Pirtek Stadium is setting itself up to be the centre of sport in Western Sydney with four sporting teams calling the stadium home.
The ground has already established itself as the fortress for the Parramatta Eels and Western Sydney Wanderers, but now the Greater Sydney Rams and the NSW Surge will also call play there.
More teams will mean more games at the stadium which Parramatta Council sees as a boost for businesses.
“We’ve got a stadium here that can generate up to $1.5 to $2 million on a weekend of a game,” Parramatta Lord Mayor John Chedid said.
“The Western Sydney Wanderers generated close to $15 to $16 million in their first year. If that’s not an asset then I don’t know what is.”
The decision from the Rams and Surge means Parramatta will be home to four national sporting teams.
Last year the council provided a $3 million commitment towards proposed plans to upgrade the stadium which would see an additional 12,000 seats added.
The additional seating could become necessary as attendance numbers continue to increase.
An expansion to the stadium will allow the Wanderers to continue to build their numbers. “We operate a minimum of 16 event days in season,” a Wanderers spokesman said.
“Improvements in operational spaces and in bringing the stadium into the 21st century with technology will also increase our ability to provide members and fans with an improved match-day experience.”
Cr Chedid was quick to separate himself from talk of centralised stadiums.
“Whoever is making decisions about centralised stadiums needs to realise we are different from Melbourne,” he said.
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NSW Surge for half-time entertainment I say!
They are not cave worthy
Is this promotions for some new porn movie? i gather its called serge?
If I were a coach in this league, my first instruction would be... "Let's all hit the showers!"
Seriously, how can you make a case for anyone else to get the major stadium funding.
Thought this was relevant too - had a bit to do with Pierre during the last PLC election and good to see him putting pressure on.
Call for Parramatta to become a major sporting destination and its stadium recognised
Parramatta councillor Pierre Esber is calling for State Government to invest in Pirtek Stadium.
A COUNCILLOR is out to prove that Parramatta is the best choice for Sydney’s third major stadium.
Parramatta councillor Pierre Esber is calling for Pirtek Stadium to be turned into a world-class facility and wants the rest of Sydney to take notice.
“We’re the second CBD and we’ve got a major stadium but the State Government doesn’t recognise it,” he said.
The call follows the State Government making it clear it would no longer invest in district venues.
Instead, money is due to be restricted to bigger facilities including ANZ, Allianz and a third undetermined venue in Sydney’s west.
Cr Esber said Pirtek Stadium, home to the Eels and Western Sydney Wanderers, was the logical choice.
“We have a perfectly good stadium here. What we need now is just some more support from the State Government,”Cr Esber said.
Western Sydney Wanderers chief executive John Tsatsimas also backed the Parramatta-based venue.
“We are fully supportive of Pirtek Stadium being Sydney’s third major sports venue — one that resonates strongly with our fans,” Mr Tsatsimas said.
“With the Wanderers membership on track to increase again this season, our ability to bring in new members is limited by the current capacity.”
NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation Stuart Ayres said the government strategy was to either redevelop an existing stadium or develop a new stadium in Western Sydney.
“The NSW & Federal Government has committed $29 million to an upgrade of Pirtek Stadium,” he said.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/parramatta/call-for-parr...
I never knew Pablo Escobar was still alive?
Ayres is the member for Penrith and is a Panthers fan. He will not support us. We could go on and on about Parramatta being the logical choice for a stadium upgrade, but the fact is we lack the support from the government. I don't know who will be involved in the decision making process, nor do I know what the criteria will be. I believe the NRL and A-League will both be consulted, but neither will have an official say. A-League will support the move, but I reckon the NRL would prefer a new stadium further west with the Eels permanently moving to ANZ. From a business standpoint, Parramatta should be able to make a strong case as the stadium would be used all year round with both winter and summer codes playing there. This is why Gus Gould wanted to buy WSW, so he could make them play out at Penrith. If this had happened, their bid for a new stadium would be unassailable. Thank-you David Gallop. At this stage things are in the balance, but I'm not particularly hopeful.
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