I disagree.
Both stadiums need updating, particularly ANZ.
ANZ should be made rectangular permanently. It is a shocking ground to watch rectangular sports from, and there is no need for it to be left in its current configuration. Cricket and that Mexican game hardly use it so there is no point keeping it oval shaped. However, it doesn't need bulldozing. The original plan was to leave the roof and surrounding structure in place, and gut the interior. I've posted pics of this option before and it would be a more than adequate option and much cheaper than a knock down and re-build.
Sydney needs a PROPER large rectangular stadium, not some half arsed cock up that is not suitable for any sport. AFL and cricket have the SCG and Spotless........more than adequate for their needs.
As for Allianz, there were also options for repairs and modifications that would improve it and get it up to scratch as a modern day stadium. This should also be the preferred option. It also doesn't need to be knocked down and re-built.
Both these options are better than what has now been proposed and both will do the job.
What has f**ked this whole process up is politics. Stuart Ayres has been in the back pocket of the SCG Trust throughout this whole debacle. It is why we are now where we are. It is why Mike Baird took control of the stadium policy, but since his departure, we've just gone back to the political shit fight. The power of the Trust is enormous and what is more concerning, it has seriously conflicting interests. The chairman is also the boss of the GWS Giants and is playing an enormous role in West Connex. It is in the interests of the AFL to keep ANZ oval shaped, at the expense of RL, RU and Football.
Not only does it destroy the game day experience of rectangular sports followers, it leaves the option open for them to play there once every 10 years if they maybe happen to draw the Swans in a semi-final. f**k that as a reason
Rugby League, Rugby Union and Football as well as Sydney, absolutely deserve the best rectangular stadium we can and should provide.
This sort of politics shits me no end. It's why, at times, this country is so f**king backwards.
One just needs to look at what is being built elsewhere in the world to really see how pathetic we are fighting over this sort of shit.
Finally, I wouldn't take much notice of Fitzsimmons. He's only doing this because of his hatred of Alan Jones, who is also on the SCG Trust.
