New stadium - 2025

[Kilkenny]

You're going to have to be a long way up in the eastern stand to get any protection from the elements with that roof.

We don’t build stadiums in this country to protect all patrons from rain events. Other than having retractable roofing it simply isn’t financially viable. The amount of games that are impacted by rain events, particularly heavy rain are relatively few. We’ve had seats in what was the old western stand, on the half way line rows G and H, 10 seats in total five in each row. If and when there has been rain we were borderline, if the wind was blowing from the east we could get wet. I reckon on average over the last 25 years or so, weve probably been impacted by rain one or two games a season on average and it’s only really the heavy rainfalls that cause a problem. I suspect the roof in the new western stand Wii be no different only those towards the upper decks will have protection from rain events. I’ve been to just about all our major stadiums in this country and the closer you sit to front the more likely you will get wet and when it rains. Just the way it is, but not a common occurrence.

 

[Old and Disgruntled]

You're going to have to be a long way up in the eastern stand to get any protection from the elements with that roof.

Well, you probably won't have to sit in the Stadium during a snow storm. (NFL reference.)

 

[Caged Panther]

Personally I'm not to fussed, I've sat in the eastern stand for 30 odd years if the conditions were a driving factor I would have moved long ago due to the sun. And as you say how often is it really affected by rain.

But I know given the negativity many seem to have towards the stadium redevelopment that it will be a criticism many people make.

 

[Bob]

Locker Room: Panthers new $309 million stadium could help rugby union trump NRL in Western Sydney​

Authors of one of the NRL’s most dominant dynasties, the Panthers deserve a home base befitting their status, but Venues NSW might make this more complicated, writes DAVID RICCIO.

David Riccio

@DaveRic1

3 min read
February 7, 2026 - 4:00PM
News Sport Network
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...fcc6eadb7086bdcb44c095d4a1337280?amp#comments
Mr Nathan Cleary, your private suite is down the hall and to the left.
The reality is, Penrith won’t have the entire run of the house built by the NSW government and operated by Venues NSW, which could impact the outstanding rugby league pathways of the Western Sydney region.
In recent days the whispers down the phone line have suggested that Rugby Australia are also eyeing a front door key for the $309 million Western Sydney stadium.
Test matches featuring Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are all up for discussion for a stadium in the heart of a rich and talented population of Pacifika players.

Cleary and the Panthers won four straight NRL premierships. Picture: Justin Lloyd
A huge number of Waratahs supporters reside west of the city and beyond Parramatta.
Potential Waratah and Brumbies matches at the new Penrith Stadium have also been floated.
At it’s capacity, Penrith Stadium will hold 25,000 spectators. RA are watching with one eye on rugby league’s rise of the Pasific Championships through Tonga and Samoa and the other on the new stadium being built where so many rugby union-loving supporters reside.
The suggestion has even gone further.
And to stress, this is merely a suggestion, that the Andrew Forrest-owned Western Force should look at relocating from Perth to Sydney’s west, where together with the overflow from the Panthers rich nursery of talent and huge Pasifika population, Rugby Australia could add more than just Angus Crichton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Carter Gordon to their latest blend of dual-code stars.
It must also be stated, due to Forrest’s ownership structure of the Force, RA has no jurisdiction over relocating the Super Rugby franchise.

Could rugby union capitalise on the success of the Panther? Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
Not the least to say that the Force would be loath to allow the incoming NRL Perth Bears a free hit at owning the west.
Still, the new Penrith Stadium and how Venues NSW fill it with content to cover their investment will undeniably lead to RA playing more games than ever before in the Panthers heartland.
What impact will this have on the NRL?
In the interim, probably little, given the Panthers national-leading number of over 9,000 registered junior players. Down the track, it’s something the NRL and Penrith need to prepare for.
As the slogan goes, you can’t be what you can’t see.
And if the whispers are right, that kids from the Nepean will soon be able to walk to a stadium to watch rugby internationals and Super Rugby matches, the Panthers return to a revamped stadium, may prove more costly than first thought.

 

[Chins]

Locker Room: Panthers new $309 million stadium could help rugby union trump NRL in Western Sydney​

Authors of one of the NRL’s most dominant dynasties, the Panthers deserve a home base befitting their status, but Venues NSW might make this more complicated, writes DAVID RICCIO.

