© SCG Trust/Hamilton Lund 2012 MINISTER’S INTRODUCTION

Home , 1948 VFL Grand Final, Adelaide Oval, ANZ National Stadium, Belmore Sports Ground, Brookvale Oval, Central Coast Stadium

STADIA

I am pleased to present the NSW Olympics is now ageing, and in coming Government’s Stadia Strategy, years will need upgrading and in some which is the outcome of an extensive cases replacing. consultation process which included J^[feij#Ebocf_YDIM=el[hdc[dj major sporting organisations, infrastructure investment strategy teams, stadia owners and operators, mWiWjX[ijWZêY"m_j^c_d_cWb event promoters, industry groups consideration given to ensuring and local government. bed]#j[hcikijW_dWX_b_jo$ This is the first time a NSW Current economic times demand the Government has sought to provide h_]^jZ[Y_i_ediX[cWZ[\ehj^[\kjkh[ a vision for the future of stadia, of NSW and the Stadia Strategy ticks free of political influence, and j^WjXen$ offering stakeholders a ‘road map’ for the future. active lifestyle, fostering a social 1 INTRODUCTION 4 preferred location for major el[hh_Z_d]h[ifedi_X_b_joje[dikh[Wbb national and international events. sporting infrastructure is maintained network and creating an emotional 2 DEVELOPMENT OF THE NSW STADIA STRATEGY 6 and upgraded is inaccurate. [nf[h_[dY[m^_Y^m^[dYecX_d[Z The implementation of the Stadia Z[b_l[hcWèh[Yedec_YX[d[Óji 2.1 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION 6 Strategy is integral to ensuring J^[_cfehjWdjb_daX[jm[[dckbj_ Cover to the NSW economy. NSW keeps pace with the evolution code usage and professional sport Sound Relief 2.2 REVIEW OF EXISTING STADIA 8 e\ifehjXej^_d7kijhWb_WWdZWhekdZ tenancy is seen as a determining The NSW Government is committed Sydney Cricket Ground 2.3 CLASSIFICATION OF EXISTING STADIA 9 j^[]beX[$ factor in implementing future to maintaining and providing world Above stadia investment, with the desired class stadia infrastructure in line with 2.4 BENCHMARKING TO OTHER STATES 11 Sport, as an industry, is a significant Sydney Roosters vs ekjYec[X[_d]je[dikh[\WY_b_j_[i WÓdWdY_Wbboh[ifedi_Xb[ijhWj[]o$ St George Illawarra Dragons 2.5 STADIA STRATEGY DESIGN PRINCIPLES 13 Yedjh_Xkjehjej^[DIM[Yedeco$ are maintained to a superior As the Minister for Sport and Sydney Football Stadium 2.6 MODELS FOR THE STADIA STRATEGY 13 Together with the ever changing standard to maximise spectator Recreation I am delighted to join Below landscape of sporting organisations, and promoter attraction. the Premier in releasing the NSW The Ashes 2011 _j_i_cf[hWj_l[DIMX[fei_j_ed[Z 3 THE NSW STADIA STRATEGY 15 Similarly the review has identified Stadia Strategy which will provide Sydney Cricket Ground to maximise its value to the sporting 3.1 THE STRATEGY 15 the merit in matching stadia a framework for NSW Government community and take advantage of investment with population growth planning, policy and investment for 3.2 WHAT THE NSW STADIA STRATEGY DELIVERS 16 every opportunity. patterns to ensure regions, such as many years to come. 3.3 SUPPORTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES 16 Spectators today expect more M[ij[hdIoZd[o"Wh[YWj[h[Z\eh"Xej^ from the match day experience, in the immediate and long term. 3.4 TIER 2 STADIA NOT INCLUDED IN THE STRATEGY 17 especially in major international and The importance of stadia is national competitions. Stakeholders 4 ACTION PLAN 18 recognised in the Government’s interviewed overwhelmingly agreed j[d#o[WhfbWd"NSW 2021: A Plan to the current model of stadia provision Make NSW Number One, with key _idejikijW_dWXb[$ f[h\ehcWdY[eX`[Yj_l[iX[_d]je1 Ifehj_d]_d\hWijhkYjkh[[ijWXb_i^[Z improve community access; increase The Hon. Graham Annesley MP _dj^[b[WZ#kfjej^[(&&&IoZd[o ckbj_#fkhfei[kiW][1_cfhel[ Minister for Sport and Recreation © SCG Trust/Hamilton Lund

