Feature

VIP fan area revealed as Western Sydney Stadium begins construction

Construction has commenced at the Western Sydney Stadium, with the state government unveiling an area for fans to see directly into players’ warm-up areas.

Up to 150 fans of NRL rugby league team the Parramatta Eels and A-League football club the Western Sydney Wanderers will be able to use the area, tentatively named the “Field Club,” to look right into the warm-up areas and watch their favourite players get ready for a match.

The space at the 30,000-capacity stadium will likely be open to competition winners, special guests or fans willing to pay a premium price, which they can also do if they want the luxury of pitch-side seating.

Western Sydney Stadium, which is replacing the existing Parramatta Stadium, is anticipated to cost upwards of A$360m.

The upcoming stadium, which is planned for opening in 2019, will be able to be converted for large music events, have a 3,000-seat VIP area and extensive fan zone.

“We will provide the best sporting experience for fans anywhere in the country, right here in the heart of western Sydney,” minister Stuart Ayres said, according to SBS news website. “For too long we’ve been at the back of the pack as other cities have gone past us. Today that changes.”

The New South Wales state government last year announced plans to redevelop Sydney’s stadia as part of a Aus$1.6bn (£966m/€1.08bn/$1.28bn) project. The project includes work at ANZ Stadium, Parramatta Stadium, Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“Western Sydney Stadium is a win for sports fans, revolutionising the spectator experience and injecting millions of dollars into the local economy, and creating 2,000 jobs,” said Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

“This stadium will be a major boost for Sydney’s infrastructure and will be another venue that we can use to attract major events to NSW. This enormous investment is already generating flow-on benefits with A$60m in contracts awarded to Western Sydney businesses – with plenty more to come.”