David Riccio
@DaveRic1

3 min read
February 7, 2026 - 4:00PM
News Sport Network
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...fcc6eadb7086bdcb44c095d4a1337280?amp#comments
Mr Nathan Cleary, your private suite is down the hall and to the left.
The reality is, Penrith won’t have the entire run of the house built by the NSW government and operated by Venues NSW, which could impact the outstanding rugby league pathways of the Western Sydney region.
In recent days the whispers down the phone line have suggested that Rugby Australia are also eyeing a front door key for the $309 million Western Sydney stadium.
Test matches featuring Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are all up for discussion for a stadium in the heart of a rich and talented population of Pacifika players.

Cleary and the Panthers won four straight NRL premierships. Picture: Justin Lloyd
A huge number of Waratahs supporters reside west of the city and beyond Parramatta.
Potential Waratah and Brumbies matches at the new Penrith Stadium have also been floated.
At it’s capacity, Penrith Stadium will hold 25,000 spectators. RA are watching with one eye on rugby league’s rise of the Pasific Championships through Tonga and Samoa and the other on the new stadium being built where so many rugby union-loving supporters reside.
The suggestion has even gone further.
And to stress, this is merely a suggestion, that the Andrew Forrest-owned Western Force should look at relocating from Perth to Sydney’s west, where together with the overflow from the Panthers rich nursery of talent and huge Pasifika population, Rugby Australia could add more than just Angus Crichton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Carter Gordon to their latest blend of dual-code stars.
It must also be stated, due to Forrest’s ownership structure of the Force, RA has no jurisdiction over relocating the Super Rugby franchise.

Could rugby union capitalise on the success of the Panther? Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
Not the least to say that the Force would be loath to allow the incoming NRL Perth Bears a free hit at owning the west.
Still, the new Penrith Stadium and how Venues NSW fill it with content to cover their investment will undeniably lead to RA playing more games than ever before in the Panthers heartland.
What impact will this have on the NRL?
In the interim, probably little, given the Panthers national-leading number of over 9,000 registered junior players. Down the track, it’s something the NRL and Penrith need to prepare for.
As the slogan goes, you can’t be what you can’t see.
And if the whispers are right, that kids from the Nepean will soon be able to walk to a stadium to watch rugby internationals and Super Rugby matches, the Panthers return to a revamped stadium, may prove more costly than first thought.

If true it makes this half arsed "Stadium" even more of a joke.

 

[Alintheeast]

Always remember how hard it was to get a ticket for Penrith Rugby Club fixtures. Emus were on the cusp of glory when they won a match in 2017.

 

[Goonji]

Locker Room: Panthers new $309 million stadium could help rugby union trump NRL in Western Sydney​

Authors of one of the NRL’s most dominant dynasties, the Panthers deserve a home base befitting their status, but Venues NSW might make this more complicated, writes DAVID RICCIO.

David Riccio
@DaveRic1

3 min read
February 7, 2026 - 4:00PM
News Sport Network
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...fcc6eadb7086bdcb44c095d4a1337280?amp#comments
Mr Nathan Cleary, your private suite is down the hall and to the left.
The reality is, Penrith won’t have the entire run of the house built by the NSW government and operated by Venues NSW, which could impact the outstanding rugby league pathways of the Western Sydney region.
In recent days the whispers down the phone line have suggested that Rugby Australia are also eyeing a front door key for the $309 million Western Sydney stadium.
Test matches featuring Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are all up for discussion for a stadium in the heart of a rich and talented population of Pacifika players.

Cleary and the Panthers won four straight NRL premierships. Picture: Justin Lloyd
A huge number of Waratahs supporters reside west of the city and beyond Parramatta.
Potential Waratah and Brumbies matches at the new Penrith Stadium have also been floated.
At it’s capacity, Penrith Stadium will hold 25,000 spectators. RA are watching with one eye on rugby league’s rise of the Pasific Championships through Tonga and Samoa and the other on the new stadium being built where so many rugby union-loving supporters reside.
The suggestion has even gone further.
And to stress, this is merely a suggestion, that the Andrew Forrest-owned Western Force should look at relocating from Perth to Sydney’s west, where together with the overflow from the Panthers rich nursery of talent and huge Pasifika population, Rugby Australia could add more than just Angus Crichton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Carter Gordon to their latest blend of dual-code stars.
It must also be stated, due to Forrest’s ownership structure of the Force, RA has no jurisdiction over relocating the Super Rugby franchise.

