Eden bloody Park

[LeagueNut]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/4048247/Warriors-eye-Eden-Park-opener

Warriors eye Eden Park opener

The Warriors look set to play their first home game of the 2011 NRL season at Auckland's Eden Park.

But CEO Wayne Scurrah has downplayed talk of a possible permanent move to the home of rugby, venue of next year's Rugby World Cup final.

Sunday News understands talks between Scurrah and the Eden Park Trust Board have been ongoing behind the scenes for several months. Scurrah yesterday confirmed as much but was reluctant to provide any detail.

The move would see stars such as Manu "The Beast" Vatuvei playing at one of rugby's strongholds.

"We're certainly committed to Mt Smart Stadium as our home ground but are exploring some opportunities," he told Sunday News. "We've had some informal discussions with Eden Park and that's all I can really say right now.

"But, certainly, we have a desire to try to grow our support base, in the Auckland region especially.

"I can't specifically confirm or deny anything about Eden Park at this stage."

But a source familiar with the negotiations said the Warriors would definitely play an NRL match at Auckland's most prestigious sports ground next year.

The 2011 schedule is yet to be released but Scurrah confirmed the club had requested a home game for round one.

"The NRL draw hasn't been completed so we don't even know if we are playing in New Zealand in round one," he said.

"But, yes, we have requested a game at home in round one to start our season. Nothing else, at this stage, has been concluded.

"We realise we are the only NRL team in New Zealand.

"Naturally, we have to explore every opportunity."

The Warriors, who were established in 1995, have never played at Eden Park. But test league will return to the venue on November 6 for the first time since 1988 when England play Papua New Guinea and the Kiwis and Kangaroos meet in a Four Nations double-header.

EPTB boss David Kennedy said the stadium was keen to host more league fixtures but that nothing involving the Warriors had been confirmed.

"There is no arrangement in place," he told Sunday News.

Reports in April last year first linked the Warriors to a permanent shift to Eden Park from their present base. Those rumours have not dissipated.

Scurrah, however, downplayed talk of a permanent shift across town for the club at least any time soon.

"I can categorically say no to that," said Scurrah.

"While there may be changes once the super city is in place, anything about any of the venues would only be speculation.

"At this point we are certainly committed to Mt Smart Stadium."

:sto:

 

[Sueb]

NO, please no. Would be easier to get to for me, but I prefer to travel to Mt Smart. I wonder how they are going to seat all the season members???? Will be a logistical nightmare. Hopefully only one game.

 

[Rich102]

Boy. Talk about spreading the game far and wide!

 

[playdaball]

I prefer Mt Smart with regard to loaction, parking and getting in and out of ground. I also prefer the fact that it is closer to the play than Eden Park.

I have not been to the 'new' ground. I'm actually there today with kid's cricket (nets) so will have a look.

Update - parking is a MAJOR pain at Eden Park

 

[LeagueNut]

Update - parking is a MAJOR pain at Eden Park

They're pushing the "public transport" angle for Eden Park, it sounds like the only real options to get there are bus or train. I think John Banks expects all the RWC fans to walk to the stadium from the CBD :lol:

Anyway if they must take a game away from Mt Smart, I reckon I'd prefer a trip outside of Auckland than a trip to Eden Park.

 

[ozbash]

I reckon I'd prefer a trip outside of Auckland than a trip to Eden Park.

aw c'mon...

you're a die hard JAFFA, you'd never leave..

so, got your tix for the double header ??

hmmmmm

 

[Dr Crane]

absolutely no.

please.

 

[LeagueNut]

so, got your tix for the double header ??

hmmmmm

I've got tickets for the Wellington game, but not the Auckland one yet :sarcasm:

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

Got ripped off, the whole family paid big bucks for "VIP tickets" and when I checked it out they are crappy seats (behind the goalposts) at a jacked up price.

 

[mean]

Come on, let's not be too hasty. I'd agree to this notion simply because it would f**k off all those league hating, private schooled, knobs who believe and still believe that Eden Park belongs to them.

After John Key donated part of my taxes to beautify an arena for a month next year, i want a say in suggesting that league, touch, softball, ki-o-rahi, aussie rules, soccer all should be extended the same opportunity to showcase their sports in a venue paid by NZ taxes.

We got shafted over Carlaw Park not being upgraded because of these knobs, so this somewhat would be summary justice playing league at NZ's rugby mecca or holy grail.

 

[shiznit]

Come on, let's not be too hasty. I'd agree to this notion simply because it would f**k off all those league hating, private schooled, knobs who believe and still believe that Eden Park belongs to them.

After John Key donated part of my taxes to beautify an arena for a month next year, i want a say in suggesting that league, touch, softball, ki-o-rahi, aussie rules, soccer all should be extended the same opportunity to showcase their sports in a venue paid by NZ taxes.

We got shafted over Carlaw Park not being upgraded because of these knobs, so this somewhat would be summary justice playing league at NZ's rugby mecca or holy grail.

yup.. spot on mate...

as far as im concerned Eden Park no longer belongs to RU or Cricket.

we have put our hard earned into stadium so i want it used as much as possible.

if it were up to me id sell Mt Smart off and base the Warriors either at Eden Park or North Harbour Stadium.

i cant believe Auckland has 3 barely used stadiums between 3 RU sides that play half a season each and a NRL side who plays a full season.

 

[Dr Crane]

North Harbour Stadium

that's the worst f**king idea i've ever heard in my life.

north harbour is where sports teams go to die.