The Western Sydney Stadium deal is officially done and dusted with Parramatta confirming they have come to an agreement with the NSW government at 10am today.
Bernie Gurr and Stuart Ayres are booked in to the media Stadium announcement at 10am today.
Well done to Bernie for pushing it through.
Our first home game has been confirmed against the Tigers on the easter weekend Monday Aprill 22.
It's been confirmed as an Eels home match.
Dear Members:
I am writing to share the great news that we have reached an “agreement-in-principle” to play the future home games of the Parramatta Eels at the magnificent Western Sydney Stadium. This agreement-in-principle commences in 2019 and confirms the Parramatta Eels will be a key anchor tenant at Western Sydney Stadium.
Following detailed negotiations with the stadium operator (VenuesLive), our Board and Management are satisfied that all issues have been addressed and the focus is now on ensuring Western Sydney Stadium and the Parramatta Leagues Club precinct will deliver the best game day experience for our Members, corporate partners and community stakeholders.
The Opening Game at Western Sydney Stadium is scheduled to be our home game in Round 6 of the 2019 NRL Premiership against the Wests Tigers on Easter Monday, 22 April 2019.
We are extremely pleased to have reached this stage and to confirm Western Sydney Stadium as our new home. This Stadium will provide our Members and commercial partners with an outstanding game day experience and will also contribute to the Club’s financial stability, allowing us to invest further in our Football teams.
On behalf of the Parramatta Eels Club Board and Management, I would like to thank VenuesLive for the constructive dialogue and helping us to give our Members and fans an outcome ahead of the 2019 NRL Draw being announced shortly.
Thank you all our Members for your continued support and loyalty - we can’t wait to welcome you into our new Blue & Gold fortress in 2019!
Best wishes,
Bernie Gurr
Chief Executive Officer
Parramatta National Rugby League Club Pty Limited
Replies
Bring on season '19
Tht is so true - the whole of Parramatta should be Blue & Gold the whole week! Every shop should have a ‘Go Parra’ poster - Eels members should get discounts for restaurants, cafes, even discounts at Peter Wynn’s - Bernie really needs to do ALOT more in community engagement & get the entire Parramatta City behind the Eels. Thts how u sell out a stadium regularly - even with a losing team...
That was what happened back when the eels played the Saints in 1977, there was street parade along Church St, a real great festive occasion indeed. The GF ended in a draw and a replay the following week, where the ref Gary Cooke IIRC allowed Rod Reddy every liberty he could in feral play allowing the dragons to win by 22-0
The previous year the eels lost to Manly even though scoring two tries to one with John Peard missing a goal, also the famous dropped ball by usually reliable winger Neville Glover with the line wide open.
You could do this in a "sophisticated" way by offering dinner and game packages. Agreed that discounts (like the NRMA discount) would add incentive to become a member. If you show your ticket you also incentivise attending the game live rather than watching on TV.
In fact this stadium deal has shown that the NRL have been raking in the cash for TV rights but have ignored the live game experience. That was where clubs got most of their income from in the past. Parra needs to reinvigorate the live game experience, and are in the box seat to make this happen with a brand new stadium in the centre of the CBD.
How many are going to watch the eels trial game against Penrith next year in March, then go back and watch them play Penrith again, and again on a Sunday afternoon like happened this year and they get a reprieve the following Sunday when they front up against the dogs on the Sunday arvo, the same scenario as this year, why do the eels have to be hit with two hot afternoon games in a row. Then back up against the chooks on Friday night for round 3.
Because the NRL is trying to maximise Sydney derby games on Sunday afternoons, which is a good thing.
And guess who booked a holiday for Easter next year... smh
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