The upgraded stadium facilities at Sydney Showground, announced on Tuesday (8 June) are being celebrated as a major step forward in helping Sydney attract and retain major sporting and leisure events.
Peter King, Chief Executive of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) today welcomed the investment announcement made by the NSW Government, backed with funding contributions from the Australian Football League and the RAS.
Sydney Showground has announced an upgrade to
accomodate larger events and the newly
announced Western Sydney AFL team
“The upgrade will enable Sydney Showground to attract and retain major events well into the future and generate greater returns for the RAS to invest into programs which support our core charter: agriculture; education; competitions; youth; and regional NSW,” he said.
Each year the RAS invests over $6 million into agricultural competitions and education derived from revenue from the business generated as the operator of Sydney Showground.
The seating capacity of the Main Arena will increase from 13,000 to 25, 000 including an upgrade of the associated amenities including hospitality, security, turf and media facilities.
“Sydney Olympic Park already has an enviable reputation as the best events precinct in Australia and the Sydney Showground upgrade will complement this,” said King.
“The new facilities will enhance visitor experience at the major national events we already host – Sydney Royal Easter Show, V8 Supercars and the Big Day Out – and create a top class, boutique, multi-purpose stadium in the heart of Sydney. Enhancing the Main Arena facilities will create an additional $446 million of economic and social value for NSW, an estimated 3,400 jobs for Western Sydney.
“This is a great investment which will provide wide ranging benefits to the people of NSW,” King said.
“We are thrilled to be the new home game match venue for the Greater Western Sydney AFL team and hope to attract other sports including cricket, soccer and baseball games along with concerts and festivals, which will create a diversified income stream for the RAS.
The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW has managed the 30 hectare government-owned Sydney Showground site at Sydney Olympic Park since 1997, hosting over 400 exhibitions, conferences, meetings and events each year.
“We are best known for our marquee event, the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Australia’s single largest annual event, the Show attracts in excess of 900,000 visitors each year, and is envied across the world,” he said.
“This investment will see greater utilisation of the Sydney Showground site and assist in attracting and delivering even more world class events.
Extension of a government owned asset such as the Sydney Showground is a long term investment in the community and supports the Master Plan for Sydney Olympic Park to continue to develop this area and to enhance its reputation as a premier commercial, residential, sporting and entertainment precinct.
The Sydney Showground Main Arena upgrade will be funded by the State Government, the Australian Football League, and the RAS.
The Main Arena upgrade is expected to be completed in 2012.
