Back in January 2020, I wrote about the damage Western United were doing to their brand by playing in ‘stadiums’ like Whitten Oval and Mars Stadium.
I was taken aback that when watching their home games, I was greeted with shots that had service stations in the background.
The sight of NPL-level crowds was another fun aspect of watching United games.
This club probably should never have been granted an A-League license.
Despite their relatively successful on-field showings in their first two campaigns, their nomadic existence, player turnover and complete lack of stability has many A-League fans worried about their future.
But I digress. The fact remains that Western are an A-League club, and they are here to stay.
It’s not been all bad – like I said, a semi-final appearance in the Bankwest Stadium bubble in their inaugural campaign was pretty impressive. And with the addition of Macarthur, the league now has six fixtures per round to sell to broadcasters.
However, the almost monolithic elephant in the room is their stadium situation. Frankly, it’s embarrassing that we have got to this point without even a sod-turning ceremony.
Apologists might point to the economic impacts of COVID and bureaucracy – planning approvals and the like – to rationalise the grim state of affairs.
The point could be made that it is not easy to build a football club from scratch, nor is it easy to convince your local council to allow you to build a granny flat in the backyard, let alone a football ground, and I take that point.
But what I know is when you make certain promises as a club, you have to follow through on them.
I was concerned about this situation even pre-COVID. Just think how long ago that was – back when we took having a beer with mates for granted, back when you could exercise in a group of three.
The latest report I was able to find on the state of the new Tarneit ground mentions construction on the ground is scheduled to be completed in “May, 2023”.
May, 2023. Western United’s shiny new home – the first of its kind in this wonderful league of ours – will finally be completed three-and-a-half years after their first A-League game.
And that’s the best case scenario.
Worryingly, that Wyndham Star Weekly article also mentions the facility will boast a “5000-spectator capacity main turf pitch”.
Now, assuming that information is accurate, has the original capacity been reduced by two thirds, or will United boast one of the largest secondary stadiums in world football?
For context, Manchester City Women’s Football Club play in the 5000-seat Manchester Academy Stadium.
If that is what a club like Manchester City boasts as a secondary stadium, is it reasonable to assume that Western are going ahead with their original 15,000-capacity main ground, and a 5000-capacity secondary facility?
Admittedly, I haven’t seen it reported that the new stadium will be reduced to just 5000 seats, but I’d be lying if I said anything about this disastrous state of play makes me feel the least bit assured that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
(Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
The World Game (RIP, old friend) reported in February that the facility will feature a 5000-seat training pitch, but how much can we trust any report on this situation, let alone one that is six months old?
I concede that is two sources with the same information, but I find it very difficult not being sceptical about the veracity of the reports.
Even if the project is delivered by the expected date, what will the club’s fanbase look like in one-and-a-half years’ time?
I really hope for a positive outcome for Western United and their fans, but I’m not holding my breath.
The club have talked the talk with a great deal of ambition and confidence. It is surely now time for them to walk the walk.
Ferno
Guest
This article says it is going to start at 30/October and pause mid november for international window. I ve seen somewhere else that it had been suggested to start it only after this international window, that would be end of november. https://thewomensgame.com/news/international-breaks-in-a-l-w-l-seasons-568061
Jonah Ley
Roar Rookie
Hi David, I've seen a few people in the comments mention the start date as December 2021. Do you know where this date came from? From my understanding the latest predicted start date (from the WU CEO a few months back) was July-August 2021 (so within the next 25 days). Thanks.
AJ73
Roar Rookie
Yeah good one. So then the La Liga, Serie A are unknown leagues? They get smaller average crowds.
AxeMaster
Roar Rookie
Should have started in Sept. if they had any balls.
AxeMaster
Roar Rookie
Correction AJ, you're actually referring to the article "Top 5 world wide most unknown sports".
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
So for some reason you’re refusing to address my point because you think you have a problem with me. And you call me a time waster, and yet you continue to respond to me… Dear oh dear…
chris
Guest
There are real football fans on here that have negative facts and I am happy to discuss with them etc. They also post positive things as well. You are just a time waster and know nothing about football.
AJ73
Roar Rookie
Just proved my point.
Chris
Guest
No originally there was a plan for a stadium in Waurn Ponds. As a Geelong fan I feel a bit let down. first by our bid becoming a western Melbourne bid then the club going back on its promise to have its home in Geelong until the new stadium was built. They only played 2 games in Geelong last season and looks like none next year. I wont be renewing my membership
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
So much insecurity… :laughing:
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
All I did was mention a fact. Why are you so sensitive about facts?
Winter A League is Awesome
Roar Rookie
WU had the same turn out as GWS at the Ballarat Stadium. Maybe more for WU.
chris
Guest
Because the AFL suck govts dry of money thats why. They just got a huge upgrade at Spotless and for what? The 3k that turn up for GWS? Money not well spent. As usual when it comes to AFL.
chris
Guest
One day you might say something positive about sokkah. Up until now all you are interested in is sticking the boot in.
chris
Guest
Oh please. Sokkah people attacking other codes. Thats absurd. Here you are telling us sokkah folk how "big" AFL is. Its big in Melbourne. Full stop. Averages are skewed when the sample is small. And they dont get much smaller than AFL leagues. How many are there? 1?
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
Just remind me what GWS’ crowds have to do with my point that a 5k stadium would be a good fit for Western United?
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
I like a range of sports. And again, you’re the one who keeps talking about the AFL, not me. Not very bright are you… But weird you object to me voicing my opinion on a website designed for that very purpose.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Geelong? Out of the main AFL stadium??? :shocked: :sick:
Winter A League is Awesome
Roar Rookie
Have you ever been to AAMI? No? Than stop saying stupid things. The pitch in autumn, winter looks a hell of a lot better than summer.
Winter A League is Awesome
Roar Rookie
For $500M it should be closer to 100k average attendance. Current A League clubs get higher than that and its onky $40M a season.