Sports Technology

As Sydney gears up to host three of the massive sporting events during July, plans to upgrade the ANZ Stadium and surrounding Sydney Olympic Park Stadia Precinct have been revealed.

NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation Graham Annesley today (2nd July) launched the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA)'s plans to transform the ANZ Stadium with a retractable roof and moveable northern and southern grandstands to transform the lower bowl into a perfect rectangle for the Rugby codes and football.

Minister Annesley also revealed proposals to add over 7,500 metres2 of new development spaces, spread over five levels, within the Precinct. These spaces, to be used for entertainment and recreation facilities, include a rooftop pool, a club, retail space and restaurants while a four storey enhancement beside Allphones Arena to provide an additional might be used as a cinema with an external live screen.

Introducing the long term $250 million Master Plan for the precinct, Minister Annesley explained "it's a very exciting glimpse of the future as the park continues to evolve as a constant reminder of the wonderful Sydney Olympic legacy left to the people of NSW.

"Proposals of this nature would significantly add to what is already on offer at the park to further enrich the lives of the growing local community, the people of New South Wales, and the 10 million visitors the park attracts annually."

However, while backing the Master Plan, produced by SOPA in collaboration with ANZ Stadium, Government Architects Office, Allphones Arena and the Sydney Showground, Minister Annesley made no funding pledges for the projects.

ANZ Stadium Managing Director Daryl Kerry added that weather-proofing the stadium was vital so that it continued to attract world-class sporting and entertainment events, stating "putting a roof on the stadium will weather-proof the major events going forward, while moving stands north and south will create an even more dramatic atmosphere for the football codes that prefer a true rectangular field.

"Everyone who has watched the Sydney Olympic Park precinct grow as a destination since the 2000 Olympic Games should be excited about the vision for the Stadia Precinct. These are developments that will change Sydney forever."

Indicating that the transformation of ANZ Stadium would require financial support from the NSW Government, Kerry concluded "if we work hard with government and the stakeholders to bring this masterplan to reality, NSW will continue to lead the way in attracting world-class sporting and entertainment events."

The ANZ Stadium is currently gearing up to host the showdown between the Wallabies and British and Irish Lions on Saturday night, and will also stage the third State of Origin clash and an exhibition match between Manchester United and the A-League All Stars during July.

Animation of the Master Plan can be viewed at www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/vision

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