Yeah that's if there is only 18 spots up for grabs. If we ever have 22 sides I can't see an argument against it, we'd have 5 or 6 teams in QLD and 2 in NZ.
Assuming the current 16 stay, I’d have these teams before the central coast.
Perth
Brisbane 2
Queensland 5
NZ 2
PNG
Adelaide
Adelaide will be tougher than some of the other markets, but we’ve seen some pretty decent crowds down there of recent. We also have the state of origin going there in 2020. Single city of 1.5 million plus is a better option than the central coast.
Honestly though I think 22 teams is really stretching it, there’ll be a significant amount of meaningless games being played at that point.
If the population does grow as is being predicted, perhaps promotion & relegation might be an option in the future? Best way to avoid too many meaningless games.
And I am yet to see what is so bad about old stadiums. Don't know why SFS needs an upgrade. ANZ needs one because it's not rectangular. Gosford is great for footy and if it is still in good condition in 15 years, why is age a negative against it? Most of the grounds I went to in England were decades old if not 100+.
I think there’s several reasons. Modern buildings often aren’t built to the same standards as older ones were, the modern consumer also wants more for their dollar. Modern stadiums are competing against the TV broadcasts for consumers, if they don’t provide something special, they’re going to struggle.
Central coast is going to look pretty old hat when you see the new parramatta stadium, signtlines will blow it out of the water.
Re the SFS. On the surface it may seem fine, but there’s more to it.
It has significant issues with
- Corporate facilities (in the wrong position)
- female toilets & change rooms
- undercover seating