2 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 3 © SCG Trust/Hamilton Lund

Left 1 INTRODUCTION Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Football Stadium Sporting and recreational facilities Xoj^[DIM=el[hdc[dj$J^_i_i Government’s commitment outlined international competitions. The WYY[iiXofkXb_YjhWdifehjWdZ Below Yedjh_Xkj[jeijhed][h"ceh[ likely to increase as venues age and in NSW 2021: A Plan to Make NSW ijhWj[]oh[Ye]d_i[ij^[Xki_d[ii WhWd][e\fh[#WdZfeij#cWjY^ Function Room l_XhWdjYecckd_j_[iWdZfhel_Z[ competition for events increases. Number One to: of sport is changing and the NSW entertainment within the same Hunter Stadium _cfehjWdj[Yedec_YX[d[Óji$ To date, NSW has not had a clear Fhel_Z[j^[Yecckd_jom_j^ Government must have a plan fh[Y_dYj$J^[Óhijf^Wi[m_bbX[ NSW has a range of facilities that strategy to guide NSW Government increased access to stadia; to ensure its major stadia are to implement the Government’s host international, national, state stadia planning and investment. ;dYekhW][ckbj_#fkhfei[kiW][ competitive with those in other framework and seek to improve and local community events. The of stadia; ijWj[i$J^_ickijXWbWdY[j^[WX_b_jo usage of stadia, noting the cW`eh_joWh[emd[ZXoj^[DIM The NSW Stadia Strategy provides ?cfhel[\WY_b_j_[i\ehfWhj_Y_fWdji for NSW to host major events such opportunities for new government or local government, with a small a framework for NSW Government and spectators; and as the ICC Cricket World Cup and investment are limited in the current dkcX[hX[_d]fh_lWj[boemd[Z$ investment and aims to achieve ?cfhel[j^[Yecf[j_j_l[ j^[7<97i_Wd9kf"Xej^_d(&'+"Wi environment. In the longer term, position of NSW when attracting an optimal mix of venues to well as weekly sporting events. ijhWj[]_YZ[Y_i_edim_bbX[cWZ[ major events. around additional investment in The NSW Government receives meet community needs and to The strategy is a long term vision for stadia as opportunities arise. \h[gk[djWdZYecf[j_d]h[gk[iji [dikh[Wl_XhWdjifehjiWdZ[l[dj The focus of this strategy is outdoor stadia in NSW and acknowledges for funding to upgrade facilities [dl_hedc[dj_dDIM$?j^WiX[[d ijWZ_Wj^WjYWdX[ki[ZXomultiple spectators now expect more of the even when they are not owned developed in response to the sporting codes for national and match day experience, including © Venues NSW/Arrow Photography

4 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 5 2 DEVELOPMENT OF THE NSW STADIA STRATEGY

The development of the NSW Stadia Evidence suggests there are too Strategy has included a review of many stadia in NSW, particularly current stadia in NSW, stakeholder in Greater Sydney. NSW has a consultation and supporting analysis. Z_ifhefehj_edWj[bo^_]^dkcX[h © Hindu Council of Australia This analysis has covered a range of venues compared to other Above e\Wh[Wi_dYbkZ_d]X[dY^cWha_d] mainland states. These venues are Deepavali Fair to other states, demographic highly decentralised. Many sporting Parramatta Stadium and future demand analysis, the teams have their own home Right consideration of the value of major stadium and some also play out Super X events and review of risks. of additional stadia. Parramatta Stadium Stadia are underutilised and community access is often limited. DEFINING STADIA BeYWbijWZ_WYWdX[jee[nf[di_l[ The focus of the NSW Stadia \ehded#fhe\[ii_edWbifehj_d]]hekfi" IjhWj[]o_ickbj_#ki["ekjZeeh WdZYedY[hdWXekjjkh\WdZ]hekdZ stadia with a total capacity of gkWb_joYWdh[ijh_Yjj^[_hki[$ at least 10,000. The quality of NSW facilities is This means it focuses on venues perceived as inferior to those j^WjYWdX[ki[ZXockbj_fb[ available in other states. National sporting codes and does not and international sports organisations _dYbkZ[i_d]b[#ki[\WY_b_j_[iikY^ ^Wl[c_d_ckch[gk_h[c[djih[bWj_d] Wi^eYa[oWdZie\jXWbbÓ[bZi$ to corporate, media, player and spectator facilities, which provides Similarly the focus on venues an ongoing challenge in meeting with more than 10,000 capacity [nf[YjWj_ediWYheiiWbWh][dkcX[h means the strategy does not of venues. focus on smaller district and local level facilities. Many stadia are compromised by poor public transport. Stakeholders However, it is acknowledged dej[Zj^WjfkXb_YjhWdifehj these smaller facilities perform WYY[ii_X_b_jo_i_cfehjWdjjej^[ an important role in the provision success of stadia and this is of sporting infrastructure Z_\ÓYkbjm_j^WbWh][dkcX[he\ across NSW. decentralised venues.

