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Qantas Wallabies to host first International Test at Bankwest Stadium against Samoa

Qantas Wallabies to host first International Test at Bankwest Stadium against Samoa this September

  • Wallabies will make Bankwest Stadium debut against Samoa on Saturday 7 September;
  • Test match will be Wallabies final game before heading off to 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan;
  • Stay tuned for ticketing details to be confirmed in the coming weeks;
  • Head here for Official Hospitality options.

Rugby Australia 

Rugby Australia has today confirmed the Qantas Wallabies will take on Manu Samoa in a farewell Test prior to the team’s departure for Japan at Bankwest Stadium in Paramatta on Saturday 7 September.

The Sydney Test, secured with the support of the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, has bolstered the international Rugby calendar in Australia with the Qantas Wallabies and Buildcorp Wallaroos both now set to host three Test matches in 2019.

Offering Qantas Wallabies fans a final opportunity to see the men in gold in action before they take on the world in Japan, it doubles as the team’s only match in Sydney this year.

The clash sets up an anticipated rematch of the infamous Test between the two nations eight years ago, prior to the 2011 tournament in New Zealand. In a result that shocked the Rugby world, a little-known Manu Samoa outfit used a physical barrage to ambush the Wallabies at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, notching their first Test victory in five attempts against the Australians.

While the memory of that result faded as the Qantas Wallabies went on to a semi-final finish in New Zealand later that year, it will still be fresh in the minds of the thousands of Manu Samoa fans that erupted in jubilation at witnessing one of their nation’s greatest sporting triumphs.

The September 7 fixture will also be the first Rugby Test played at the new western Sydney venue.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said: “The addition of a third home Test for the Qantas Wallabies will further build on the excitement ahead of Japan and provides a great opportunity for fans to farewell the team at the new world-class Bankwest Stadium.”

Qantas Wallabies Head Coach, Michael Cheika said: “With the World Cup in our sights this year we really want to build some momentum to help take our game up a level or two, I think that’s really important for us. We will have a few new tricks up our sleeve this season so we might look a little different to what most people may expect.

“I’d say we’ll be going into this season’s tournaments – the Rugby Championship, the Bledisloe Cup and the World Cup – as underdogs but we will be doing everything we can to make 2019 our year.

“To play a team like Samoa in our take-off game for the World Cup will be perfect. They have a mix of razzle-dazzle and physicality which will be exactly what we need before stepping out against Fiji in Sapporo. In front of our home crowd in a brilliant new stadium in Western Sydney it should double as plenty of fireworks as well as plenty of fun for everyone,” Cheika said.

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said securing the Wallabies’ farewell Test exemplifies why NSW is regarded as the adrenaline sports capital of Australia.

“We are delighted Sydney has been hand-picked to officially farewell the Wallabies before they head to Japan for the Rugby World Cup. Major sporting events like this are crucial to ensuring our State’s tourism economy continues to flourish; not only attracting players and coaches to Sydney, but rugby fans who are keen to witness the world’s best in action,” Ms Chipchase said.

Samoa Rugby Union CEO Vincent Fepuleai said: “On behalf of the SRU and the people of Samoa, we would like to thank Rugby Australia for this wonderful opportunity to participate in this Test Match.  We are very excited about playing at the new Bankwest Stadium in Western Sydney and we encourage all of our Pacific Island families to come and support the Manu before we depart for our campaign in Tokyo.  I would also like to extend a warm gesture of gratitude to our principal partner the Grey Investment Group for their ongoing support.”

The Qantas Wallabies play two home matches in a truncated 2019 Mitsubishi Estate Rugby Championship, kicking off at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane with a clash against Argentina on July 27 before a sold-out Bledisloe Cup showdown at Perth’s Optus Stadium on August 10.

Ticketing and broadcast information for the Manu Samoa Test is still to be confirmed.

