Bankwest Stadium: ‘$176m business boost in first two years’
The massive economic impact for local businesses when the $360m Bankwest Stadium opens on Easter Monday is just the start of a bold new sporting and events era for western Sydney.
Parramatta
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The new $360 million Bankwest Stadium is set to turbocharge business turnover in the Parramatta CBD as it prepares for a bumper opening on Easter Monday.
New analysis by the Western Sydney Business Chamber has found that visiting sports fans and those attending major events at the stadium are expected to spend more than $176 million over the next two years.
“The opening of the new Bankwest Stadium will see a surge of new visitations to Parramatta that we have never seen before,” the chamber’s western Sydney executive director, David Borger, said.
“This is now one of the best stadiums in country with an unparalleled spectator experience. And the flow-on benefits from the stadium will be immense. Parramatta’s night-time economy will be supercharged.”
The 30,000-seat stadium — featuring steeper grandstands for fans to be closer to the on-field action — is sold out for the opening day, when NRL arch rivals the Parramatta Eels and West Tigers take to the bowling green-quality surface from 4pm on Monday.
Mr Borger said the vibrancy of Parramatta’s Eat Street would hit unprecedented levels, before and after games.
“Patrons making their way to and from the stadium will be stopping at one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby. And we will also see out-of-towners booking accommodation at local hotels,” he said.
Stadium boss Daryl Kerry said more than 30 sport and entertainment events had already been confirmed for the nation’s hottest new venue, which is expected to create up to 900 jobs.
Among the sporting clubs banking on home success at the new stadium are the Eels and Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League), who make their maiden appearance at the O’Connell Street venue on July 27 against English club Leeds United.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said the stadium would be a game-changer for Sydney.
“Parramatta, Wests Tigers and the Bulldogs will all use the new stadium this year and the World Cup 9s Sydney 2019 will be another event to showcase our sport in the new venue,” he said.
“Given the number of matches and events on show, the economic benefits will be significant.”
Super Rugby club the NSW Waratahs will also play home games at Bankwest Stadium. The Tahs make the debut at the ground against the Sharks on Saturday, April 27.
The first rugby Test match at the venue will be held on September 7, when the Wallabies tackle Samoa.
‘WHERE THERE’S LIFE, THERE’S MONEY’
Alex Aslan is going all-in on the opening of Bankwest Stadium as he puts back every dollar he makes into creating a premier Parramatta dining/entertainment venue.
The owner of Alex&Co restaurant, on Church Street, says he will put on a range of live music, before and after games, as excitement grows for the stadium’s opening day next week.
“There’s plenty of hype about the new stadium and I’m going to spend $500-$600 for live entertainment during game days and events there,” Mr Aslan said.
“I’ll be looking at putting on a mix of music, from soul to R&B, to cater for all ages.
“Where there’s life, there’s money. And, like most local businesses, we're expecting a boost in trade from the new stadium.”
Mr Aslan says he is also upgrading his 300-seat restaurant to cater for the extra demand, putting in a new bar and booths.
He says Parramatta CBD is “on the cusp” of being a hot dining venue in the Harbour City.
“It’s not quite there yet, but things have improved greatly in the past three months,” he said.
“And once the stadium is up and running, it’ll only get better.”