AT least $286 million in taxpayers' money has been pumped into stadium upgrades scattered across Sydney in the past seven years without a co-ordinated sports infrastructure plan, according to an audit by The Daily Telegraph.
Parramatta Stadium scored $20 million from the Rudd government yesterday to increase seating to 24,000, as ANZ Stadium began a campaign to secure $250 million to build a roof and improve seating.
The NRL is under pressure to encourage some clubs to play more games at central stadiums, such as ANZ and Allianz, to ensure public funds are not wasted by continually upgrading smaller grounds.
The operator of ANZ Stadium plans to begin negotiations within weeks with the state government to assess how its plans can be funded through a mix of private and public monies.
An artist's impression of ANZ Stadium with retractable roof. Source: Supplied
ANZ Stadium managing director Daryl Kerry said yesterday he hoped to see more NRL teams playing at least some games at ANZ, joining the Canterbury Bulldogs, South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Parramatta Eels.
"As part of our funding discussions I think there is a role for the codes to play, whether that's providing cash, more content (games) or pursuing development opportunities at the stadium," he said.
ANZ Stadium revamp to include roof
The Sydney Olympic Park masterplan, revealed by The Daily Telegraph yesterday, identified opportunities to develop a five-storey club or health facility and a four-storey restaurant/retail precinct on the outer edge of the stadium.
Mr Kerry said he was aiming to complete a "first cut" of funding negotiations with the government within three to six months as it would take around three years to design and build the retractable roof.
Source: News Limited
With Parramatta Stadium winning a $20 million injection on the back of the Western Sydney Wanderers' success, the future looks bleak for the council-owned Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Wests Tigers are the nomads of the NRL, playing "home" games at four grounds this season, including four at Campbelltown.
The Manly Sea Eagles, who are being encouraged to play more "home" games at Allianz Stadium at Moore Park, expect local MP Tony Abbott to spend at least $10 million upgrading the dilapidated Brookvale Oval if he becomes prime minister.
Revamp crucial for ANZ Stadium
Allianz Stadium is also seeking government funding to increase its capacity from 45,000 to about 50,000, while $136 million of taxpayers' money is being spent upgrading the neighbouring SCG.
Sport Minister Graham Annesley said in a state stadium strategy document released last November a review of venues requiring maintenance and upgrading was "financially unsustainable". The report said there were too many medium-sized stadiums in Sydney.
The former state Labor government tipped $45 million into the Sydney Showground Stadium in 2010 for the GWS Giants, who are only playing seven games a season there.
Field of dreams deserves upgrade
Parramatta Eels chief executive Ken Edwards said the Parramatta Stadium upgrade was the first step towards developing a modern stadium with a capacity of 40,000.
Football Federation Australia chief David Gallop said putting money into stadiums "is not easy", but the soccer body was keen to help "bring investment" into ANZ Stadium.
NRL chief David Smith said the NRL wanted to "provide the best possible experience".
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