Prior to COVID, it was exciting that ANZ and Allianz stadiums were to receive some much-needed upgrading, with the NSW government pledging $1.8 billion in funding for both.
Personally, I found Allianz to be a perfectly sized rectangular stadium that brought spectators close to the action. I didn’t find the knockdown-rebuild necessary but could see the need for improving facilities, such as amenities, food outlets and better parking options.
Alas, a brand-new stadium will be built on the Moore Park site in conjunction with newly constructed light rail and tram lines which head directly outside it, so it is expected to be a winner with the sport-loving public and much more accessible than the previous model.
Construction is currently underway and is expected to be finalised by the end of 2021.
An artist’s impression of the Allianz Stadium rebuild. (Image: Facebook/Allianz Stadium)
On the other hand, ANZ was never designed for rectangular sports viewing. Seating stands are not elevated and are easily 20-30 metres away from the action, which creates a deft atmosphere unless it is filled, which only happens a handful of times a year.
A knockdown-rebuild, turning it into a purpose-built venue made a lot more sense and it would have become the primary stadium for some Sydney NRL clubs, along with premium games involving international, state and club sides from all three rectangular football codes.
Despite the numerous promises, memorandums of understanding and handshake agreements, the wind was finally taken out of the sails for NSW stadium funding when the coronavirus hit and we learnt the impact it would have. This resulted in the remaining $800 million in funding for the Homebush precinct being pulled, with Allianz considering themselves lucky construction was already underway.
Now the NSW Government have $800 million left in funding available and at this point have not reallocated it, nor are they in a rush to – so how should it be spent?
Peter FitzSimons recently wrote a piece about how the Deputy Premier of NSW is wasting taxpayer funds on ‘mini Bankwest stadiums’.
FitzSimons disagreed with funding set for ANZ being diverted to a proposal, headed by the NRL, to upgrade four or five suburban stadia and transform them into boutique venues – he would rather see the money spent upgrading schools.
Therein lies some merit, despite the fact the NSW public school system already has been allocated $10.6 billion in state funding which hasn’t been fully spent. I am a taxpayer and am satisfied that government funding is spread accordingly, with sport rightfully receiving considerably less than the schooling and health sectors.
I understand public funds goes towards stadia upgrades, and not everybody is a sports fan, but there is enough to go around. Attacks of the NRL and the state government finding ways to spend stadia-allocated funding is pessimistic.
As an optimist, I am for the collective growth of rectangular sports in NSW I have a pragmatic solution to the stadium funding dilemma.
The NRL has requested funding for up to five boutique venues, with capacity ranging from 20-25,000 undercover arena seating and upgrades to eateries, other facilities and parking.
The following stadia should receive funding for upgrading on the proviso that rugby league, rugby union and soccer have access to them:
• New Liverpool stadium
• Penrith stadium
• Brookvale Oval
• Belmore Oval
• Kogarah Oval
Brookvale Oval (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
These upgrades will ensure each professional NSW club in NRL, rugby and the A-League has a new home ground which will provide greater accessibility, viewing, tribalism and improved overall experience. This will also ensure premium games and events are hosted at these venues.
Furthermore, they can be utilised by the semi-professional NSWRL Canterbury Cup, NSW National Premier League 1 for soccer and the Shute Shield competition for rugby union. Other stadiums in NSW can also still be utilised if need be, such as Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Leichhardt Oval, or WIN Stadium in Wollongong.
But there is still a problem.
At the moment, COVID is limiting crowd numbers in NSW to 25 per cent of the stadium capacity, or a limit of 10,000. Many will be up in arms to learn their taxes are being spent on stadiums with attendances so severely hampered, so in our current climate it would be inconsiderate to push forward.
From a sporting perspective, the pandemic has hindered growth and will no doubt set many of the codes back, with stadium funding also being affected.
My solution is for the remaining $800 million to be diverted to other resources and budgets on a temporary basis, and hopefully when we contain this disease for good, NSW stadia can re-emerge as a priority after making the sacrifices when it mattered.
This would solidify the future for the state’s rectangular football codes.
Birdy
Roar Rookie
I can't see why people can't see what your saying.its not as if everyone wears read snotter on their head to hide from reality. Local councils and governments love big crowds , huge boost for the local economy. Sydney really needs to look at their transport and make it top priority. Caught in traffic going to work in Brisbane years ago , there was a truck roll over, ( common occurrence) the radio station had a guest who rattled off figures of how much bad traffic costs the economy, I can't remember the figures but it was enough to build a hospital and a shopping center each year.
zonecadet
Roar Rookie
I fail to see who upgrading at Penrith and Brookvale helps other than the two Rugba League Clubs that play there already and neither draw anywhere near 20 to 25,000 a game. No A-League teams would play at those venues and visiting Rugba League teams don't drag too many supporters with them to those venues. That leaves Belmore and Kogarah. Granted I've been out of Sydney for 20 odd years now but I always understood Kogarah was limited due to the school next door and as for Belmore, really? It's wedged between the railway and suburbia, there's no parking and would residents want a crowds of 20,000 clogging up their streets anymore? I don't have an answer but I think the horse bolted on this long ago, back when Rugby League clubs didn't care about fan facilities, anyone old enough to have been to Parramatta in the 70's, or Redfern or Lidcombe or Leichhardt? No wait, you can experience that 70's feel at Leichhardt to this very day. I can't see the Government selling this post Covid as a good idea.
