First images and details of major Penrith Stadium redevelopment: See here

The plans for a revamped Panthers’ palace include a new grandstand with steeper seating, while the iconic hills at either end of the field will be retained.

These are the first images of what a revamped Penrith Stadium will look like, with the NSW Government confirming the Panthers NRL team will get a refurbished home ground by 2026.

The $309 million upgrade of the stadium will include a new western grandstand and a redeveloped eastern grandstand with steeper seating providing better views for punters, under designs to be officially unveiled on Wednesday.

The ground will also get more food and beverage outlets and four new change rooms to cater for a growing number of women’s sporting teams.

Hills at the northern and southern end of the playing field will be retained while a training field west of the stadium will also be upgraded for use as an extra sporting and entertainment venue.

The plans for the stadium will increase capacity at the ground to 25,000, with the public able to give their feedback on the proposal in the coming months.

An artist’s impression of the new Penrith Stadium.

It comes after the government last year scrapped a proposal to build a new stadium at a neighbouring site at the Penrith Paceway under a scheme pursued by the former Coalition government.

The Minns Government dumped those plans amid concerns the move could cost triple the $309m budgeted for the project.

Original plans to build a new stadium on the neighbouring Penrith Paceway site were scrapped by the Minns Government due to the cost of the project.

The redevelopment is expected to result in the stadium being closed after the 2024 NRL season, before reopening in 2026. The stadium currently has a capacity of 22,500 fans.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the latest proposal would provide a “very welcome upgrade” to a stadium and team whose fan base is riding high amid the Penrith Panthers’ run of three consecutive premierships.

The current stadium. Picture: Mason-Hubers

“I am delighted to see the upgraded Penrith Stadium brought to life in these exciting new designs,” she said.

Sport Minister Steve Kamper said the work would also serve rugby union, soccer, live music and other entertainment events in the city’s west, alongside women’s and men’s NRL games.

An artist’s impression of the revamped stadium in use for a music concert.

“The upgraded stadium will be the new beating heart of Penrith, attracting visitors from far and wide, providing a boost to the local economy and building upon the already strong entertainment and sporting culture in Western Sydney,” he said.

Penrith MP Karen McKeown said she was glad the iconic hills at either end of the field would be kept in the redevelopment.

“As Penrith continues to grow, the new Penrith Stadium precinct will be an active hub that the whole community can enjoy,” she said.

The Panthers are due to play 11 matches at the stadium this year.
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