Well, it appears we are just weeks, or even days away from hearing about Sydney's future Stadium policy, and it seems most likely that Parramatta Stadium will be the first cab off the rank.
Fantastic news if true (and the constant leaks appear to suggest it is).
Pirtek is really a well below average stadium on a world scale, primarily because the facilities are so outdated and below modern day expectations that it just doesn't cut the mustard anymore as an entertainment venue.
I just hope that whoever the govt contracts to design the rebuild, they make the most of this opportunity and spend the money available, wisely.
AAMI Park in Melbourne is a fantastic venue, but so much money was wasted that it isn't funny. The roof, although spectacular, was nothing more than a fashion statement and a big wank from the Architects. So much so, that even though the foundations were built for expansion to 50 000 capacity, the prohibitive cost of the removal of the roof makes the upgrade impractical. Such a dumb move.
The designers just need to keep any rebuild simple in design but practical in use.
England's standard of what are called "flat pack" stadiums do an excellent job and are easy to build. Don't waste money on fancy shit - save that money for in house facilities like decent catering and toilet facilities, good sized screens and even though I hate the idea....... f**king Wi-Fi. And install plenty of corporate boxes to enhance the income stream of the tenants.
Seriously, there are so many examples of great stadiums around the world. I really hope we don't f**k this opportunity up.
The Parramatta in 20 years is going to be unrecognisable from the Parramatta of today. We need the stadium to keep the pace and be ahead of its time.
Suity
