Parramatta Stadium Rebuild and other stuff

[Gronk]

Firstly, the govt is planning on buying out the private owners of ANZ so the gifts we get to play there will soon turn into hire rates, so no hand outs.

Secondly, I would hope that most sensible Eels fans would see through a couple of painful years at ANZ for the greater benefit, and support the team regardless of the crap venue.
I actually think our crowds will increase by going there, but that's just my opinion.

Suity

You could be right. I read somewhere that last minute rock ups at ANZ are the highest of any ground. Prolly because the large size guarantees you a seat.

As for the greater benefit and putting the club first - that's all well and good but families just won't be making decisions based on loyalty for the club and taking one for the team. The matches are on TV and they just won't go if it's a grind.

I don't know anyone who actually likes the place.

EDIT: OK TheParraboy does. :lol:

 

[Suitman]

but families just won't be making decisions based on loyalty for the club

No, but they might for their loyalty of the team.

Suity

 

[hineyrulz]

I've only been to a few games there, I don't see what the big deal is really.

To be fair they were a couple of Eels - Dogs matches which drew over 30k

And origin game and last years GF which was simply amazing. Sure it's no Suncorp but that place is simply amazing to watch a game. I suppose it would be different on a rainy Monday night against the Titans or Canberra. Could be worse could have to go to Brookie, went there in 2010 and it is a shit pit.

Felt dirty even after a shower and a great Eels win.

 

[forward pass]

I don't mind ANZ stadium..

Neither do I.

The sightlines are better, the food is better, the amenities are better, the corporate facilities are better, the parking is better, the atmosphere outside of the stadium is better, the PA system is better and the video replay screens are better.

Not much to like about it eh?. I don't hold a season ticket but would have no issue in paying the same price if I did.

 

[Suitman]

Neither do I.

The sightlines are better, the food is better, the amenities are better, the corporate facilities are better, the parking is better, the atmosphere outside of the stadium is better, the PA system is better and the video replay screens are better.

Not much to like about it eh?. I don't hold a season ticket but would have no issue in paying the same price if I did.

The lack of atmosphere is the biggest complaint about the place I suppose.
It's not a rectangular stadium. Fans aren't close to the game.
In saying that, I don't mind the place either. I just said it is crap because it's no Parramatta Stadium when it comes to viewing angles.
All the other things you mentioned shit all over our joint. It might be why Pirtek is being bulldozed. Because, it is shit in every creature comfort department when it comes to modern day stadiums.

Suity

 

[Suitman]

For the record, the Wanderers had a fan poll about where they should play while the stadium is rebuilt.
Apparently, ANZ was the winner, but on the Wanderers forum, Spotless Stadium was a clear winner.
The Wanderers problem is that their games are played during the summer, so the BBL would be a hindrance for 6 weeks. Then there is the Easter show. There would be plenty of disruption to their season, whereas, at ANZ, there is very little played there during the summer so it is largely available.

Would the Eels be adverse to playing at Spotless? Just putting it out there.

Suity

 

[hybrideel]

I don't mind playing out of ANZ so much. My main issues with it are:
Seats not comparable to what you pay for at Parra.
Atmosphere is poor if you get a sub 15k crowd.
I drive and park at the hospital for $5 going to parra, my choice is either pay $20 for parking at homebush, walk for an hour to park for free or get the train which generally means getting home at 1am on a night game, That would then rule out taking the kids. So if i want to take the kids i have no choice but to pay the $20 a game for parking.
There are many positives though as FP mentioned
Not sure if i've been to spotless unless it's the one they use for some things at the easter show. Given that i'm pretty sure it's not a rectangular field so the distance from the field would be the same as ANZ and the location is the same i don't see much of an advantage of that over ANZ.

 

[Suitman]

I don't mind playing out of ANZ so much. My main issues with it are:
Seats not comparable to what you pay for at Parra.
Atmosphere is poor if you get a sub 15k crowd.
I drive and park at the hospital for $5 going to parra, my choice is either pay $20 for parking at homebush, walk for an hour to park for free or get the train which generally means getting home at 1am on a night game, That would then rule out taking the kids. So if i want to take the kids i have no choice but to pay the $20 a game for parking.
There are many positives though as FP mentioned
Not sure if i've been to spotless unless it's the one they use for some things at the easter show. Given that i'm pretty sure it's not a rectangular field so the distance from the field would be the same as ANZ and the location is the same i don't see much of an advantage of that over ANZ.

Some good points made but let me clear a few up.

Parking: You can park at Concord West for free and it is a 20 minute walk through Bi-centennial Park. Not an hour.
Spotless: Bulldogs played there some years ago. Yes, it is also not rectangular, but it is a far more intimate stadium, with a capacity of 25000. The Eels would more than half fill it most game days, therefore, the atmosphere is so much better. For bigger games (Bulldogs/Rabbitohs), we take them to ANZ.
Food options at Spotless are fantastic, if anyone is inclined to buy food at the footy. Access is brilliant. Parking the same as ANZ.
I actually think we should do this. Smaller/most games at Spotless. Bigger games at ANZ. We will also put GWS crowds to shame.
Win/Win.

Suity

 

[84 Baby]

Would the Eels be adverse to playing at Spotless? Just putting it out there

Spotless is the wrong shape. You'd feel miles away from the game. And it's bipolar. Sunny mid afternoon games I reckon it's arguably one of the best stadiums in NSW. Any other time it's pretty rubbish for sport

 

[hybrideel]

Some good points made but let me clear a few up.

