NRL Stadium strategy

[Guest]

The NRL on Tuesday commended the NSW Government's commitment to upgrading Sydney's stadia network to deliver a better experience to rugby league fans.

The Government today released its State Infrastructure Strategy which preserves $600 million to support investments in sporting infrastructure.

The Strategy recommends upgrading Allianz Stadium and reviewing alternatives in Parramatta and Homebush to address the need for a stadium that caters for rectangular sports. It also signalled the start of long-term planning for an outer Western Sydney stadium.

Chief Executive Officer Dave Smith said the Government's willingness to invest $600 million towards delivering a world-class rectangular stadium network was an important step in the process.

"More than 100 games of elite rugby league are played in this city each year – and we are by far and away the largest provider of elite sporting content in NSW," Mr Smith said.

"Today's announcement is massive for our game. Our fans have missed out in the past but the greatest game of all deserves a world-class experience.

"Our fans deserve facilities that bring them closer to the action and are easy to get to. That means facilities that are purpose built for rugby league.

"The best stadia in the world are those where people already live and work nearby, are part of thriving precincts and are on public transport hubs so fans can access them easily."

Mr Smith said Moore Park was on the doorstep of the CBD and with the commitment to building a light rail service to run past its doorstep it had the key attributes to make it a truly great, world-class stadium.

As the major provider of content for the stadium, the NRL is partnering with the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust on a concept design for options to redevelop Allianz Stadium.

The investment ensures the NRL, on behalf of its fans, is part of the discussions around delivering a world-class fan experience and a purpose built, rectangular stadium that befits Sydney's status as a leading Australian and global city.

The NRL's upfront funding partnership with Allianz was aimed at securing rugby league fans a seat at the design table to assist meet critical deadlines for government funding.

The NRL has negotiated with the Trust that the $750 000 upfront investment will be recouped once funding for the upgrade is finalised.

"Upgrading Allianz is a logical first step and there is no doubt it will become a cornerstone of Sydney's stadia network," Mr Smith said.

"A second world-class stadium, however, is needed in central western Sydney and we will continue to work with the Government on the best possible solution.

"These are decisions that shape the long term future and we are determined that the fans of today, and the fans of tomorrow, get the best outcome."

The NRL said it would continue to engage with the Government as it considers the best options for fans in western Sydney.

[Guest]

ANZ and Parramatta Stadium's are the least of our worries. The NRL, coupled with respective state governments, should look to ensure that ALL stadiums are fit to serve the players and the spectators to the bets possible standard.

Allianz: Needs to be almost completely revamped, with a roof, new seating arrangements, new catering facilities (canteens, bars, and restaurants), and a completely new parking arrangement that ensures there are multiple exits in different directions. The SFS is one of the best grounds to watch rugby league at, but it is seriously outdated.

ANZ: Similar to what Wembley Stadium is to England, ANZ should be to Australia. Right now the seating arrangements are less than desirable, particularly behind the goal area, but i believe the capacity should be raised to the 90,000-100,000 mark. A roof would be great, but is probably not neccesary seing as majority of the seats are undercover.

Penrith Stadium: In good condition, one of the few stadiums in Sydney that probably doesn't need an upgrade, however an increase in seating capacity would not go astray, particularly if teams from other sporting codes are looking to expand (eg the A-League).

Parramatta Stadium: Desperately in need of a seating increase, as the demands from both the Eels and the Wanderers requires it. Accessibility and movement is also an issue, as parking is limited and many patrons are forced to park a fair distance away from the ground.

Hunter Stadium: Has had turf issues for a while, however this looks like it is being fixed, and is otherwise a good stadium.

Brookvale Oval, Remondis Stadium and wherever the Tigers play: These three stadiums should be the main priority. Particularly regarding the Tigers, who should have a solitary stadium built for them in Sydney's south-west. For Manly and Cronulla, major upgrades are needed in terms of access, seating and general enjoyment of the game.

Suncorp Stadium, Dairy Farmers Stadium, Cbus Super Stadium and AAMI Park: Whilst I haven't attended any of these venues, I have been assured by other visitors that they are outstanding places to watch sport.

[horrie hastings]

is interesting on what they will do with ANZ as the Swans will not be playing any games out there after 2016.Do they keep it in a configuration that could possibly support AFL games after that, GWS play out of Spotless stadium [the Show Ground] and Canberra and also have the small back up ground and training facility at Blacktown so the ground will not be needed for AFL games, the only reason why then they could keep in that shape would be for possible cricket matches.

Yes agree that SFS does need upgrading but it is still the best ground to watch football from.
As for the other grounds.

Brookvale Oval needs upgrading and needs to be kept

Penrith Park[sorry old school there, lol], have seen this ground get better and better over the years, totally adequate as it is now but probably need upgrading in coming years.

Parra stadium, needs to be pulled down and rebuilt

Campbelltown Stadium, adequate now and has room for upgrading

Leichhardt Oval, please spend a bit of money on this ground but still leave it as a boutique ground with the great history of yesteryear.

Hunter Stadium, getting better over the years but still could be better.

Win Stadium[Wollongong], huge improvement since 1982, great to have a hill which over looks the beach, update or rebuild the southern stand though.

Blue Tongue Stadium, great ground but so funny having a ground where you can only watch the game from 3 aspects, if future expansion is needed they could put a new grandstand at the southern end over the road, it is a great ground overall though.

Kogarah Jubilee[Oki Chokie], boutique ground, not much more they could do with it unless they place a grandstand on the eastern hill, if this a ground that is having money spent on it as a boutique ground, Leichhardt deserves the same.

Shark Park, it could sink into the swamp for all I care.

Would love to see a few games played at North Sydney Oval just as an historic aspect or even if the Central Coast Bears get into the comp have 2-3 games there.

[Johnny.]

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[Hawkeye]

By all means upgrade the SFS, but as a priority can they look at fixing the parking !
...and the fricking PA system.

I'm all for upgrading all the various grounds to accommodate all the fans, but the NRL and various govt bodies shouldn't be wasting money so Souffs can build a better training facility !

[horrie hastings]

By all means upgrade the SFS, but as a priority can they look at fixing the parking !
...and the fricking PA system.

I'm all for upgrading all the various grounds to accommodate all the fans, but the NRL and various govt bodies shouldn't be wasting money so Souffs can build a better training facility !

Its funny, never usually drive to the football much but with the night games this season drove to most games, parked at Kenso and walked but my better half was having a few health problems so for a couple of Swans games and Roosters game we ended up parking in the Gold Members car park and have to admit it was a breeze getting out of, both Swans games had over 30,000 so was really surprised but I reckon it would be a real b*itch getting out of the other car parks in the field and the Entertainment quarter one.
Yes totally agree about the PA system.

[Johnny.]

This has to be the biggest load of codswallop I've not bothered to read.

[Guest]

I cant work out what all the fuss is about when it comes to stadiums or suburban grounds.
People wanting roofs & world class facilities need to follow rugby. I have no problem with the way things are now at any ground. When I go to the games with my wife I have my beers brought to me plus snacks & if it looks overcast my wife brings a big umbrella for the walk from the car to the ground. Then we go & sit undercover if that means paying extra so be it but if for some reason we cant get under cover again so be it.

And for those people who are dumb enough to park in the parking area at the Footy Stadium & then complain about not getting out for 1 & a half hours is just laughable. Park somewhere 15 minutes walk from the stadium that way you are freeing up congestion from around the direct Moore Park precedent & secondly you will do your health a favour by walking.

[Guest]

Bring back grassy knolls, Arthur Dungers, wet t-shirt comps and cans of DA that will bring the crowds back....fuq upgrading them!