Could rugby union capitalise on the success of the Panther? Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
Not the least to say that the Force would be loath to allow the incoming NRL Perth Bears a free hit at owning the west.
Still, the new Penrith Stadium and how Venues NSW fill it with content to cover their investment will undeniably lead to RA playing more games than ever before in the Panthers heartland.
What impact will this have on the NRL?
In the interim, probably little, given the Panthers national-leading number of over 9,000 registered junior players. Down the track, it’s something the NRL and Penrith need to prepare for.
As the slogan goes, you can’t be what you can’t see.
And if the whispers are right, that kids from the Nepean will soon be able to walk to a stadium to watch rugby internationals and Super Rugby matches, the Panthers return to a revamped stadium, may prove more costly than first thought.

What a load of rubbish. Penrith has had rugby teams in the past playing in the Sydney competition and they failed. Where were all these players and supporters flocking to rugby back then?

Sure there are thousands(?) of Pacific Islanders in western sydney and it is assumed they all love rugby. So why then isn’t the local competition already very strong? I haven‘t seen any stories in the past few years about Parramatta rugby team or the Waratahs selling out parramatta stadium with fans.

It’s already been mentioned that the new Penrith stadium will be used for other purposes, just like other much bigger stadiums in Sydney so this is nothing new. The shared use doesn’t seem to impact much at all on the NRL competition In the past. If it does PVL would have something to say.

Slow news day I reckon.

 

[Girds89]

The more that our new stadium is used for the better..

Rubgy, concerts, a league.. the lot.

It will bring in more money to the club. A sold out rugby tonga vs Samoa means a sold out club before and after the game which is huge income for panthers..

Not sure why anyone should care about this..

RA wont be moving panthers nrl games...

The club should be actively seeking to get teams and concerts year round once its built

 

[John Hamblin]

Locker Room: Panthers new $309 million stadium could help rugby union trump NRL in Western Sydney​

Authors of one of the NRL’s most dominant dynasties, the Panthers deserve a home base befitting their status, but Venues NSW might make this more complicated, writes DAVID RICCIO.

David Riccio
@DaveRic1

3 min read
February 7, 2026 - 4:00PM
News Sport Network
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...fcc6eadb7086bdcb44c095d4a1337280?amp#comments
Mr Nathan Cleary, your private suite is down the hall and to the left.
The reality is, Penrith won’t have the entire run of the house built by the NSW government and operated by Venues NSW, which could impact the outstanding rugby league pathways of the Western Sydney region.
In recent days the whispers down the phone line have suggested that Rugby Australia are also eyeing a front door key for the $309 million Western Sydney stadium.
Test matches featuring Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are all up for discussion for a stadium in the heart of a rich and talented population of Pacifika players.

Cleary and the Panthers won four straight NRL premierships. Picture: Justin Lloyd
A huge number of Waratahs supporters reside west of the city and beyond Parramatta.
Potential Waratah and Brumbies matches at the new Penrith Stadium have also been floated.
At it’s capacity, Penrith Stadium will hold 25,000 spectators. RA are watching with one eye on rugby league’s rise of the Pasific Championships through Tonga and Samoa and the other on the new stadium being built where so many rugby union-loving supporters reside.
The suggestion has even gone further.
And to stress, this is merely a suggestion, that the Andrew Forrest-owned Western Force should look at relocating from Perth to Sydney’s west, where together with the overflow from the Panthers rich nursery of talent and huge Pasifika population, Rugby Australia could add more than just Angus Crichton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Carter Gordon to their latest blend of dual-code stars.
It must also be stated, due to Forrest’s ownership structure of the Force, RA has no jurisdiction over relocating the Super Rugby franchise.

Could rugby union capitalise on the success of the Panther? Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
Not the least to say that the Force would be loath to allow the incoming NRL Perth Bears a free hit at owning the west.
Still, the new Penrith Stadium and how Venues NSW fill it with content to cover their investment will undeniably lead to RA playing more games than ever before in the Panthers heartland.
What impact will this have on the NRL?
In the interim, probably little, given the Panthers national-leading number of over 9,000 registered junior players. Down the track, it’s something the NRL and Penrith need to prepare for.
As the slogan goes, you can’t be what you can’t see.
And if the whispers are right, that kids from the Nepean will soon be able to walk to a stadium to watch rugby internationals and Super Rugby matches, the Panthers return to a revamped stadium, may prove more costly than first thought.