Spectators consider the match day 2.1 STAKEHOLDER experience in NSW inferior. Local grounds in residential areas cannot CONSULTATION compete with specialised sporting Stakeholders include sporting teams and entertainment precincts. and organisations; tourism and events Government investment has been organisations; local government; ad hoc,b[WZ_d]je_d[gk_j_[i_dijWZ_W and stadia operators and owners. fhel_i_edWdZgkWb_jo$El[hj^[bWij Consulting with stakeholders to 10 years, the NSW Government has kdZ[hijWdZj^[_hh[gk_h[c[dji^Wi committed in excess of $300 million X[[dYh_j_YWbjej^[Z[l[befc[dje\ jej^[h[#Z[l[befc[dje\ijWZ_W" the strategy and together with the ^em[l[hj^_i^WidejX[[d]k_Z[Z supporting analysis, has highlighted XoWbed]j[hcfbWdm_j^b_daW][ije concerns including: transport planning.

6 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 7 Stadium usage is mixed. Although J^[IoZd[oWollongong Stadium i[hl[ZXoj^[i[bWh][ijWZ_WWdZ and the Wests Tigers play home stakeholders have indicated that games out of three venues namely the individual capacity of these j^[IoZd[oLeichhardt Oval. opportunities to further focus on transport connectivity, the surrounding entertainment precinct and contemporary standard facilities 2.3 CLASSIFICATION OF in future planning. EXISTING STADIA NSW Tier 2 Stadia IjWZ_WYWdX[YbWii_Ó[Z_djej^h[[ Éj_[hiÊ"XWi[Zedj^[_hYWfWY_jo" NSW has eleven Tier 2 facilities. Of facilities and nature of events. these, eight are in Greater Sydney, and the remaining three are in Newcastle, Wollongong and Gosford. STADIA All are rectangular in configuration © Sydney Olympic Park Authority/Ethan Rohloff CLASSIFICATION with the exception of the Sydney Showground Stadium which is oval. Tier 1 The maintenance of stadia is Sydney stadia classified as Tier 2 are: ECONOMIC 2.2 REVIEW OF Seating capacity greater than becoming unaffordable for many CONTRIBUTION EXISTING STADIA 40,000; regularly host international 8heealWb[ElWb venue operators. While the NSW OF SPORTS EVENTS sporting events; offer extensive 9WcfX[bbjemdIfehjiIjWZ_kc =el[hdc[dj^Wih[ifedi_X_b_jo ?dehZ[hjeZ[l[befWmehaWXb[ corporate facilities, including ;dZ[Wlekh<_[bZ"MeebeemWh[ Sporting events can be a for the maintenance of NSW strategy it is important to corporate suites, open-air corporate understand what stadia are currently @kX_b[[ElWb"Ae]WhW^ significant contributor to Government owned venues it boxes, and other function/dining WlW_bWXb[_dDIM$7h[]_ij[he\ B[_Y^^WhZjElWb economic activity. Ticket sales, cannot support the increasing facilities; may be the home ground stadia was developed as part of the F[dh_jÎjWZ_kc television and broadcast rights, costs associated with other for sporting teams playing in strategy and found that there are at FWhhWcWjjWIjWZ_kc advertising, sponsorship and venues across the state. national competitions. the sale of merchandise least 40 stadia across NSW. IoZd[oIêm]hekdZIjWZ_kc It is important to maintain the contribute directly to the ( ) Tier 2 competitiveness of NSW when Of the 40 stadia, 26 65% are in Regional NSW Tier 2 stadia are: economy, including providing Greater Sydney. Most (68%) are Total capacity of between 20,000 bidding for major events. If NSW 9[djhWb9eWijIjWZ_kc job opportunities. Events rectangular in configuration, only and 40,000; some corporate does not demonstrate vision with >kdj[hIjWZ_kc can also promote interstate, five (12%) are oval and eight (20%) facilities; home grounds for its stadia investment, events and Mebbed]ed]IjWZ_kc Left intrastate and international Wh[ckbj_#fkhfei["c[Wd_d]j^[o sporting teams playing in national spectators may move to other Sydney Showground Stadium tourism, and increase spending YWdX[ki[Z_d[_j^[hYedÓ]khWj_ed$ competitions. Stakeholders have suggested that destinations, impacting a significant Sydney Olympic Park by local residents. there are too many Tier 2 stadia in iekhY[e\[Yedec_YX[d[Ój\eh NSW Government venues include Tier 3 Greater Sydney, and the present Below the state. the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney For example, it is estimated that Total capacity of at least 10,000; decentralised approach leads to Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights Stadium in the Illawarra, Hunter Parramatta Stadium in Melbourne increased Victorian stakeholders that the current capable of hosting exhibition or Stadium in Newcastle, and J^[h[^WiX[[di_]d_ÓYWdj Gross State Product (GSP) by state of stadia provision in NSW pre-season matches for sporting Parramatta Stadium. Stadium teams playing in national sporting investment across a range of Tier around $1.6B over a 20 year _idejikijW_dWXb[WdZWijhWj[]o Australia is due to return to the competitions. 2 stadia in recent years, however period, delivering approximately _ih[gk_h[Zje_d\ehc\kjkh[DIM NSW Government at the end of j^_i^WidejX[[db_da[ZjeWbed] half of the impact in the year Government investment. current contractual arrangements term plan. In addition, owners and of the Games. The 2003 Rugby in 2031, and the head lease for the users have indicated that some World Cup is estimated to have Sydney Showground Stadium is NSW Tier 1 Stadia ijWZ_Wd[[ZcWèhkf]hWZ[iX[\eh[ increased Australian Gross with the NSW Government (99 year NSW has three Tier 1 stadia, all they can meet the expectations of Domestic Product (GDP) by lease with the Royal Agricultural located in Greater Sydney: spectators and sports organisations $289M, with a $218M increase Society with an option for a further IjWZ_kc7kijhWb_W in terms of facilities and access. to NSW GSP. 99 years). Local governments own IoZd[o

