Rating Sydney’s NRL stadiums from worst to best

Sunday afternoons on the hill at Kogarah, or a Friday night thriller at Sydney’s shiny Allianz Stadium – these are the occasions that rugby league thrives on.

But charm and nostalgia can only do so much for some of Sydney’s historic grounds which are becoming outdated and decrepit.

Cronulla and Wests Tigers are among a handful of clubs campaigning for state funding to upgrade facilities, while the Panthers are set for a $309 million redevelopment due to be completed in 2026.

But if we take the venues as they are, how do they stack up? The Herald has ranked Sydney’s rugby league stadiums, from lifeless and loveless, to lush and luxurious.

Ticket prices, toilets, parking, public transport, visibility and atmosphere are among the factors considered in ranking your team’s stadium against the rest.

9. Accor Stadium

It’s no wonder the Rabbitohs want a slice of Allianz Stadium: their home ground Accor is cold and lifeless unless it’s filled with 80,000 fans. Sure, there’s a place for Accor in rugby league, but that place is State of Origin and grand finals.

Transport: A two-minute walk from Olympic Park Station ... if the trains are working.

Accor Stadium in Olympic Park is home to the Rabbitohs and the Bulldogs.Credit: Oscar Colman

Ground and atmosphere: General admission starts at $15 for kids, $25 for adults and $70 for a family, which makes it slightly more affordable. It’s not the best stadium for viewing, especially if you’re stuck up the top with the pigeons, but there are plenty of toilets and food stands – which got a bit more bougie this year – although you might have to remortgage the house to feed the family.

The empty seats make for a lacklustre atmosphere which is a mood killer.

Score: 4/10

8. Belmore Sports Ground

Transport: Parking can be difficult, but the stadium is just a five-minute walk from Belmore station.

Ground and atmosphere: With a capacity of about 17,000, the stadium is small and intimate, which makes for good viewing wherever you sit. The grand stand, although well-worn, is heaving when it’s packed out for a Bulldogs home game.

General admission tickets for kids are $20 and $30 for adults. If you want a spot on the hill – rain, hail or shine – there’s an alcohol-free section for families.

A young Bulldogs fan during a 2023 game at Belmore.Credit: NRL Photos

What the grounds’ owner said: “As one of the last true suburban football grounds, nestled amongst houses, the railway and surrounding parkland, the Sportsground is iconic to the local Belmore community,” a Canterbury-Bankstown Council spokesperson said. “Stepping foot into the Sportsground gives local residents and the community a sense of pride in the area, the club and its long tradition.”

Score: 5/10

7. Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Transport: Parking isn’t great, but the stadium is a 10-minute walk from Carlton Station.

Ground and atmosphere: It might not be the flashiest ground, but Kogarah has a certain charm to it. The hills are pumping when the Dragons return to play, and the fans turn up even when the team are having a shocker of a season.

Dragons fans on the hill at Kogarah on Saturday afternoon.Credit: Getty

Family tickets start at $65, $30 for adults and $25 for juniors.

There are a few food vendors to pick from, and the price point is on-par with other Sydney stadiums ... so not the cheapest.

What they said: “Netstrata Jubilee Stadium is an iconic community gathering place that brings major sporting events to the Georges River local government area,” a Georges River Council spokesman said.

“With a capacity of around 20,000, the atmosphere at the ground is alive even with an attendance of 2000 patrons.”

Score: 5.5/10

6. Leichhardt Oval

The Wests Tigers run out at Leichhardt Oval.Credit: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Transport: Possibly one of the most annoying grounds to get to. A bike, bus or car will get you closest to the ground (although you’ll go insane looking for a park). The Leichhardt North light rail stop is a 10-minute uphill walk if you’re looking to get the step count up.

Ground and atmosphere: There’s no denying it: Leichhardt is a loveable ground, even if it is falling to pieces. One of the toilet blocks wouldn’t be out of place on the set of a post-apocalyptic movie. The Tigers don’t play many games here any more, but when they do, it’s electric.

Family tickets are a little costly at about $100; otherwise general admission starts at $25 for kids.

What they said: Mayor of Inner West Council, Darcy Byrne

“My old man wanted his ashes scattered at Leichhardt Oval. There’s a lot of people who feel the same emotional attachment to the ground.

