ANZ Stadium advances plans for $250 million upgrade

Managers of Sydney’s ANZ Stadium are pushing ahead with plans for a multi-million dollar upgrade of the venue featuring movable stands at the northern and southern ends and a retractable roof.

First announced last year as part of a planned $250 million upgrade of both the Stadium and surrounding Sydney Olympic Park Stadia Precinct, the plan includes moveable seating bowls at the northern and southern of the former Olympic venue that, when in ‘rectangular’ would slide seating to within 5 metres of the playing surface.

Capacity would be slightly reduced in the rectangular format, but would still exceed 75,000 fans.

The masterplan includes:

• A rectractable see-through roof, the foundations of which are already in place;

• Steeper seating at the northern and southern ends that would be part of the movable stands. This, officials say, would enhance atmosphere and bring supporter groups closer to the action;

• Glass-fronted indoor bars and cafes on level two; and

• Working with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority to create new precinct destinations on game-days, so fans can arrive earlier and stay later.

Sydney’s sporting scene is particularly vibrant at this time, hosting nine NRL clubs, two A-League franchises, two Big Bash League teams, the Super Rugby Waratahs and AFL’s Swans and Giants. Special events such as the recent Major League Baseball Opening Series have also added excitement.

While there is no firm commitment to fund the project at this stage, it is understood the redevelopment could be jointly funded by NSW Government and private enterprise in partnership.

With the Sydney Cricket Ground having undergone a major recent redevelopment and the NSW Government investigating building or upgrading an existing western Sydney venue, the ANZ Stadium is keen to remain at the heart of Sydney’s sporting life.

While there is no firm commitment to fund the project at this stage, it is understood the redevelopment could be jointly funded by NSW Government and private enterprise in partnership.

ANZ Stadium Managing Director Daryl Kerry recently told Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph “there has been a lot of discussion about stadiums in NSW in the wake of the Government’s strategy policy, and we are fortunate to have a government prepared to talk about infrastructure.

“ANZ Stadium has a sporting calendar to rival any stadium in the world, so we are pursuing a redevelopment that will both drive the best economic outcomes for NSW and give fans the best possible multi-sports stadium.”

2013 was a massive year for the Stadium with the former Olympic venue hosting the Socceroos' World Cup qualification, Manchester United, NRL clubs playing home games, State of Origin, the NRL Grand Final, Bledisloe Cup, key Super Rugby and AFL fixtures, T20 international cricket and legendary entertainment acts.

In 2014, the Stadium is has more than 40 major sporting and entertainment events in its Event Calendar.

14th December 2013 - ANZ STADIUM CELEBRATES A YEAR OF SPORTING DREAMS

2nd July 2013 - $250 MILLION VISION TO TRANSFORM ANZ STADIUM PRECINCT