Features

New stadium for NRL’s Penrith Panthers

The NRL’s Penrith Panthers are to get a brand new stadium that could be ready as soon as 2025.

The New South Wales (NSW) Government has confirmed it will redevelop the Penrith Stadium site in the city in Greater Western Sydney as part of its commitment to turn suburban venues into world class facilities.

The design of the new stadium will be confirmed following a consultation and tender process, with construction to begin at the start of 2023 and expected to be completed two years later.

The current season will be the Panthers’ last at the 22,500-capacity BlueBet Stadium. They will play at an alternative home ground for two seasons before returning home to Penrith in 2025.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the announcement and confirmation of construction would give Western Sydney an outstanding landmark venue.

“The Eastern City is getting a world class stadium, the Central City has world class stadia and now the Western City will have a world class stadium,” Perrottet said.

“Penrith Stadium is a hub for Western Sydney – it’s where sporting success is celebrated, where families come together, and where our next generation of sporting superstars train.

“But this upgrade is about much more than sport, it is about bringing suburban venues to the fore and taking major events across the state.”

Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the upgrade would ensure Sydney and NSW were well placed to host major events in years to come.

“We already have Sydney locked in as a host city for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and now with Penrith Stadium set to become a first-class venue, the sky is the limit when it comes to events NSW can bid for,” Ward said.