8 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 9 NSW Tier 3 Stadia 2.4 BENCHMARKING J^[^_]^dkcX[he\ijWZ_W_d ?j^WiWbieX[[ddej[Zj^WjDIM There are at least 26 Tier 3 facilities TO OTHER STATES NSW compared to other states Tier 1 stadia host a significantly lower YWdX[_bbkijhWj[ZXoYecfWh_d] dkcX[he\h[]kbWhifehj_d]i[Wied across NSW. Of these stadia over When compared with other stadia capacity to population events than venues such as the half are in Greater Sydney and are states, NSW has a significantly typically the home ground for second I[[JWXb[' $ MCG and Docklands Stadium ^_]^[hdkcX[he\J_[h(ijWZ_W$ and third grade sporting teams. _dC[bXekhd[$ ?dC[bXekhd[jmeijWZ_WêijW NSW has the highest stadia jejWbe\d_d[7Geelong Cats remaining at Australia. NSW stadia provision LOCAL AND DISTRICT LEVEL FACILITIES Geelong’s Kardinia Park. In per capita is estimated at 5.7% comparison nine Sydney stadia compared to 3.8% in Victoria

© SCG Trust/Hamilton Lund While the NSW Stadia Strategy cater for sporting clubs playing in host nine NRL home teams. and Queensland. does not focus on smaller district district or local level competitions Above and local level facilities with a with the Blacktown International Table 1: State stadia comparison - Post redevelopment of Adelaide Oval and Perth Major Stadium 2006 A-League Final capacity of less than 10,000, Sportspark (Tier 3) catering NSW VIC QLD SA WA TOTAL Sydney Football Stadium it is noted that these facilities for events at regional, state or International Oval 111104 Far right Level Rectangular 101002 perform an important role in national level. Stadia Hunter Stadium the wider spectrum of sporting Tier 1 Multi 1 10013 Newcastle Capacity 173,771 156,347 94,500 51,500 60,000 536,118 infrastructure across the state. Another is Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast, a vibrant National Oval 1 1 1014 Level Rectangular 10121115 One example of the importance community with an estimated Stadia of these facilities, and their population of over 70,000. It Tier 2 Multi 000000 Capacity 242,489 57,050 78,900 16,500 40,000 434,939 interaction with larger stadia, is has 30 multi-purpose outdoor National AFL 2102 2 218 the Blacktown Local Government sporting facilities, including one Sporting NRL 10 1 3 0 0 14 Franchises Area. It is typical of a major urban Tier 3 stadia, the Coffs Harbour A-League 421119 area with a range of outdoor International Stadium, with the Super15 1 1 1014 multi-purpose sporting ﬁelds for remainder typically providing Cricket 3322212 its estimated population of over district and local level facilities. Total Franchises 20 17 9 5 6 57

300,000 residents. The majority Total Stadia 14452328

Total Capacity 416,260 213,397 173,400 68,000 100,000 971,057

State Population* 7,287,600 5,605,600 4,561,700 1,654,200 2,331,500 21,440,600

Capacity % Population 5.7% 3.8% 3.8% 4.1% 4.3% 4.5% *Estimated resident population at March Quarter 2011, ABS Catalogue 3101.0

10 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 11 2.5 STADIA STRATEGY 2.6 MODELS FOR THE DESIGN PRINCIPLES STADIA STRATEGY The development of the NSW Stadia Two options were considered in IjhWj[]o^WiWbieX[[d_d\ehc[Z developing the strategy: Xoj^[\ebbem_d]Z[i_]dfh_dY_fb[i :edej^_d] that ideally Tier 1 and Tier 2 stadia 7É^kX%fh[Y_dYjÊijWZ_WceZ[b should meet: Do nothing 1 Multi-tenant, multi-use: all stadia Analysis of current stadia provision should host the majority of home and consideration of stakeholder matches for at least two national comments make it clear that ‘doing sporting teams. dej^_d]Ê_idejWikijW_dWXb[ceZ[b 2 Utilisation: greater use of \ehDIM$9edY[hdi^Wl[X[[dhW_i[Z J_[h'ijWZ_Wm_bbX[fh_eh_j_i[Z$ WXekjYkhh[djijWZ_Wfhel_i_edWdZ J^[W_cm_bbX[je^Wl[Wd use including: _dYh[Wi[ZdkcX[he\ifehjeh >Wl_d]WbWh][dkcX[he\ entertainment event days held at stadia means costs are spread stadia included in the strategy. WYheiiWbWh][dkcX[he\ venues and it is difficult to find 3 Capacity: seating capacity the money to maintain all to iêkbZX[ik\ÓY_[djjec[[j contemporary standards; current and short to medium j[hch[gk_h[c[dji$J_[h(ijWZ_W L[dk[im_bbYedj_dk[jeW][ should have the capacity to _cfWYj_d]edl[dk[gkWb_jo\eh expand to accommodate teams and spectators; future demand. BemkiW][hWj[ih[ikbj_dfeeh financial returns which in turn 4 Quality of facilities: all stadia b_c_jij^[\kdZiWlW_bWXb[\eh should meet the current maintenance. It also does not h[gk_h[c[djie\a[o^_h[hiWdZ" fhel_Z[j^[X[ijÓdWdY_Wbeh through continued investment, Yecckd_joX[d[Ójh[jkhd\ehj^[ have the potential to meet DIM=el[hdc[djm^[dh[gk[iji \kjkh[h[gk_h[c[dji"_dYbkZ_d] \eh\kdZ_d]Wh[X[_d]Yedi_Z[h[Z1 facilities for players, media WdZXheWZYWij_d]$ CW_djW_d_d]WdZ_cfhel_d] stadia presents a challenge for 5 Transport connectivity: all local governments that face ijWZ_WiêkbZ^Wl[]eeZfkXb_Y Yecf[j_d]h[gk[iji\eh\kdZ_d]1 transport access and appropriate H[gk[iji\ehDIM=el[hdc[dj parking capacity. funding to upgrade facilities 6 Entertainment precinct: are likely to increase as Left ijWZ_WiêkbZX[ikhhekdZ[Z venues age and competition ANZ Stadium XoWl_XhWdj[dj[hjW_dc[dj for events increases; Sydney Olympic Park precinct to enhance the match J^[h[^WidejX[[dWYb[Wh Below day experience. strategy in place to guide ARL Test Match NSW Government stadia Hunter Stadium planning and investment.