Nick
Roar Guru
Firstly - questioning my support. That's low and uncalled for. I wouldn't do that of you. Well, if you had a clue what you were talking about, I would have agreed with you. But you don't. So I'll explain. They are not "permanently based in Wollongong". The majority of the club is owned by the St George league club. The Steelers sold off their remaining share. The primary HQ of the club is in Sydney, not Wollongong. More of the players live in Sydney, not Wollongong. Normally, they train relatively equally in both cities under the shared ground rule. If they are playing out of Kogarah in the week before they train in Kogarah, and likewise with Wollongong. It is THIS year that they are basing themselves primarily out of Wollongong for two reasons. 1. The Sharks are co-tenants of Kogarah this year and next. Likewise Sydney FC are playing more games at Kogarah. 2. Covid requirements means its easier to simply temporarily centralise to Wollongong. Both are temporary. When the SFS is rebuilt, Sydney FC go back. When the Sharkies Leagues Club refurb is done, Cronulla go back, and St George reacquire majority use of the ground. If St George permanently moved to Wollongong and played the majority of their games from Wollongong, I wouldn't be the only fan that would walk away. They would no longer be representing St George. Why should I remain a fan of the Dragons if they weren't going to adequately represent their heartland? The Big Red V is synonymous with St George, not Illawarra.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Read my post again. They are ready permanently based in Wollongong and play a handful of games at Kogarah. If that's all it takes for you to jump ship you aren't much of a fan then are you?
Joe
Guest
Some very valid points made and although these Major Construction Projects help with employment during Construction and long after these venues are completed investment in smaller and more diverse projects would benefit the masses. During the GFC the Government stimulus packages helped Australia in the short term and in comparison, to the rest of the world the Construction Industry did not suffer as badly as the rest of the world. However, when the BER stimulus packages began to slow the Tier 1 companies walked away with the cash and a large number of smaller builders were left in financial ruin. The same will happen this time if the government does not invest wisely and looks at what may happen in the longer term. Investment in smaller development whether that be schools or sporting venues seems a better option. On a lighter note: Based on the assumption that the stadia are limited to 25% of the stadium capacity, or a limit of 10,000 that should accommodate the average crowd across most the venues in NSW based on pre-pandemic numbers. Broncos don’t count in this assumption.
Nick
Roar Guru
Yup. Move them or shut the club down. Both options I'd support. Hahaha.
Nick
Roar Guru
the vast, vast majority of the dragons fanbase identify with the St George part of the venture, not the other. If they permanently moved to Wollongong, I'd stop supporting them in a heartbeat. "The St George area down to Wollongong." Considering St George is closer to Canterbury they'd run the risk of losing the next generation of fans to the bulldogs.
Daniel John
Roar Pro
The Tigers should play out of the new Liverpool stadium when/if it is built - despite the fact their centre of excellence is currently being built in Concord. I also agree that Central Coast needs more use from a RL club - most fitting would be Manly but not if they get a new Brookie Oval. Highly doubt the CC Bears will be gaining a licence any time soon..
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
They are basically full-time in Wollongong now. They never train at kogarah and most of the squad lives in Wollongong. It would actually be a good idea while still encompassing the St George area down to Wollongong. Tigers definitely need to move to Campbelltown full-time the Balmain side contribute nothing and Leichardt Oval is a horrible ground to go to
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Fair points, but brookvale is an eyesore. Maybe move the club to the central coast it's not like they have a big supporter base anyway.
Ad-O
Guest
The fact that government funds the infrastructure for billion dollar professional sports leagues is an abomination against morality. These stadiums should be funded privately by the relevant sports bodies. If they can't break even privately because there's not enough paying custom from the public, then they have no business being built. We already know this is the case because they are only half full 90% of the time. English stadiums are privately funded, and American franchises are now being turned down by government too. Its high time Australian administrations got their act together and stopped sponging off the rest of us.
Daniel John
Roar Pro
NOIP, you factor in some very relevant points. Sydney peak hour is a nightmare and public transport to Nth Beaches is practically non-existent. All the ‘Connex’ tunnels and CBD tramlines, as well as the transformation of Liverpool as Sydney’s third CBD could benefit our sporting codes in the future. Unfortunately, our Government of previous did not like to plan further than 10 years ahead - hence all the mentioned headaches you listed being a problem of today.
Daniel John
Roar Pro
I agree Barry, they should look ahead. Therefore building new or significantly renovating suburbia stadia and transforming them into English Premier League-style venues would be absolutely ideal - ultimately that’ll classify them as world class and return tribalism to our rectangular codes.
Daniel John
Roar Pro
Hi Paul, you make an excellent point for shovel-ready projects boosting employment opportunities in such dire times, I am all for it.
Daniel John
Roar Pro
Hi Mark, I wish ANZ was knocked down first although I am still glad Allianz is getting a new stadium at least, despite the fact they probably could have spent less on it for a “facelift” Reno instead
Daniel John
Roar Pro
Hi Nat, Seeing as the funding was pulled from ANZ and the NRL has lobbied for tribalism through 4-5 boutique stadiums in suburbia - I’d hope that the three rectangular codes have access to them at all times throughout their respective seasons. Further to this, their lower grade semi-pro and school representative levels should make good use of them too.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
It's a hybrid. Natural grass on a synthetic base with ventilation vents to allow breezes in while the roof can also allow sunlight in.
DIY
Guest
Heres an idea. NRL, goes and gets a loan and does it themselves like the VFL did with Waverley in the 1960s and more recently with Docklands.
Joey
Guest
What can’t be justified is the NRLs current finals stadium policy which although last year relented and allowed week 1 finals to be played at suburban grounds, still bans home games weeks 2 or 3. At a time when any ground easily fits the capped covid-safe numbers, we are drawing ever closer to Panthers having to play a home prelim final away to Parra @ BankWest (for eg).
Tony
Roar Guru
Classic :happy: