City of Parramatta and NRL partnership aims to expand sport experience beyond the stadium

The City of Parramatta is proposing a strategic three years partnership with NRL team, Parramatta Eels, to cement the City’s reputation as the home of sport offering a sport experience beyond the stadium.

The partnership aims to drive visitation and economic growth and build capacity in the community with City of Parramatta Chief Executive Gail Connolly noting sport is part of the City’s DNA.

Connolly shared “World-class sporting teams drive business and recognition for the cities they call home - LA has the Lakers, Chicago has the Bulls and San Francisco the 49ers.

“The Eels are already synonymous with Parramatta and a powerful brand in their own right. Together, we want to amplify the existing sports tourism they bring to the City with more events and bigger game day activations that expand the experience beyond the stadium and drive benefits for local businesses.”

Connolly said the strategic partnership was proposed to run for three years with a strong focus on building community capacity and added “we know how powerful sport can be in building the capacity of our community. With this partnership, we’ll be investing in player clinics, holiday camps and scholarships that help members of our community reach their potential.”

The partnership includes plans for a Rising Women of Western Sydney scholarship that will support a young woman who embodies the spirit of the Rising West in their chosen field.

Parramatta Eels Chief Executive Jim Sarantinos said the partnership would build on the club’s existing investment in the community and noted “for over 75 years, the Eels and Parramatta Council have regularly partnered on key initiatives for our city.

“We are proud to represent Parramatta and Western Sydney and we look forward to collaborating on a number of great initiatives over the next three years focusing on community and social impact and playing our part in the growth of the city.”

Media reports today indicate that Parramatta Council is considering a $2.5 million sponsorship package with Parramatta Eels.

With support from Hills Shire Council and the Federal Government, the Parramatta Eels Centre of Excellence and Community Facility is currently being built at Kellyville Park.