The hub/precinct model A model generally regarded as leading practice for stadia provision Yecfh_i[iWicWbbdkcX[he\ ^_]^gkWb_jo"Y[djhWbbobeYWj[ZWdZ WZ[gkWj[boi_p[ZijWZ_Wm_j^]eeZ transport access and a surrounding entertainment precinct, creating a gkWb_joif[YjWjeh[nf[h_[dY[WdZ © Venues NSW/Arrow Photography © Sydney Olympic Park Authority/Paul K Robbins

12 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 13 o[Wh#hekdZki[$J^_i^kX%fh[Y_dYj The review found that key elements model is used in Victoria. e\j^[L_Yjeh_WdceZ[bYWdX[ 3 THE NSW STADIA jW_beh[ZjeZ[l[befWÇôXh_ZÈ J^[i[ijWZ_WWh[ikffehj[ZXo model that suits the environment smaller decentralised venues STRATEGY in NSW. This acknowledges that that provide dedicated elite j^[h[Wh[Z_\\[h[dY[iX[jm[[dj^[ training facilities and allow for two states. For example, Sydney’s the intersection of elite sport 3.1 THE STRATEGY The inclusion of the Sydney IjWZ_kcXej^J_[h( i[hl_Y[ population is far more spread out and community use. Showground Stadium reflects large populations and have also j^WdC[bXekhd[Êi"m_jêdWl[hW][ The NSW Stadia Strategy focuses the Government’s commitment received significant investment )()h[i_Z[djif[higkWh[a_bec[jh[ future NSW Government investment jej^[IoZd[oEbocf_YFWha^kX over the last five years. compared to 478. on NSW Government venues, THE VICTORIAN and recognises that it is the only Western Sydney © SCG Trust/Hamilton Lund including those that will return to HUB/PRECINCT In addition it is important that the c[Z_kc#i_p[ZelWbl[dk[_dDIM$ government or have a head lease In addition, the strategy includes population centres of Wollongong, Above MODEL with the NSW Government. Sydney Cricket Ground and another Tier 2 stadium in Western Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn Newcastle and Western Sydney Since the late 1980s, Victoria has Sydney Football Stadium Sydney. Further consideration of the Sydney Cricket Ground are appropriately considered in a The strategy includes seven worked towards a ‘hub’ model J^_i^kX^WiX[[dêij_d]Wm[Wbj^ efj_edi\ehj^_iijWZ_kc_ih[gk_h[Z NSW strategy. stadia, comprising three Tier 1 Right of stadia provision to improve and could include redeveloping an and four Tier 2 venues, in two of sport and entertainment for Wollongong Stadium spectator experience, increase For NSW this means a more existing stadium or developing a _dj[hdWj_edWbifehj_d]^kXiWdZ over 150 years. It is located close attendance, and provide better decentralised approach to stadia new stadium in a strategic location. other venues in the population jej^[Y[djhWbXki_d[iiZ_ijh_YjWdZ financial returns. As a result, the fhel_i_edm^_b[h[jW_d_d]WmehaWXb[ centres of Wollongong, Newcastle _iWZ`WY[djjej^[XWhi"h[ijWkhWdji" AFL moved games away from dkcX[he\ijWZ_W$J^_iôXh_Z cinemas and shops of the SEVEN GOVERNMENT the traditional home grounds of and Western Sydney. approach provides an opportunity Entertainment Quarter. OWNED OR LEASED STADIA Melbourne teams to the state’s Sydney Olympic Park je[dèoj^[X[d[Ójie\j^[^kX% INCLUDED IN THE STRATEGY two Tier 1 stadia – the MCG The Sydney Cricket Ground and precinct model in a way that is IoZd[oEbocf_YFWha^WiX[[d and Docklands Stadium. With IoZd[okdj[hIjWZ_kc membership increased to over J^[IoZd[oEbocf_YFWha^kX YWfWY_joWh[h[gk_h[Zjei[hl_Y[ Mebbed]ed]IjWZ_kc 600,000 compared to 90,000 in includes two stadia – Stadium the major regional centres in M[ij[hdIoZd[oÅ[_j^[hW the mid 1980’s VFL competition Australia (Tier 1) and the Sydney Newcastle and Wollongong. redevelopment of an existing (which expanded to become the Showground Stadium (Tier 2). Hunter Stadium and Wollongong stadium or a new stadium AFL in 1990).