“The atmosphere on the Wayne Pearce Hill is unique and players and fans of all codes and clubs say the same - they love being there.”

Score: 5.5/10

5. PointsBet Stadium

Wade Graham runs out at PointsBet Stadium for his final NRL game at the ground.Credit: Getty

Transport: Parking is limited at the ground, but shuttle buses run on a loop from Caringbah, Cronulla and Woolooware stations. Otherwise, it’s a 15-minute walk from Woolooware.

Ground and atmosphere: A great ground for viewing, but you’ll want to hope for clear skies, with about half the ground open to the elements, and undercover seating vulnerable to rain when the wind blows in.

Fans are vibrant and passionate, and general admission tickets start at $20. There’s no shortage of food options with bratwurst, wood fired pizza and gluten-free ice cream just some of what’s available. Prices, however, are a bit steep for families.

What they said: “The atmosphere when PointsBet Stadium is at capacity is second to none; however, we acknowledge there are ongoing challenges and that many of the facilities need a facelift and the stadium an upgrade,” Sharks chief executive Dino Mezzatesta said.

“Every Sydney club has received some form of funding for a stadium refurbishment and/or the construction of a Centre of Excellence, and we will continue to seek similar assistance.”

Score: 6/10

4. 4 Pines Park

A sea of fans on the hill at 4 Pines Park, home to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.Credit: Getty

Transport: The worst part about 4 Pines is getting there. Parking is a nightmare and the B1 only takes you as far Warringah Mall, otherwise the leagues club is $10 for parking.

Ground and atmosphere: A ticket on the famous eastern hill will set you back $22 for a junior or $37 for an adult. With a capacity of about 18,000, every seat has a good vantage point at 4 Pines, but the hill (while enthusiastic) can make for tough viewing if you’re swallowed up by the sea of people.

The catering options are in the name: 4 Pines. The stadium offers a tasty selection of craft brews, if that’s your thing, and food stands with a few options including a bratwurst (the spicy one is the best).

Score: 6.5/10

3. BlueBet Stadium

BlueBet Stadium in Penrith is home to the Panthers.Credit: Getty

Transport: A shortish stroll from Penrith Station, otherwise there is cheap parking ($5) at the nearby paceway or cricket club.

Ground and atmosphere: Tickets on the hill are just $16 making it an affordable option for a family outing, and it’s another ground that has great visibility regardless of where you sit.

There’s a large variety of food – cheaper prices for members at the bar – and food trucks are also available.

The passion of a Penrith crowd is second-to-none, and a significant number of fans turn out to watch the reserve grade game beforehand. A very family-friendly venue that has a great vibe.

Score: 7/10

2. CommBank Stadium

CommBank Stadiums is one of the newest and nicest rugby league venues in Sydney.Credit: Getty

Transport: There’s not much public parking available near the stadium, but it’s a 15-minute walk from Parramatta station, or you can get off at Westmead and walk through Parramatta Park.

Ground and atmosphere: This stadium is pristine - fresh, clean, and an all-round great experience. The 30,000 capacity means it’s thriving when it’s filled to the brim, but even with a smaller crowd it has a good vibe.

CommBank is another stadium where restaurants are getting involved with the food offerings, with Lebanese eatery Al Aseel and burger chain Five Guys part of the new offerings in 2024. Tickets start at just $15 for juniors or $75 for a family of four.

Score: 8.5/10

1. Allianz Stadium

Allianz Stadium in all its glory.Credit: Wolter Peeters

Allianz is the pinnacle of rugby league stadiums.

Sure, it came with a $828 million price tag, and there are questions about whether it needed to be rebuilt in the first place, but now we have it, isn’t it nice?

Transport: A five-minute walk from Moore Park light rail or a 25-minute walk (uphill) from Central station.

Ground and atmosphere: Bright lights and buzzing, Allianz is at its best during a big clash like the Roosters and Rabbitohs this weekend or the Tricolours’ classic Anzac Day match against the Dragons.

Food options, while a little costly, are in abundance. Have a slab of Vinnie’s pizza, a braised beef pie from Sonoma or lamb kafta from Jimmy’s Falafel. Once again a family pass is a little steep – $110 – otherwise tickets start from $25 for juniors or $45 for adults.

Score: 9/10

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