What a heap of rubbish. If Rugby Union was they would have taken steps 30 years ago to nuture the Penrith Rugby team instead they just let the other Sydney teams cannibalise them. The old school ties don.t care!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Goonji]

Read this and weep.

Politics, football and that roof: The Penrith Stadium problem we need to talk about • The Western Weekender

We know you're talking about "that roof". But it is just one part of a problematic stadium development in Penrith that may leave fans less than impressed with the end result, writes Troy Dodds.

www.westernweekender.com.au

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

What a heap of rubbish. If Rugby Union was they would have taken steps 30 years ago to nuture the Penrith Rugby team instead they just let the other Sydney teams cannibalise them. The old school ties don.t care!!!!!!!!!!!

Exactly. Domestic rugby union is on it's knees. Let alone international union here in Australia.

I'll admit I'm a bit ho hum about the new stadium. As someone who uses a walker, the old stadium was a no go area for me.

Problem is spending 100's of millions on a stadium that will be 90% used by an NRL team (to me) appears a bit rich.

The new stadium will give up better access (disability wise). Hopefully better viewing and facilities for food and toileting too.

Maybe it's not 'the dream stadium' but I believe it will be better than what was there before.

Just my 2 cents worth. The change rooms and the corporate facilities did need updating.

Sure the area under cover isn't great. Hopefully that could be improved as time goes on.

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

Even if the continual 'sewerage smell' is gone. That will be a HUGE bonus.

 

[Caged Panther]

I think by and large, at least in this forum, the consensus is that the city and the area deserved a proper stadium.

What we will get will still be an upgrade over what we had. Whether it is what we should have got is a moot point.

Troy Dodds continuing to bang on about it is really just about him pushing his very biased political views.

 

[Fangs]

I think by and large, at least in this forum, the consensus is that the city and the area deserved a proper stadium.

What we will get will still be an upgrade over what we had. Whether it is what we should have got is a moot point.

Troy Dodds continuing to bang on about it is really just about him pushing his very biased political views.

The time for lobbying is well past. He is flogging a dead horse.

 

[John Hamblin]

Even if the continual 'sewerage smell' is gone. That will be a HUGE bonus.

Shit yeah!!

 

[Kilkenny]

Exactly. Domestic rugby union is on it's knees. Let alone international union here in Australia.

I'll admit I'm a bit ho hum about the new stadium. As someone who uses a walker, the old stadium was a no go area for me.

Problem is spending 100's of millions on a stadium that will be 90% used by an NRL team (to me) appears a bit rich.

The new stadium will give up better access (disability wise). Hopefully better viewing and facilities for food and toileting too.

Maybe it's not 'the dream stadium' but I believe it will be better than what was there before.

Just my 2 cents worth. The change rooms and the corporate facilities did need updating.

Sure the area under cover isn't great. Hopefully that could be improved as time goes on.

Hi Alice, went I went to Perth a month ago there was only one visible lift shaft in the new Western Stand. When I got home Monday I walked down had a look at progression and it is now clear there are two lifts in Western Stand one at Paceway end and one at Howell Oval end. This is great news for supporters with accessibility issues. Hopefully you may be able to take advantage of the new stadium accessibility arrangements at least once to enjoy the new stadium.

 

[hindy111]

It looks very steep so will be great for viewing. In 15yrs they can always fill the hills with seats.

 

[Fangs]

It looks very steep so will be great for viewing. In 15yrs they can always fill the hills with seats.

You'd think they thought that through.

I have my doubts. The North family hill is too close to the road to have a grandstand of similar size. Likewise the southern hill backs into the cricket ground. A bit more room to move but not much.

This was why the paceway purchase was floated. Much bigger area to work with.

 

[Goonji]

It looks very steep so will be great for viewing. In 15yrs they can always fill the hills with seats.

Says the bloke whose team got two brand new built from the ground up stadiums in forty years. The first one they needed, the second one, they didn’t.

 

[Black Panther]

Says the bloke whose team got two brand new built from the ground up stadiums in forty years. The first one they needed, the second one, they didn’t.

Give him a break, Parra haven’t won a comp in that time. As the old saying goes ‘It’s not the tools it’s the tradesman’.