Record Allianz attendance expected for Rabbitohs clash with Roosters
A RECORD crowd is expected for the final sporting event at the Allianz Stadium as the Rabbitohs and Roosters battle it out for a place in the grand final.
Southern Courier
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A RECORD crowd is expected for the final sporting event at the Allianz Stadium as the Rabbitohs and Roosters battle it out for a place in the grand final.
Souths bosses have laid down the challenge to turn the Rooster’s home ground cardinal and myrtle on Saturday night.
Co-owner Russell Crowe has started the war of words, stating the Allianz sits in Souths territory.
“The atmosphere will be charged,” he said.
“It’s a fitting tribute and send off to Allianz Stadiums’ service to our game and to union and football in this city,” Crowe said.
“I’m pretty sure the faithful of both clubs will rattle the old girls’ rafters one more time.”
Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly called on Souths fans to descend on the Allianz in huge numbers.
“We don’t want an empty seat in the house,” he said. “We want the crowd to be predominantly red and green.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for the sport to fill a stadium. It will be two great rivals, each with a 110-year history. It is going to be something special.
“This will be the final game at Allianz Stadium. There have been some great games over time between both clubs. We want to give it a fitting finale on Saturday night and fitting for the rivalry that exists between both clubs.”
The Allianz, originally known as the Sydney Football Stadium, was built in 1988 and has hosted league, union, soccer and even American football.
Among the more memorable occasions it has hosted include the 100th test match between England and Australia in rugby league in June 1988.
It hosted soccer matches at the Sydney Olympics, was one of the venues for the 2003 Rugby World Cup and has hosted no less than 13 State of Origin clashes.
From the world of music everyone from Bon Jovi and Eminem to U2 and Barbra Streisand have performed there.
And in 2007 it hosted the Australian concert for Live Earth.
The record attendance for the stadium is 44,085 for this year’s union match between Australia and Ireland.
While Saturday’s showdown is the final sporting fixture, crooner Michael Buble will be the last to perform there on October 5. Demolition work will start in the new year with the new stadium expected by 2022.
Speaking yesterday, Souths star Tom Burgess said he is relishing the clash.
“I always say pressure is privilege,” Tom said. “When you’ve got pressure on you, you’re going alright. And you have to enjoy it to be successful.
“We’ve enjoyed the season so far and we don’t want it to end yet.”
When asked about the Saturday night blockbuster he said: “It doesn’t get any bigger. This is why we play football, for these types of games.
“It’s all or nothing now.
“We just have to enjoy the week now and hopefully I can bring a bit of experience from 2014 (the Bunnies premiership year). We’re in the same position we were then, Roosters in the semis.
“So we have to play our same game. Step across that white line and it’s just another game.”
An SCG Trust spokesman said a capacity crowd is expected.
“Both clubs made the SFS their home ground in 1988 and prior to that, played at the SCG.
“The two teams have an unrivalled history in the precinct and we’re looking forward to a great sporting spectacle to farewell Allianz Stadium, which has provided the stage for so many memorable moments over the last 30 years.
“Fans are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets, catch public transport and arrive early for what will be a momentous occasion for rugby league at Sydney’s original home of sport.”