State Government starts feasibility study about building $300m roof over Sydney’s biggest venue
Accor Stadium could soon come with a $300m roof as tenants such as South Sydney and Canterbury-Bankstown are approached to ask for feedback on the state government’s plan.
The State Government has formally commissioned a feasibility study to build a $300m roof over Accor Stadium, finally giving Sydney a modern arena for sports fans and global artists.
Sporting tenants at Accor Stadium – including the NRL, Football Federation Australia, Rugby Australia, South Sydney and Canterbury Bulldogs – have been approached and asked for feedback.
The study comes after a Daily Telegraph front page story on March 4 revealing the Government’s hopes, via Venues NSW, for a non-retractable roof to be constructed at the Olympic venue, Sydney’s biggest venue.
North Sydney-based MI Global Partners – major events specialists – have been commissioned to collate the study.
MI Global Partners is seeking a 30 to 45 minute video discussion with stadium tenants over the next fortnight, the company telling clubs that “your input and perspective are integral to the success of this project.”
Renders of Accor stadium with a roof on it. Picture: Supplied
Tenants who use Accor Stadium were contacted last week.
“It’s pleasing to hear that Venues NSW are looking into the feasibility of constructing a roof at Accor Stadium,” said Aaron Warburton, CEO of the Bulldogs, who have a contract to play at Accor Stadium until 2030.
“The majority of our season is played during the colder, wetter months, and being able to deliver our product in an environment that would deliver comfortable, consistent conditions for our members and fans would be outstanding.
“With countless competing factors in Sydney, a roof would provide a first class rugby league environment in all conditions, and would provide the game an enormous competitive advantage.”
South Sydney CEO Blake Solly added: “We’ve long advocated that Venues NSW and the Government need to conclude a plan for Accor Stadium that modernises the experience for our members and fans.
“This feasibility study is hopefully a step in that direction, and we will know sooner than later what the plan is for improvements to the stadium that keep pace with expectations of fans, members and corporate partners.”
NRL fans will likely be forced to sit in forecast rain for Friday night’s game between Canterbury and Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium.
Aware of the massive financial windfall, the Government desperately wants to attract more mass-selling concerts to Sydney after pop superstars Taylor Swift and Pink toured earlier this year.
Wild weather delayed and threatened the cancellation of a Swift concert in February.
One source said: “The feasibility study will be about how many concerts could be packed into the stadium if they put a roof on. The big cash cow now is concerts, it’s not necessarily about rugby league.”
Swift injected a mind-blowing $145m into the NSW economy through her four concerts at Accor Stadium.
NRL clubs are ready to offer a preliminary endorsement but will seek additional details before fully supporting any redevelopment at Accor Stadium.
Among multiple questions being asked in the study are whether clubs would support a roof, what future plans each tenant would implement if there was a roof and what a roof would do for a tenant’s business model.
Renders of Accor Stadium with a roof on it. Picture: Supplied
One tenant wants to know whether a roof would change or improve the lower seating bowl configuration and whether seating on levels one, two and three could be moved closer to the playing field.
Tenants would also need to know how long the stadium would be closed during construction. There appears to be little appetite – or funds – for any redevelopment at Accor Stadium other than the possibility of a roof.
Accor’s structure, design and dimensions allow for a roof to be built, unlike Allianz Stadium in Sydney’s east.
A roof would cost between $200m and $300m although discussions are preliminary with no dates set for possible work commencement.
Earlier last month, NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper revealed a desire for a roof above Accor Stadium after attending Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for the historic NRL double header.
The $3 billion technologically advanced Allegiant Stadium has a semitransparent plastic roof, suspended by 100 stainless steel cables, which is designed to protect players, fans and artists from the weather elements.
In March, Kamper said: “I had a look at what type of roof they have at Allegiant and how it potentially would suit Accor. A roof at Accor is something we’re seriously looking at.”
Originally published as
State Government starts feasibility study about building $300m roof over Sydney’s biggest venue
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