ridiculous, the amenities are second rate and the viewing is atrocious. No matter where you sit you are too far away from the action thus creating a lackluster atmosphere. I'm all for the NRL trying to meet conditions as long as they spend the money wisely and I would suggest that would be better invested in the SFS.
Marco
Guest
Pessimistic vs optimistic how about a sensible compromise. Just give Allianz and Anz a facelift. Thats what will probably happen if clubs dont want to move. The state government is talking about making cuts to school funding. I dont see how they can throw buckets of money at underused sports stadiums when other sectors are struggling.
Sluggers
Guest
So what is wrong with the NRL investing in its game? The AFL have poured $100m plus into GWS and Suns. The Stadium would be around for the next 20-30 years, how many TV deals over that time, 5 or 6 ? Revenue from that alone would provide $5-6 billion. When you consider they could play 40 odd games there a season - avg crowd (20k/Gm) that would generate $20m a season, factor in revenue from food and bev, additional $20m a season. $40m per season over 20-30 years... Anyway, just my opinion - I'm hardly the commissioner, just wanting to raise my point that the game needs to cater for fans when it comes to ticket pricing, food and bev costs along with fan comfort at games.
Agent11
Guest
12k? most games get more than 12k. The average crowd is between 15 and 16k so 20k seats should be absolute minimum.
Whiskers
Guest
Sydney would be better served reducing the size of existing stadiums - league gets small crowds traditionally - and should invest in one stadium for its bigger games. Ultimately the game could be served well by a 15k stadium out west, 12 k north, 12k to the south and a 60k either in moore park or elsewhere which could be used when interest in a game dictates. When games are getting 5k, I think league should be concentrating on how to reduce stadium size to minimise costs
turbodewd
Guest
How can anyone talk about stadium upgrades when NRL crowds are so modest? They can be good...occasionally good. But we have a problem with the quantity of games and the stupid Top8 system which means games at the start and middle of season mean little. A team can leave its run until the final 5 weeks and crack the 8. Its silly.
Fix the scrums
Guest
So if manly , cronulla and st george supporters are against any move, this stadium plan looks a bit shaky. Is there a plan b?
Nambawan
Guest
Any suggestion that Manly should play away from Brookvale is crazy and dumb. Remember most games are now played at 8pm, so how many supporters from the northern beaches would travel up to four hours in Sydney traffic in the middle of winter to attend a Moore Park venue. In actuality the games would be played in front of virtually an empty stadium. The proponents of such a plan only display their ignorance of Rugby League supporter ethos. Also, do they intentionally wish to destroy the Manly club and League along the northern beaches?
baz
Guest
Sydenham is actually quite a large station
Epiquin
Roar Guru
ANZ is almost 20 years old and it's facilities are have become rapidly outadedd. Not to mention it does not adequately serve the sports that are now it's only tenants. Allians will get a facelift while ANZ get's a major rebuild.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
"It’s perfectly located between Stanmore Station (1km walk) and Sydenham Train Station (1km walk)." Two small stations that are not connected well with the broader Sydney network.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Just as an FYI, the light rail will be a more direct route - far less nauseating. Multilevel carpark is great as long as it's not full, which it is, which is why they have the mud parking. The point is that getting out there is not the dream run you make it out to be and is a lot better at other grounds for a lot of people.
Pepper Jack
Guest
"what’s your suggestion for dealing with this inconvenience?" If they want to build a new Stadium then build it at Prince Alfred Park, right next to Central
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
"Personally I would like to see the NRL invest their own money in a Stadium – A purpose built ‘Boutique Stadium’ that seats 30-35K fans, under a retractable roof." Where is the NRL getting the half a billion dollars this would cost? And even if they borrowed it, by the time they paid it off the'd have to build a replacement!
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
I usually catch the bus from Central and have always found the bus departure area well sign-posted. Use an Opal card instead of cash. Apologies for the lack of a straight, level journey - what's your suggestion for dealing with this inconvenience? You know the light rail will have to follow this "nauseating trip up hills and round bends" don't you? And it's one gentle hill, and two turns before the trip levels out. The entire "nauseating" experience lasts all of five minutes. And I stopped parking in the Moore Park mud years ago. Plenty of parking next door in the Fox Studios multi-level carpark. And if the game is an evening one, arrive after 6pm, get your ticket validated when you have a quick bite to eat in one of the cafes there and it will only cost you $7.