Eels Blogs

Replies

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  Tentonz April 1, 2016 at 8:28pm

  Spongers.....
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  Kevin Flynn April 1, 2016 at 9:05pm

  I just don't understand the logic of building a brand new stadium at Moore Park. They'd never get the crowds to justify the cost, most league supporters live in the Western Suburbs. Who'd want to be driving to Moore Park to watch their team play, the money should be spent on improving ANZ so that supporters are closer to the action and enjoy the games more.
  Thank goodness Parra's stadium is guaranteed.
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  Dave April 1, 2016 at 9:14pm

  Well all clubs want something out of the deal to move games to the bigger grounds

  Some want money per game played
  The Roosters want free rent at Moore Park, especially if other clubs get paid to play there
  Some clubs want upgraded training facilities
  Penrith want future support for upgrades to Pepper Stadium at Penrith

  It was always going to happen every club needs something and if they can make the NRL pay for it they will and if not then they will either go without or pay for it themselves, If this talk had happened before Parra built their new training area you can bet that they would have wanted the NRL to pay for it on the conditions they move X number of games to ANZ/Moore Park. 
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  Yobz April 1, 2016 at 10:11pm

  Kevin, correct. It is the State government providing the funds, and it should be put to the best use. Whatever the best case is, I'm not too sure (although Hospitals and Education may also be useful). Given that League, Union and Soccer are played on rectangular fields, you would think one major rectangular stadium in Sydney would be a requirement. Perhaps a non-rectangular stadium would also be desired, and some more facilities in the Western Suburbs.

  Realistically, the NRL probably has enough money to build a stadium of their own somewhere, if they chose to (and could also afford to build training facilities).

  There has been some talk of plans to massively expand Moore Park, including a "new home for the Wallabies", "UTS sports science centre" and underground parking near the "bridge to nowhere". Some see this (now) useless bridge as just being a stepping stone to the rest of the works being undertaken. Given this view, wanting to direct funds to Moore Park seems in line with their vision, even if the government is not actually being explicit about the reason. Instead of one big announcement, they seem to be trying to get support for many "small" announcements from different sporting codes.

  True Dave. If clubs are moving games, there has to be something in it for them, however I don't believe the NRL needs to use government funding as a carrot for something which can only benefit their own game. It seems that some clubs are forced to make their own way, which primarily benefits the NRL itself.
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  Mo April 2, 2016 at 12:38am

  I thought the same thing Kev it is laughable to want to increase the capacity when it is only packed during the finals series. Clubs need to stop asking for so much useless shit like an upgrade to a gym that is absolutely fine for example or increasing capacity when they can't increase parking or public transport at the ground. This money can go to better use, even the meeting at Canterbury Leagues would have cost a shitload with catering and other overheads, spend it on books for a school library Mike Baird. I'm happy as a Parra fan additional parking will be part of the stadium upgrade but all the time away from Pirtek for such a small increase in capacity is very disappointing.
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  sixtiesboy April 2, 2016 at 7:01am

  As part of the Fan Focus Group, (organised by PWC) Chris and I have been reporting on the Pirtek upgrade. The stadium capacity has been a major issue at those meetings. Of note:
  * the Stadium isn't getting an upgrade because of the WSW. The upgrade is due to it being a multi-use facility for major sports.
  * the capacity of 30K includes 3000 corporates. Both WSW and Parra fans in the Focus Group have been very vocal in expressing that this is not building for the future. We are demolishing a stadium for around 6000 extra seats for the general public.
  * Neither club can significantly grow full memberships in a stadium that offers around 6000 more seats for the NEXT 50 YEARS! That's right, the new stadium will have a life of up to 50 years to match the growth out here, especially in the north-west, a significant Eels corridor.
  * Being realistic, and considering that ANZ stadium is nearby and local infrastructure investment is needed for Pirtek, the fan groups have lobbied for a stadium size of 35 to 40K.
  * Go on line now and try to purchase a full membership in a reserved seat - see what happens. There's none! That's now, not in 5 years.
  * Bigger crowds are achieved for ANZ because they can have big match day walk ups - most people wouldn't make a last minute decision to go to the footy at Parra due to the limited capacity and the likelihood of not getting a seat on the day of a big match.
  
  On another note, don't kid yourself that Penrith aren't positioning themselves for stadium investment. The Minister is from Penrith and there is talk of funding being put aside for another western Sydney stadium. Any other stadium out further west would only have one major tenant - the same one who has started lobbying and showing off their new academy. The political games are beginning!
  We are expecting another Fan Focus Group meeting to be organised soon and will report the results for you on TCT.