Head here to see the Official Hospitality options for Wallabes v Samoa

Qantas Wallabies v Manu Samoa
Saturday 7 September
Bankwest Stadium, Sydney

Excitement builds with one month to go until Bankwest Stadium Open Day

Excitement builds with one month to go until Bankwest Stadium Open Day

  • Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day is Sunday 14 April;
  • Tickets to the Open Day are FREE and include public transport to and from Parramatta;
  • Fans need to redeem a ticket via Ticketek: ticketek.com.au/openday

Julian Keith

With exactly one month till the Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day, almost 20,000 tickets have been taken up for the Sunday 14 April event, with fans itching to get a look inside the new home of sport and entertainment in Western Sydney.

Tickets to the Community Open Day are free and include public transport to and from Parramatta, with fans only needing to choose a session time and redeem a ticket via Ticketek.

The one-hour sessions inside the Stadium commence at 9:30am and continue through the day.

Redeem your free tickets here

Club legends, mascots and players from the Parramatta Eels, Western Sydney Wanderers, Wests Tigers and NSW Waratahs will all be part of the Open Day as Members and fans see the Stadium for the first time.

A host of sponsor and media activations, plus kids’ activities, will also be operating outside the Stadium, bringing the Bankwest Stadium precinct alive.

Bankwest Stadium CEO Daryl Kerry said today there were still plenty of free tickets available for the Open Day.

“This Stadium is unashamedly for the fans and the whole community is invited to come along and see the Stadium for themselves,” Mr Kerry said.

“People across NSW are understandably excited about the opening of Bankwest Stadium and you can see that in how many people have already locked in their free tickets to the Open Day.

“Ticket-holders will see how much closer to the action they will be and get to mingle with representatives from the clubs and codes that will call the Stadium home in 2019.

“Open Day is also about the fans helping us test their Stadium before the big events start in 2019.”

Inside the Stadium, ticket-holders will be able to loop around the Level 1 Concourse, find their seats for upcoming events, experience the steep grandstands and other unique design aspects of Bankwest Stadium.

As they move through the Stadium, fans will also be able to explore Australia’s first Field Club in a rectangular stadium, see the warm-up rooms, and get side-of-field to experience what it’s like to be at pitch level.

Fans are able to choose from one of four sessions at the Community Open Day:

  • 9:30am
  • 11:00am
  • 12:30pm
  • 2:00pm

Twenty one sport and entertainment events are already locked in for Bankwest Stadium in 2019 with more soon to be announced. The Stadium will also host a range of community events and activities, as well as business meetings and special events.

The opening sporting event is Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers in Round 6 of the NRL on Easter Monday.

The Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day will be the first time the venue is showcased as not only an events venue but a major community asset to Western Sydney.

Newly-named Canterbury Cup NSW secures five-years of Grand Finals at Bankwest Stadium

Newly-named Canterbury Cup NSW secures five-years of Grand Finals at Bankwest Stadium

  • Bankwest Stadium will host the Canterbury Cup NSW Grand Final on Sunday 29 September;
  • Five-year deal will also see the Grand Finals of Jersey Flegg, Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield played at Bankwest Stadium;
  • Announcement comes with confirmation of Canterbury as the new naming rights partner for the competition.

NSWRL

A new era for New South Wales rugby league begins today . . . and another great event is added to the Bankwest Stadium calendar.

NSWRL’s premier competition is set for its most exciting season yet after unveiling footy apparel giant Canterbury as the new naming rights partner for the Canterbury Cup NSW and a five-year deal to play the Grand Final of the competition at Bankwest Stadium in Western Sydney.

The deal will see Bankwest Stadium host the Grand Final of the Canterbury Cup NSW and three of its other major competitions – Jersey Flegg, Ron Massey and Sydney Shield.

Details were announced today (Thursday 7 March) at the official launch of the 2019 season for all nine competitions managed by the NSWRL, with the Canterbury Cup NSW, Sydney Shield and Ron Massey Cup kicking off on Friday 15 March.

NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said it was exciting for the NSWRL to use the new state-of-the-art Bankwest Stadium to host the Grand Finals of the Canterbury Cup NSW,Jersey Flegg, Ron Massey and Sydney Shield – for the next five years.

“Bankwest Stadium is a world-class facility that will bring fans closer to the action than they’ve ever been before,” Trodden said.

“It is regarded as the new home of sport in western Sydney and it’s an appropriate venue to host the Canterbury Cup NSW Grand Final which has thrown up plenty of thrilling contests.”