Docklands Stadium is the home stadium for AFL clubs Carlton, North Melbourne, St Kilda, Essendon and Western Bulldogs and the Melbourne Renegades (T20 Cricket). The MCG is the home of AFL clubs Hawthorn, Richmond, Collingwood and Melbourne, as well as the Victorian Bushrangers cricket team and the Melbourne Stars (T20 Cricket). A recently developed Tier 2 stadium, the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, is home to the Melbourne Storm (NRL), Melbourne Victory and Heart teams (A-League) and the Melbourne Rebels team (Super 15). The other Tier 2 stadium providing a home ground for a national sporting team is Kardinia Park, home to the Geelong Football Club (AFL).

14 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 15 3.3 SUPPORTING As stadia age without major WESTERN SYDNEY COMMUNITY capital redevelopments, they FACILITIES increasingly will not meet spectator Population growth projections and player expectations. indicate that Western Sydney 8o[ijWXb_i^_d]j^[DIMIjWZ_W Sporting organisations consulted and particularly South-Western Strategy, the NSW Government agree that NSW has too many Sydney are the key growth areas will ensure that future capital within Greater Sydney. By 2036 investment is strategic and delivers icWbb"kdZ[h#[gk_ff[ZijWZ_W$ 51% of the city’s population will j^[X[ijekjYec[i\ehDIM$ However, it is acknowledged be in Western Sydney. This strategy recognises that given that for some spectators, seeing their team play on Looking to the future, the NSW j^[bWh][dkcX[he\J_[h(ijWZ_W"_j their current home ground Stadia Strategy proposes further is challenging to maintain current m_bbWbmWoiX[ceh[_cfehjWdj consideration of options to ijWZ_WWjj^[b[l[bh[gk_h[Zjeêij © South Sydney Rabbitohs increase capacity in Western elite competition. j^Wdkf#je#date facilities. The strategy foresees continuing Sydney to meet future demand. 3.4 TIER 2 STADIA NOT INCLUDED discussion with stadium BELMORE SPORTS GROUND AND THE BULLDOGS IN THE STRATEGY owners, operators, and sporting eh]Wd_iWj_edi"WXekjj^[\kjkh[ Located in the City of Canterbury, reciprocal rights to away games While the Stadia Strategy aims to direction of their grounds. At present, 3.2 WHAT THE NSW Belmore Sports Ground had a with other teams at their stadium. prioritise capital investment into the experience of Victoria, Redfern STADIA STRATEGY capacity of 25,000, including WjWh][j[ZdkcX[he\DIM Oval and Belmore Sports Ground, In 2010, federal, state and local DELIVERS 9,000 seats, and had been the Government venues, it also seeks indicates that a policy of moving government funding enabled Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs jecWn_c_i[Yecckd_joWdZckbj_# ]Wc[iWmWo\hecicWbb[h"ikXkhXWd The strategy provides for the the Bulldogs to redevelop Rugby League Club’s home purpose use. For example, Tier 2 l[dk[ijel[dk[im_j^X[jj[h\WY_b_j_[i concentration of national and Belmore Sports Ground to ground since 1935. However, to venues that fall outside the strategy, WdZ]eeZjhWdifehjm_bbX[e\bed][h# international games into a provide an elite training facility play at a stadium with improved YekbZX[]_l[dWd[mb_\[Wi[b_j[ j[hcX[d[Ójjeifehj_d]YeZ[i" icWbb[hdkcX[he\J_[h'WdZJ_[h and administration centre. In so facilities and to increase training facilities and used to teams and fans. 2 stadia (seven rather than 