Allianz Stadium opens: NRLW and NRL clashes christen Sydney’s new bumper venue

Sydney’s bumper new stadium is officially open, christened with an NRLW and NRL blockbuster to start the city’s new sporting era. See inside the new venue with our pictures.

Sydney’s sporting jewel has opened its doors with a launch party few will ever forget.

Marking a new era for sport, entertainment and hospitality, the $828 million Allianz Stadium has taken just one night to prove itself as Sydney’s rugby league mecca.

On a cool Friday night at Moore Park, an excited and historic crowd of 42,500 fans clicked through the shiny new stadium turnstiles to witness the NRL’s homecoming between arch-rivals the Roosters and Rabbitohs.

The classic grudge match was a mouthwatering precursor to next weekend where the vaunted enemies will meet again in week one of the NRL finals series.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE FULL PICTURES FROM ALLIANZ STADIUM’S OPENING NIGHT BONANZA

Prime Minister and South Sydney fan Anthony Albanese took in the blockbuster from an exclusive corporate box that is worth $695 per seat.

Other VIP’s included ARLC chairman Peter V’landys, three former NRL and ARL CEO’s including David Gallop, Todd Greenberg and John Quayle, former Test cricket captain Steve Waugh, rugby league Hall of Fame legend Ron Coote and comedian Vince Sorrenti.

Fans in at Allianz Stadium for the first NRLW game at the new venue. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Billionaire software developer Mike Cannon-Brookes was among the masses wearing his Rabbitohs colours.

However, South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe was a notable absentee, currently filming in Europe.

Two years in the making following the demolition of the 32-year-old Sydney Football Stadium, fans draped in their team’s colours had flocked to the stadium precinct several hours prior to the 8pm kick-off.

Once inside, they rocked and rolled to an atmosphere that was factored into the stadium design which reflects noise back into the stadium.

A view from the stands.

“Even if you’re not a footy fan, this stadium would get anyone excited,” Roosters fan Carly Julian said. “The air is thick with excitement. Roosters all day baby.”

Fan Millie Waters added: “There’s no better way to end the regular season than with a sparkling new stadium and freshly poured beers.

“I’m looking forward to spending many more weekends here.”

Alison Umpleby said daughters Georgia, 10, and Holly, 12, had been looking forward to the game.

Sisters Georgia Umpleby, 10, (left) and Holly, 12, excited for the first event at the new stadium.

“We’re really impressed with the new home of the Roosters,” she said.

“The atmosphere feels like we’re in a cauldron and it has a super energetic feeling.”

Yes, there were teething problems as new staff managed queues for beers and a Merivale food menu that included noodles and dumplings and cheeseburger spring rolls, but this was a party that complaints were difficult to find.

It wasn’t only an emotional and historic return home for the Roosters after two years spent playing games at the neighbouring Sydney Cricket Ground.

The big screen introduces the players.

It was also a major financial windfall for the eastern suburbs club.

The Saturday Telegraph has learned the Roosters will pocket almost $1 million in revenue from gate-takings and corporate sales.

Industry experts estimate it is the highest grossing earnings for a regular season home game in NRL history.

Roosters fans enjoying the new stadium.

Fans packed in to be part of history.

Angus Crichton celebrates a try in the first NRL game at the new venue.