Bankwest Stadium CEO Daryl Kerry said: “Canterbury Cup NSW Grand Final Day has become a special day on the Rugby League calendar and it will be bigger and better than ever in the 30,000-seat Bankwest Stadium.

“This is a Stadium that has been built for the fans and the event experience is going to be exceptional. Fans will immediately notice how close their seats are to the action and the steeper grandstand design, but there are a number of other initiatives that will make a day at the footy easier and a lot of fun.

“The NSWRL season kick-off is upon us and we will watch the action with great interest knowing it will ultimately end with Grand Final Day at the new Bankwest Stadium in September.”

The decision by Canterbury to join forces with the NSWRL for the premier competition in the state represents an historic move as it is the first time a traditional apparel partner has sponsored the naming rights of a competition.

“The Canterbury Cup NSW goes from strength to strength every season and this new partnership with Canterbury reflects that,” Trodden said.

“It has proven to be a wonderful breeding ground for some of the rising stars of Rugby League and the games are traditionally high-scoring and entertaining contests.

“We expect 2019 to be the best season yet for the Canterbury Cup NSW and I can’t wait for the opening round to kick off.”

NSWRL Head of Commercial and Digital Jodie Cross said the NSWRL was thrilled to extend their partnership with Canterbury after their involvement with the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues in 2018.

Canterbury produced an innovative skin-tight jersey design that contributed to the first NSW State of Origin series success since 2014 and have also designed an alternate strip the team will use for the second game of the 2019 series in Perth.

“This is the first time in Australian sport that a traditional apparel partner has sponsored the naming rights of a competition,” Cross said.

“NSWRL pride ourselves on being innovative and we think this partnership is a real innovative marketing approach.”

“Canterbury is a strong international footy brand and we are thrilled to extend our partnership with them.”

Canterbury APAC managing director Jamie Meikleham said it is extremely rewarding for Canterbury to be involved with helping Rugby League in NSW move forward.

“The Canterbury Cup is the premier rugby league club competition in NSW, with a passionate grassroots following,” Meikleham said.

“We are delighted to be naming-rights partner at this level. This competition is a crucible for our future stars to take the next step in to first grade.

“This partnership is Canterbury living its mission of ‘doing everything for the game’. We want to be there for ‘every season, every position, every training need’ to be ‘everything for footy’.”

The opening round of the Canterbury Cup NSW will see South Sydney Rabbitohs – who are making their return to competition in their own colours for the first time since 2006 – against their former feeder club and fellow foundation club, the North Sydney Bears, on Sunday, 17 March.

While the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield begin on Saturday 16 March, the Jersey Flegg Cup and Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership start the following week. The UNE SG Ball Cup, UNE Harold Matthews Cup and Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup are already underway; while Newcastle’s Business Plaza Cup kicks off in April, along with the NSWRL Junior League.

Trodden said the NSW Cup reached more fans than ever before in 2018 with more than 2 million viewers tuning in during the season to watch matches on commercial broadcaster Channel Nine and pay TV network FOX Sports.

Matches will feature in a regular 1pm Sunday spot on Channel Nine with FOX Sports broadcasting matches on Saturdays.

Trodden said there was plenty for fans to look forward to in 2019 with games scheduled at traditional Rugby League venues including Leichhardt Oval, Belmore Sports Ground, North Sydney Oval, Henson Park and Metricon High Performance Centre (Redfern Oval).

“The return of the Rabbitohs is exciting for all Rugby League fans, with matches scheduled against other foundation clubs at iconic grounds including the North Sydney Bears, Newtown Jets and Western Suburbs Magpies,” Trodden said.

“The 2019 season is shaping up to be our most exciting ever.”

The 2019 Canterbury Cup NSW will kick off with last year’s grand finalists Newtown Jets heading to McDonald Jones Stadium to face the Newcastle Knights on Friday 15 March. Other highlights include:

Round 7 – Respect Round, coinciding with the start of the NSWRL Junior League season

Round 10 – Magic Round: two triple-headers of Intrust Super Premiership NSW games to be played at Henson Park and Panthers Stadium

Round 19 – Beanies for Brain Cancer Round: the annual drive to raise funds and awareness for the Mark Hughes Foundation.

