you think? I'd be embarrased if i was him. It's like inviting the queen round to your house and asking her to p155 in a bucket!
Hardly. You need to put this into perspective. Ice bins are purely used for recovery for a brief period following the game. They're a "once-off" tool that are not high on the 'priority' list where expenditure is concerned. The Perth Glory are financially struggling on the basis of mediocre memberships, and high ground rental requirements which have long been excessive. Why would you use any limited remaining resources to invest in something as simplistic as ice-bins to "impress" the Fulham travellers? The Fulham coaching staff, administrators and players are all aware of the size and stature through which the Hyundai A-League is operated, and through which the Perth Glory exist - they wouldn't have expected red carpet service with flower boquets and queen sized waterbeds in their changerooms.
This isn't to say that Members Equity Stadium is up to standard - it is not - though it practically holds a monopoly over the market whereby sports require a rectangular field. There are no other suitable grounds as yet, as Subiaco is not an option. While this was Sage's point, I was only suggesting that highlighting the 'ice bins' as an example, is a poor illustration of his true intention.
It highlighted the fact that MES is woefully inadequate as a modern stadium for potentially three top flight clubs. Having recently been in the MCG changing rooms the MES ones look like the old brick block at the local park!
The MES is inadequate, and Rugby League, Rugby Union, and Soccer have already begun discussions between the three codes in relation to lobbying for government support in relation to the upgrade.
However, the owner of Members Equity Stadium will invest 'some' portion of money towards the project; and the title sponsor (Members Equity) should also invest financial support towards the upgrade. Additionally, it is not unachievable to seek private sector investment for the entire project. The private sector often financially backs projects such as this, especially if there is considerable return available. The government has no requirement to step-in, though we of course hope they will. If they don't, this doesn't mean the ground won't expand; it just may take longer to achieve it. Irrespective of this, the main "boost" to the grounds expansion hopes is the transferrence of the Western Force to MES. This is the largest sport to use the ground (as far as membership support, and television coverage); which will heighten the dissatisfaction amongst patrons of the ground in a spectator and club view.
I'm sure a seriously redeveloped MES would be a big + in our bid for 2013 so we should all be keeping our fingers crossed that the WA Govt feel equally embrassed!
I agree with this. It absolutely will assist our bid. Though, like most scenarios, it's a 'catch 22'; the bid will help place pressure on MES expansion, though MES expansion will help our bid.
The MES will be redeveloped, long before a new ground is built elsewhere. I believe their target is to remove the shed, replacing it (and the grassed area) with a new, northern stand; and to build another tier on the existing stands. I believe it'll be expanded to approximately 28,000 (as opposed to the current 18,000).
