Eels chairman Steve Sharp says Parramatta Eels won't be leaving Parramatta Stadium
Dean Ritchie
The Sunday Telegraph
June 09, 2013 12:00AM
NEW Eels chairman Steve Sharp says he is "a man of his word" as he categorically states they will not be leaving Parramatta Stadium.
Eels fans have expressed concerns after a The Daily Telegraph report revealed the Eels may shift more matches to ANZ Stadium.
But Sharp and Parramatta Lord Mayor John Chedid met with NSW Sports Minister Graham Annesley on Wednesday to ask for funding to upgrade Parramatta Stadium.
Sharp also met with Venues NSW last week, where the Eels gave conditional commitment to a new deal to stay at their home ground.
That deal is expected to be signed tomorrow.
The Eels have a contract to play eight of their 12 home games at Parramatta Stadium and their vision is for a 30,000-seat venue with new grandstands at the northern and southern ends.
"In seeking election to the board, I vowed that Parramatta Stadium would remain the home of the Eels, and I am a man of my word," said Sharp, who scored the first try at Parramatta Stadium in 1986.
"We will respect the Memorandum of Understanding that was drawn up last November. I am making preparations to confirm that commitment by signing the agreement on behalf of the board.
"We are looking to develop a Centre of Excellence at Parramatta Stadium and for funding to upgrade the stadium. There is also need for more corporate areas. The immediate plan is for an additional 4000 to 5000 seats.
"Parramatta Stadium has a great history and is on the old site of Cumberland Oval, the Eels' former home ground.
"The Leagues Club is on premises and we are also looking at a multi-level carpark. The Western Sydney Wanderers are joint partners. It is win-win."