0
Work can begin on the former Perth Oval to bring it up to Super Rugby standard.
- Tim Clarke
- September 23, 2009 - 3:01PM
RugbyWA and the Town of Vincent last night officially signed a six-year agreement for the oval to become the new home of the Western Force.
The council last night approved the signing of a deed of licence with RugbyWA, giving it the green light to start the upgrade works to the stadium needed to meet SANZAR requirements.
The interim upgrade and temporary works/repairs at ME Bank Stadium include upgrading stadium lighting to 1400 lux to comply with Foxtel requirements, temporary seating to up capacity to 21,165 and an upgrade of the currently sparse changerooms.
The council will be contributing $250,000 towards the works - with the State Government providing Rugby WA with a $2 million interest-free loan towards the new facilities.
"RugbyWA has worked hard with the Town of Vincent to ensure this upgrade will result in the best possible venue for the Emirates Western Force and its supporters," said Vern Reid, RugbyWA CEO.
"The stadium will meet the standards required by SANZAR, now it is up to our players and fans to make it our fortress."
The upgrade of the stadium will also see installation of interim/temporary facilities and 11 new temporary corporate suites, installation and upgrade of media boxes and new Television Match Official (TMO) seating, upgrade of the playing surface and sub-soil drainage
"This is a stellar outcome for both RugbyWA and the Town. It is the culmination of over two years' of planning to ensure that rugby union players and fans have a true home for their code", said Nick Catania, mayor of the Town of Vincent.
The Force will play six games at ME Bank Stadium in 2010, with the hopes every one will be a sellout after attendances slowly dwindled as supporters became increasingly disillusioned with Subiaco Oval.
The first is a blockbuster, with Matt Giteau to return to Perth at the first possible opportunity with his new team the ACT Brumbies.
http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/work...0923-g2cm.html