14), doing, capacity was reduced membership, the Bulldogs host lower drawing professional leading to higher utilisation rates, and local access was significantly decided to move home matches increased efficiencies, and more increased. Belmore Sports ]Wc[i"fh[#i[WiedcWjY^[i"`kd_eh to Stadium Australia following focused investment. Analysis Ground is both an elite and competitions and community events. the end of the 1998 season. community sporting hub, with shows that these seven stadia can Belmore Sports Ground and Redfern REDFERN OVAL AND The result has been increased a busy event calendar including accommodate all national sporting Oval provide case studies of how THE RABBITOHS attendances (an average of Bulldogs pre-season and training organisations and regular season Wl[dk[YWdX[h[Z[l[bef[Zje 17,600 compared to 10,700 in matches, home matches for the One of Australia’s oldest rugby event days and also meet current cW_djW_dj^[b_daX[jm[[d[b_j[ifehj the last 9 years at Belmore), Sydney Olympic Football Club, league clubs, the South Sydney projected growth. and community engagement. better facilities for players second tier Bulldogs matches, Rabbitohs, played home matches The strategy provides an and spectators and improved junior Bulldogs representative The strategy proposes that the at Redfern Oval from 1948 – 1987. opportunity to deliver: revenue. Playing at a larger training and matches, local NSW Government work with local Since this time the Rabbitohs have played home games at 7ceh[\eYkii[ZWffheWY^ venue provides opportunities to rugby league grand finals and government and private operators the Sydney Football Stadium to NSW Government increase revenue by, for example, a range of other community to explore ways to provide increased and Stadium Australia, both investment to improve facilities, offering memberships with based activities. community access. A range of Tier 1 stadia. The Rabbitohs Above transport access and develop efj_edijeX[Yedi_Z[h[Z\ehj^[i[ have experienced an increase in Redfern Oval entertainment precincts; stadia include: BULLDOGS AVERAGE REGULAR SEASON ATTENDANCE membership numbers, with total Below ?dYh[Wi[Zkj_b_iWj_edm^_Y^ 8[Yec_d]jhW_d_d]]hekdZiWdZ membership at 20,181 in 2011. The Members Pavilion will improve financial and administration centres for their Redfern Oval has been Sydney Cricket Ground community returns; 25,000 ‘home’ teams; redeveloped to provide training Fhel_i_ed\ehWbbDIMifehj_d] >eij_d][n^_X_j_ed[l[dji1 facilities for the club, including a organisations; 20,000 >eij_d]fh[#i[Wied[l[dji1 new grandstand and state of the ?cfhel[Zl[dk[i\ehfbWo[hi Fhel_Z_d]fbWo_d]Ó[bZi\eh art playing field. The sports field and spectators; 15,000 junior games surrounds are accessible to the 8[jj[hYeehZ_dWj_ede\[l[djZWoi public and the field is available 10,000 Fhel_Z_d]ifehji\WY_b_j_[i\ehbeYWb across NSW; and for hire by local community communities and schools; and ?dl[ijc[djjWh][j[Zje_cfhel[ sports teams and organisations. 5,000 the competitiveness of NSW. H[fbWY_d]jkh\m_j^Wbbm[Wj^[h The Redfern Oval redevelopment synthetic playing surfaces to was funded by the City of [dWXb[]h[Wj[hkiW][el[hWd Sydney Council. 1991 2011 1997 1992 1993 1995 1998 1999 1996 1994 1990 2010 2001 extended period of time. 2007 2002 2003 2005 2008 2009 2006 2004 2000 © SCG Trust/Hamilton Lund