Parking: You can park at Concord West for free and it is a 20 minute walk through Bi-centennial Park. Not an hour.
Spotless: Bulldogs played there some years ago. Yes, it is also not rectangular, but it is a far more intimate stadium, with a capacity of 25000. The Eels would more than half fill it most game days, therefore, the atmosphere is so much better. For bigger games (Bulldogs/Rabbitohs), we take them to ANZ.
Food options at Spotless are fantastic, if anyone is inclined to buy food at the footy. Access is brilliant. Parking the same as ANZ.
I actually think we should do this. Smaller/most games at Spotless. Bigger games at ANZ. We will also put GWS crowds to shame.
Win/Win.

Suity

Is that walk with 2 whinging kids asking "how much further" and "can you carry me" the whole way
Have to say i haven't heard of parking there, i have parked on the other side of parra rd near KFC which is ok when it's just me but not too safe for the kids.
My thoughts about the amosphere was more that the ground didn't seem as enclosed so the sound will escape easier but i suppose the smaller area would counter that. I haven't been to any game there so i obviously don't know for sure.

 

[Suitman]

Spotless is the wrong shape.

So is ANZ. Stands in or not, it doesn't matter.
I'd rather play in a 25000 seat stadium for MOST games than an 83500 stadium.

Suity

 

[Suitman]

Is that walk with 2 whinging kids asking "how much further" and "can you carry me" the whole way
Have to say i haven't heard of parking there, i have parked on the other side of parra rd near KFC which is ok when it's just me but not too safe for the kids.
My thoughts about the amosphere was more that the ground didn't seem as enclosed so the sound will escape easier but i suppose the smaller area would counter that. I haven't been to any game there so i obviously don't know for sure.

With two whinging kids, yeh, bit of an ask. lol. Truly though, it's a nice walk, and much safer than walking the "other" way.
You could always park there and catch a train. Make it fun for the kids, although that idea ain't so great for a night game. I have kids so I know where you're coming from.
Concord West is a massive secret. Good train option and a walk. I'm surprised not more people know about it.

The smaller the ground, the better the atmosphere. Spotless is far better for that. Trust me.
As I said, bigger games should be played at ANZ.

Suity

 

[84 Baby]

So is ANZ. Stands in or not, it doesn't matter.
I'd rather play in a 25000 seat stadium for MOST games than an 83500 stadium.

Suity

ANZ is still predominately rectangular. Spotless is a circle. If you were to sit on the halfway line you'd be as far from the centre point of field as someone behind the tryline.

I don't really care too much where we play in the interim because I understand it won't be our home ground, but don't you think if it were feasible/desirable that Souths & Bulldogs would be playing more out of there?

 

[84 Baby]

The smaller the ground, the better the atmosphere. Spotless is far better for that. Trust me.
As I said, bigger games should be played at ANZ.

Suity

Have you seen any sport at Spotless?
Or even the Easter Show?

 

[Obscene Assassin]

Then there is the Easter show.

Easter Show is in April if I'm not mistaken and it is a reason why we play the Tigers on Easter Monday at ANZ to get the families that go to the Easter show then come to the game afterwards.

 

[phantom eel]

Call me a merkin, but I can't see myself being a regular at ANZ in 2017/18/19.

Fully agree.

It's different to the early 80s trekking out to Belmore, because most games these days are scheduled for night (TV ratings mean more than live crowd). Back then you knew you would play a home game (at Belmore) at 3pm Sunday - or on the rare occasion, 3pm Saturday.

If they are looking for regularty of season ticket support after moving home games away from Parramatta, they will need to factor in a (massive) discount at Homebush. But since Homebush reportedly pay us to take games there anyway, then offering discounted membership (50%?) should be entirely possible...

 

[phantom eel]

That's fine.
Let's see how things pan out.
You never know, but our crowd figures may even increase by playing at ANZ.
I don't like the place myself either, but there'll have to be some sacrifices made until we get into our new palace. It'll be the best Rugby League stadium in Sydney when it's done. It's worth the pain I reckon.

Except if the f**king Wanderers get their hands on it, and "safe standing" is included in the stadium designs :crazy:

:lol:

 

[Suitman]

ANZ is still predominately rectangular. Spotless is a circle. If you were to sit on the halfway line you'd be as far from the centre point of field as someone behind the tryline.

I don't really care too much where we play in the interim because I understand it won't be our home ground, but don't you think if it were feasible/desirable that Souths & Bulldogs would be playing more out of there?

Not when they are being paid 100K's to play at ANZ, no. That little back pocket payment will be drying up soon.
I made my point about the fact I'd rather fill a 25000 seat stadium than have 25000 in a 83500 seat stadium. It's just my opinion.

Have you seen any sport at Spotless?
Or even the Easter Show?

Many times. Yes.
I'm sure many of us saw the Bulldogs/Eels game there packed out. It was good. It has been renovated further since then.

I'm only talking about shit games by the way, like against Canberra or Gold Coast or St George or Manly. Would you rather 13000 at ANZ, or a smaller stadium that suits just fine?
If you prefer ANZ, that's fine by me. I'd prefer Spotless for games like that.

Suity

 

[phantom eel]

I get why people might not want to go to ANZ but i don't get why anyone would expect a discount if they renew? They are still playing 11 "home" games (obviously Darwin is the 12th) even if that home is not necessarily Parra at that stage.

I think you answered your own question there... look carefully.

It costs us to play out of Parra Stadium, but we make a windfall per game played at ANZ. If we move the whole season of home games there, the club could easily reward their loyal members for the inconvenience (of not being at Parra) with a hefty membership/season ticket discount.

All 9 ANZ home games for the ticket value of say attending 5 single games sounds like the right kind of discount/deal to me .

 

[Suitman]

Easter Show is in April if I'm not mistaken and it is a reason why we play the Tigers on Easter Monday at ANZ to get the families that go to the Easter show then come to the game afterwards.

Whooosh. :roll: