Allianz Stadium playing surface remediation work looks to remedy drainage failures

Sydney's Allianz Stadium is set to be closed for sporting fixture for 10-weeks in order for a remediation project to fix drainage issues which have been impacting the playing field.

Opened in 2022 as a cost of $828 million, the 42,500 capacity rectangular stadium has struggled to maintain acceptable field conditions, generating criticism from players, coaches, administrators and fans.

As a result, the home of Sydney FC, the Sydney Roosters and the NSW Waratahs, will close for 10 weeks after the Wallabies take on Argentina on 13th September.

The surface quality reached a tipping point during the second Women’s State of Origin game earlier this year, prompting facility manager Venues NSW to commission an independent investigation.

The review revealed that the sand used in the drainage layer was improperly tested during the venue’s construction and was contaminated with clay and fine silt at more than three times the acceptable level.

A statement issued by Venues NSW acknowledged this, advising "the sand drainage layer below the turf is contaminated with up to 9% of clay and fine silt (which) ...is unacceptable for a sand-based sporting field, which should drain at 300mm-600mm per hour."

NSW Premier Chris Minns said it was concerning the venue wasn't "up to scratch" and that the surface had been impacting teams, noting "we need to get on it. Obviously that can't happen while football's taking place, and we need the stadium as we head into the final season.

"It's important that as a showpiece stadium, one of the best in the country, if not the world, that it's as good on the playing field as it is in the stands."

'Error in the original construction'
The final cost of the fixes have not been confirmed, but Premier Minns said the NSW Government and Venues NSW were aligned in "believing there's been an error in the original construction".

He added "I don't anticipate any cost for NSW taxpayers. The understanding, for want of a better expression, is it's still under warranty.

"I mean the thing's brand new. So we would expect the builder to fix it up."

Sydney FC are set to be most impacted by the closure of the venue, with the A-League club having to move its first games when the season starts in October.

Image: The Allianz Stadium's playing surface after its 2022 reopening.