Parramatta Eels fans react to the first game at Bankwest Stadium

The gates to Bankwest Stadium in Sydney’s west are finally open and fans have the chance to rate the $300 million facility: from the food to the view, does it meet the grand expectations?

Tia, Ashleigh, Thida, Kai, Michael and Chloe were one of the first in line for the momentous day. Picture: Monique Harmer

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The Blue and Gold Army has turned out en masse for the first Parramatta Eels match at Bankwest Stadium.

Fans lined up from 7am to be the first to walk through the gates at the $300 million stadium, including John and Becky Capper and their family, who arrived from Newcastle and Melbourne for the Eels v Tigers game.

“I think there’s a lot coming home can do to help,” Mrs Capper said.

“We’ve had two crappy years at ANZ, so home is always better,” Mr Capper said.

Becky, John, Ada and Vivien Capper. Picture: Monique Harmer

Judging from the outside, Mrs Capper was impressed and said the stadium was definitely “different”.

“Yeah, it’s good, it’s different,” she said.

“I just hope we can get the win in here.”

Fans were treated to jumping castles, food trucks and fair rides while waiting for the clash to begin.

The Koborsi family from Rossmore wanted to take in the sights of the stadium from the outside before heading to their seats.

“I heard any view is a good view in there,” Ralph Koborsi said.

“It looks fantastic, it’s eye catching, it stands out it has good facilities and there are good things to entertain the kids prior to the match.”

Some fans had been waiting for up to five hours to get into the stadium for the first time. Picture: Picture: Monique Harmer

The queues of fans were treated to cheerleaders, stilt walkers and food trucks while they waited. Picture: Monique Harmer

Chantel, Kingston and Aaron Evans were one of the first in line at the first NRL match at Bankwest Stadium. Picture: AAP Image/Monique Harmer

Rouse Hill fan Michael Blacker said he was anticipating an electric atmosphere, which had been missing from the ANZ matches in the past.

“We’ve been to a few games at ANZ and it’s been a bit disappointing,” Mr Blacker said.

“The atmosphere just wasn’t there, so we can’t wait to get in here — since we’ll be right on top of them and can’t wait for the Parramatta supporters going crazy.”

Church St in the city CBD was turned into an Eels shrine, with banners welcoming fans and players leading to the stadium.

“The centre is filled with jerseys, which was cool to see,” Mr Blacker said.

The Eels will take on the Tigers at 4pm today.