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THE Australian Rugby Union has weighed into Sydney’s stadium debate by expressing its preference for a brand new stadium to be built at Moore Park.
But under implied threat of taking marquee events like the Bledisloe Cup to other states, the ARU also insisted the existing Allianz Stadium “remains operational” while new venue is constructed and the government guarantees the ARU won’t lose precious Test revenue while the “stadia network” is being built.
The ARU’s position in the heated debate is spelt out in a letter sent by ARU boss Bill Pulver to NSW sports minister Stuart Ayres last week, which has been obtained by the Daily Telegraph.
Pulver welcomed the planned $1.6 billion investment in upgrading Sydney’s sporting infrastructure, saying it is imperative “world-class stadia” are available to attract fans, drive revenue and secure sponsors.
“Our overwhelming preference is for a new stadium to be constructed at Moore Park and that Allianz Stadium remains operational while a new stadium is constructed,” Pulver wrote.
“Indeed, this outcome, in particularly Allianz Stadium remaining operational, is absolutely necessary in order for us to commit content to the stadia network — that being Waratahs Super Rugby Matches, Wallabies Test Matches, Sevens World Series events, and going forward over the next 10-15 years, premium content such as Super Rugby Finals, Bledisloe Cups, Rugby Championship Test Matches, Lions Tour Matches and potentially future Rugby World Cups.
“On current scheduling, this would be a minimum 14 match days in Sydney in the stadia network per annum, which is a significant contribution of available Rugby content in Australia. This outcome is also critical to ensuring the viability of our operations, revenue streams and fan engagement.
“Noting the above, it will be important for the NSW Government to confirm that our organisations will not be in a position of financial disadvantage from committing our content to the stadia network, having regard to alternate stadia and event deals. This includes ensuring that Rugby’s access to preferred stadia in the network is not compromised through the centralisation of content.”
Waratahs chairman Roger Davis is a co-signatory on the letter but having struck a deal last year with the SCG Trust to play at Moore Park until 2031, the NSWRU stance is not influential.
The ARU’s desire to keep the existing Allianz Stadium open helps ensure a suitably sized venue is available for the Waratahs, but moreso for the Sydney Sevens — which is locked in for four more years — and for inbound Test series. Australia play England at Allianz Stadium there in June.
No plans have been drawn up but an entirely new stadium at Moore Park — not built on the site of a demolished Allianz Stadium — would likely be built over the members carpark and NRL building, and across to the Kippax Lake ovals.
Overall, the ARU’s position is not a huge shock. With Wallabies’ Tests and major events like Lions tours and World Cups the code’s single biggest driver of revenue, having another 50,000-seat stadium in Sydney is attractive.
The ARU have a deal with the NSW government to play Bledisloe Cup games at ANZ Stadium until 2021. Where the prize game is played thereafter will no doubt depend on which venue can bank the most revenue for the ARU.
It would likely still be a 75,000-seat ANZ Stadium but some argue 50,000-seat stadiums like Suncorp Stadium or a new venue at Moore Park — with premium pricing — can yield a similar return.
Perth’s new 60,000-seat stadium will also be on the hunt for marquee events and offer cash incentives.
The capacity to draw big crowds during a renovation at ANZ Stadium or Allianz Stadium is clearly a concern for the ARU, with Pulver appearing to indicate they may even seek financial compensation, at the threat of taking “content” away from the stadia network. The threat also covers the ARU also getting access to it preferred stadia under the new network plan.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/a...5b4ba8ec643bf5