T’S the $1.6 billion deal that will end the great stadium war in Sydney. And the winners will be every footy fan, from every code.

The Sunday Telegraph ­understands the government and sporting codes are working towards finalising a deal that would finally end the ­polarising stadium debate.

It’s understood NSW Sports Minister Stuart Ayres has a vision for Sydney sports fans, which will be a compromise deal to all involved.

The new deal or “peace plan” would deliver Sydney two new world-class stadiums at Sydney Olympic Park and Moore Park, as well as a new Parramatta Stadium, while also allowing Sydney NRL clubs including St George-­Illawarra, Manly, the Wests Tigers, Cronulla and Penrith, to continue playing home games at suburban grounds.

It’s understood the state government’s original demands for a 65-game content commitment from the NRL, which would have forced clubs to move home games to larger stadiums, would be ripped up and forgotten.

Instead, the government’s investment would be covered by a 100-piece content plan supported by the Australian Rugby Union, Football Federation Australia and the NRL, with matches to be played at the three new rectangular stadiums.

If Ayres’ vision is realised, a new 30,000-seat Parramatta Stadium, brand-new 55,000-seat Allianz Stadium at Moore Park and a 75,000-seat, enclosed-roof ANZ stadium at Sydney Olympic Park would be delivered by the end of 2026.

NSW Premier Mike Baird returns from Israel today, and could potentially agree to the new deal, which will provide sports fans in Sydney the most significant upgrade in stadiums in almost 30-years. Work on Parramatta Stadium will begin at the end of this season and be completed by the end of 2019.

When contacted by The Sunday Telegraph, Mr Ayres’ office said they were still working with the sporting codes and didn’t want to pre-empt any outcomes.

Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver and FFA CEO David Gallop have publicly declared their support for the plan.

All that is left is the support of the NRL.

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg sent an email to all 16 club bosses last Friday warning them of how critical their support of the government’s original proposal was in order to make up for being “lapped” by the AFL in the past when it came to securing government funding.

The Gordon family from Quakers Hill in Sydney’s West are footy fanatics, and attend as many games as they can, especially when they all support different teams.

Mother-of-three Elizabeth Gordon, 38, said they love their footy but it was about time Sydney upgraded its stadiums.

“A closed roof would be much better and it’s a drawcard really. I think it is a good thing for other sports as well.”

 

Source : dailytelegraph.com.au

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