It has been dubbed Wednesday Night Lights.
Just a few days before Parramatta’s blockbuster clash against Wests Tigers, the opening fixture at the brand new Bankwest Stadium, the Eels will hold their first official training run at their new home.
The historic moment, a night session on Wednesday April 17 that will showcase the integrated lighting technology that will revolutionise the spectator experience, will also double as a test event for the state-of-the-art venue.
Fans have been invited to witness coach Brad Arthur’s men go through their paces in what will be a special sneak preview of Sydney’s best game-day experience. Tickets to the session are free, but fans will need to redeem them at at www.ticketek.com.au from 8 April in order to see Bankwest come to life under lights for the first time. An invitation will go out to everyone involved in the construction and delivery of the new home of sport and entertainment in Western Sydney, while Eels members can scan their member cards to gain access for the night. However, everyone else will have to get in early as the exclusive event is capped to just 7,000 patrons.
After watching the side go through its paces, attendees will get the chance to get selfies and signatures while mingling with the players.
The Herald was invited to a floodlit Bankwest Stadium on Tuesday for a tour of the facilities. Promising Eels playmakers Reed Mahoney and Dylan Brown were also on hand to walk through the venue while it was illuminated.
"We saw the stadium for the first time a few months ago, but seeing it under lights with the turf, it’s even better than I expected," Mahoney said.
"This is something we’ve all been waiting for, we can’t wait to run onto the field for the first time in round six, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience for everyone, players and fans."
In an indication of the excitement building around the venue, Parramatta has already sold out of casual tickets for the opening Easter Monday clash with the Tigers. The only way to attend the landmark event is to become a ticketed member, with only limited seats remaining for bronze, silver and general admission categories.
"The opening of a brand new stadium is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and our fans want to be part of this historical event," said Eels CEO Bernie Gurr.
"It’s going to be a thrilling experience for everyone and, along with the Parramatta Leagues Club, we are looking forward to giving our members and fans the best game-day experience.
"The best way for our fans to support our Eels football club, and the only way to guarantee your seat at the historic opening game at Bankwest Stadium, is to become a ticketed member."
The Eels have already broken membership records this season, with platinum and gold seating sold out last December, while the 20,000 membership milestone was reached in January for the first time in the club’s history.
Sports fans will also get an opportunity to inspect Bankwest at a free community open day on Sunday April 14.
The blue and golds have started the season strongly, winning their opening two games and leading the Roosters for an hour before the reigning premiers took the spoils last Friday. Parramatta will host Cronulla at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
Wednesday Night Lights - key timings
5:30pm: Gates Open
6pm: Bankwest Stadium Lights show
6:30pm: Eels Open Training Session
7:30pm: Break
7:45pm: Fans Session/Player signings and selfies
8.30pm: Session Concludes
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