The $828 million Allianz Stadium in Sydney was officially inaugurated by Dominic Perrottet after the renovation almost lost his government an election.
The New South Wales Premier celebrated the event on Sunday afternoon by kicking a rugby ball across the top-notch Moore Park entertainment complex while donning a suit, tie, and leather shoes.
When initially disclosed in 2017, plans to tear down and rebuild the stadium irked both the opposition and the majority of voters.
Former premier Gladys Berejiklian expressed worries about the stadium’s accessibility and safety as part of a $2 billion renovation plan.
When asked directly about rebuilding the stadium, then-Labor leader Michael Daley indicated the 2019 election will show how people actually felt about the improvement.
On Sunday, Mr. Perrottet acknowledged that the new venue, which has cost $38 million more than earlier projections for 2019, has cost his party “a lot of political skin.”
He justified the extra expense by claiming that the ‘world class’ stadium will give NSW preference in hosting the top performances and events.
It’s been a long road, I know. The premier said on Sunday, “But today we launch a world-class stadium for our world-class people.”
Building excellent infrastructure and fantastic venues is never without its difficulties.
But you simply have to keep going and follow the proper path.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters match, the last game played at the site before renovations started, will serve as the stadium’s official opening ceremony on Friday.
The renovated stadium has a 360-degree concourse where visitors can order food and drinks from catering juggernaut Merivale.
As a result, spectators will spend less time waiting in lines and more time taking in the action. The number of accessible seats has gone from 28 to 500, while the number of women’s restrooms has increased from 113 to 600.
In addition to welcoming the Wallabies and the Springboks for a highly-anticipated contest on Saturday, the stadium will host Guy Sebastian and Baker Boy for its ceremonial opening ceremony on Sunday evening.
The entertainment centre will host a range of events, including an upcoming women’s soccer match between Australia and Canada, according to Arts and Tourism Minister Ben Franklin.
“This is much more than just a sports arena.” Mr. Franklin said, “This is a full entertainment district.
All of this contributes to our goal of being the leading tourist economy in the Asia Pacific. By 2030, we can generate $65 billion annually, we are certain.
With spectacular cultural, sports, and entertainment activities, “this stadium will be at the centre of that.”
The stadium will be “all about the people,” according to Sports Minister Alistair Henskens, but NRL Commissioner Peter V’landys isn’t yet persuaded.
He told the Sydney Morning Herald that “the stadium is in its honeymoon stage.”
“Its true test will come when it is examined in a year.”
The football chief was forced last week to do an embarrassing U-turn when he revealed the NRL grand final would continue to be held in Sydney after openly opposing the NSW Government since April.
Dom is a very excellent premier and a very kind person, but V’landys advised against betting with him since he wouldn’t honour the wager.
The Queensland premier has been great to work with, so it was a difficult choice. I should note that the NSW government has been successful this year, but only for this particular year. Future grand finals will see the beginning of new negotiations.
The conflict started in April when V’landys shot a foreboding message to Mr. Perrottet that rugby league’s premier championship match may go to Queensland for a second consecutive year.
The NRL and the state government were at odds over financing for suburban grounds, and V’landys was openly critical of the NRL’s decision to back down from plans to refurbish Accor Stadium for $800 million.