Sydney Showground Stadium set for March completion

The Greater Western Sydney Giants have celebrated the launch of the club's new home, Skoda Stadium at the Sydney Showground.

NSW Premier of NSW Barry O'Farrell and Minister for Sport and Recreation Graeme Annesley recently joined club officials to view the progress on the $65-million stadium upgrade at Sydney Olympic Park.

Construction of the new multi-purpose stadium is well on track for completion in March 2012, ready to host Australia's largest event - the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Seating capacity at the improved venue will grow from13,000 to 25,000, complete with new covered grandstands, corporate facilities and the largest video screen in the Southern Hemisphere.

Premier O'Farrell said the Stadium will be a fantastic multi-purpose facility for the people of Western Sydney ï¾ from the Sydney Royal Easter Show to AFL matches, other sporting events, concerts and festivals, stating "the NSW Government is proud to be funding this upgraded facility, in the heart of

Western Sydney" adding "my Government is committed to attracting more major events to Western Sydney and this new ground will be a key drawcard to help make that a reality."

Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Chief Executive Peter King said the upgrade is generating significant economic activity in Western Sydney and once complete will enable the RAS to attract and retain major events well into the future.

King explained "enhancing the Stadium facilities will create an additional $446 million of economic and social value for NSW and an estimated 3,400 full time Western Sydney jobs.

"The upgrade of this government-owned, RAS-operated asset is a long term investment for the community. A true multi-purpose venue, Sydney Showground is realising its objective of becoming the Sydney's event hub as we play host to Australia's largest and highest profile events."

The Stadium upgrade supports the Master Plan for Sydney Olympic Park to continue to develop and enhance its reputation as a premier commercial, residential, sporting and entertainment precinct.

The RAS is thrilled to be new home game match venue for the Greater Western Sydney Giants and looks forward to the team's maiden home game in May 2012.

The Greater Western Sydney Giants, who will play their maiden home game at the Stadium in May 2012, have also announced that sponsorship with car maker Skoda will see the venue named the Skoda Stadium.

Introducing the sponsorship Giants Chairman, Tony Shepherd stated "I also want to acknowledge the Giants' major partner Skoda which will have naming rights to the stadium for Giants home games and in particular thank Matt Wiesner (Managing Director of Skoda Australia) for his support.

Shepherd thanked the NSW Government, the Royal Agricultural Society, Skoda and the AFL for all of their help and support in the redevelopment of the Giants new home, adding "this stadium will not only showcase the Giants' exciting young team but it will also provide state of the art facilities for our members and fans.

"The stadium will also boast the very best facilities for media and broadcasters as well as hospitality and corporate areas."

The stadium upgrade is being jointly funded by the NSW Government, AFL and the RAS.

A presentation of the fan experience at the Skoda Stadium can be viewed here: www.gwsgiants.com.au/experience-skoda-stadium/