16 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 17 4 ACTION PLAN

With the release of the NSW Stadia Strategy, focus turns to implementation of the strategy and undertaking more detailed work regarding community sport and recreation facilities. © Venues NSW/Phil Carrick This work will include: Above 9ecckd_YWj_d]j^[ekjYec[i Parramatta Stadium of the strategy; Right 9edj_dk_d]Z_iYkii_edim_j^ ANZ Stadium ifehj_d]XeZ_[ih[]WhZ_d]ijWZ_W Sydney Olympic Park provision, facilities and future Back Page match scheduling; Wollongong Stadium :[l[bef_d]ehkfZWj_d] master plans for Tier 1 stadia and their precincts covering transport, integrated ticketing, spectator experience, facilities for players, media and corporates and restaurant and entertainment provision; :[l[bef_d]ehkfZWj_d]cWij[h plans for Tier 2 stadia and their precincts, again looking at transport, spectator experience and facilities; 9edi_Z[h_d]efj_edi\ehj^[ Tier 2 stadium in Western Sydney to meet future demand; JWba_d]jej^[Yecckd_joWdZ jebeYWb]el[hdc[djWXekj what role they see for the ckbj_#ki[J_[h(ijWZ_Wj^Wj\Wbb outside the stadia identiﬁed in this strategy; KdZ[hjWa_d]ceh[Z[jW_b[Zmeha regarding community sport and recreation facilities in NSW.