Moore Park a big burden for Waratahs
The Sydney Roosters Rugby League outfit, Sydney FC (soccer) and the Waratahs could all be left homeless for four years if the construction of a new stadium at Moore Park goes ahead.
The three sporting codes were fully aware thsat the new stadium was being built.
However, there was a clear understanding between government and Allianz Stadium tenants that this would occur without interruption to Allianz Stadium’s operations.
The Waratahs and other tenants were given assurances from Sport Minister Stuart Ayres that the new billion dollar stadium would be built across the road.
While he was making all the promises the cabinet opted for the opposite.
The Premier, Mike Baird, along with the cabinet, decided to build a whole new stadium on Moore Park.
Recent developments show that in order to construct the new stadium Allianz Stadium tenants will be forced to relocate for the next four years.
The three sporting codes – in a strongly-worded media release – expressed their unhappiness about the development of the new stadium and requested a renovation to the existing stadium.
The press release states: "We strongly oppose a new stadium on the existing site, as forced relocation out of Allianz Stadium for four seasons will be disastrous for all three clubs, their respective members and fans"
In the long term a new stadium will benefit Moore Park, however, it is the Waratahs who will suffer the most inconvenience, even well after the four-year period.
"It is well-known in the sports industry that maintaining crowds is a worldwide challenge which only be exacerbated if the Allianz Stadium shut down for a period of time," the release said.
"Research indicates that when teams are displaces from their established home ground, the impact is negative and of a long-term nature."
Waratahs urged Baird to reconsider the development of this new stadium.
They stated that he should "take into account the full extent of the impact a forced relocation would have on [the] club".
