Plans to open revamped ANZ Stadium with NBA, NFL or international soccer game
SYDNEY’S new fully-roofed 75,000-seat stadium is set to host a galaxy of global sporting stars as potential blockbusters to open the revamped ANZ Stadium.
SYDNEY’S new fully-roofed 75,000-seat stadium is set to host a galaxy of global sporting stars with major events never previously considered for this city being earmarked as potential blockbusters to open the revamped ANZ Stadium.
Within 48 hours of news breaking that the NSW Government was committing $700 million on transforming ANZ Stadium into a fully-roofed rectangular stadium, international soccer agent Lou Sticca fielded calls from overseas giants keen on tours to Sydney.
Premier Mike Baird says the new venue will give Sydney a real point of difference in the big business of attracting major events.
On the back of the announcement, ANZ Stadium’s general manager of Events and Business Development, Greg Sleigh has engaged promoters of the annual NBA All Stars basketball game, WrestleMania and even the annual National Hockey Classic to discuss the possibility of future tours.
“It’s a fair way off as we are talking about 2022 as the likely time Sydney will unveil its completed fully-roofed Olympic stadium to the world, but it’s fair to say the response and interest from the key event industry participants has far exceeded our expectations,” Sleigh said.
“Dallas Cowboys Stadium hosted an NBA All Stars game in 2010 that attracted a crowd of 108,000 and every indication is that Australians would pack in to see the first NBA match in Australia.
“Fans are going to be as much as 48 metres (half a football field) closer to the action once the rectangular redesign is completed and the atmosphere is going to be electric for major events.
“Add into the mix a fully-roofed stadium that weatherproofs our major events, and Sydney is ever more a destination of choice for every major act and sporting code internationally.”
Match agent Sticca of Tribal Sports Group — the man who played a key role in delivering EPL giants Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur and Italian superclub Juventus to Sydney — said he believed Sydney’s appeal as a major events destination would “leap astronomically”.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to since the Premier Baird confirmed the major redevelopment is super excited about the potential,” Sticca said.
“Without giving too much away, let’s just say two or three major international clubs have already pencilled in potential tour dates for possible visits to Sydney. These clubs clearly know the value of bringing games Down Under and Sydney, through the good work of Destination NSW, already has a reputation for making major events a success.”
The NSW Government’s $1.6 billion investment in Sydney sporting infrastructure has already paid handsome benefits, with long-term content agreements secured with the NRL, ARU and FFA as a result of the financial commitment.
Sydney has already locked in 20 years of NRL Grand Finals and State of Origin matches, 10 years of the Bledisloe Cup and an additional rugby Test match each year, a guaranteed Lions Tour Test match, along with Rugby Sevens; and a 12-year agreement in principle with the FFA to host at least 12 Socceroos and 12 Matildas matches.
These events are worth millions of dollars each year to the NSW economy.
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