The full 2019 Canterbury Cup NSW draw will be live from 1pm on nswrl.com.au.

Stars urge fans to snap up free tickets for Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day

Stars urge fans to snap up free tickets for Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day

  • Tickets are available from 1pm tomorrow (Wednesday) for the Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day on Sunday 14 April.
  • Tickets are free but fans need to redeem a ticket and choose a session time to tour the Stadium.
  • All tickets to the Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day include public transport to and from Parramatta.
  • Open Day tickets can be redeemed at ticketek.com.au/openday from 1pm Wednesday 27 February.

Julian Keith

Leading players, clubs and codes have called for sports fans to grab the opportunity to see inside the magnificent new Bankwest Stadium in Western Sydney for the first time.

Fans will get their first look at the new home of sport and entertainment in Parramatta as the world-class 30,000-seat facility opens its doors to the community on Sunday 14 April.

More than 30,000 tickets will be available and patrons will be able to choose from one of four sessions to tour the Stadium.

Parramatta Eels star Clint Gutherson, Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks and Western Sydney Wanderers captain Brendan Hamill and W-League goalkeeper Jada Whyman said fans would be able to see for themselves how close to the action they will be when the big games start to roll from mid-April.

“Excitement is building every day ahead of our return to Parramatta and fans will get their first glimpse inside the Stadium at the Community Open Day on Sunday 14 April,” Gutherson said.

“The anticipation is so high, a record number of our Members have already secured their full-season tickets for 2019.

“The players can’t wait for the first sporting event at the Stadium – the Round 6 Easter Monday game against Wests Tigers – and we know the fans are excited too, because it’s already on its way to being a sell-out.”

Wests Tigers halfback Brooks said: “It’s going to be a pleasure to play and watch footy at the new Bankwest Stadium. With fans so close to the action, the atmosphere is going to be amazing.”

Wanderers captain Hamill said his club’s Members and supporters were counting the days until they returned to their Western Sydney home.

“We can’t wait to experience the atmosphere of playing in front of our passionate fans at the new Stadium. Our first game is against English club Leeds on Saturday 20 July and next season we will play all 13 Hyundai A-League home games at Bankwest Stadium,” he said.

Whyman, the Wanderers’ W-League Player-of-the-Year last season, said fans of all codes would be able to experience how special the Stadium will be at the Community Open Day on 14 April.

“The game-day buzz is going to be something very special at Bankwest Stadium and the fans get a sneak peek of what is to come on Open Day,” Whyman said.

While Bankwest Stadium is the new home of sport and entertainment in Western Sydney, the Stadium and the Stadium Precinct will also host a range of community events and activities, as well as business meetings and special events.

HOW BANKWEST STADIUM COMMUNITY OPEN DAY WILL WORK

Sunday 14 April

  • Fans will need a ticket to enter the Stadium. Free tickets can be redeemed at com.au/openday from 1pm Wednesday 27 February.
  • They will be able to choose from one of four one-hour sessions:
    • 9:30am
    • 11am
    • 12:30pm
    • 2pm

All Your Questions Answered Here in the Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day FAQs

Bankwest Stadium welcomes Western Sydney Wanderers back home in 2019

Bankwest Stadium welcomes Western Sydney Wanderers back home in 2019

  • Wanderers will play all 13 home matches at Bankwest Stadium from 2019/2020 season;
  • Club’s first game at new venue will be against Leeds United on Saturday 20 July;
  • Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day on Sunday 14 April is first chance for Wanderers fans to see their new home.

Western Sydney Wanderers FC today announced a long-term agreement with Bankwest Stadium as its new home from the 2019/20 season.

A return to Wanderland is now set, with the club to play all 13 home matches at Bankwest Stadium in the 2019/2020 season.

The Wanderers’ first game at the new Stadium will be against English club Leeds United on Saturday 20 July this year. Tickets are available here.

The new Bankwest Stadium will officially open with a Community Open Day on Sunday 14 April that will be free to all patrons.

Fans need to just choose a session and redeem a free ticket. Tickets will be available from 1pm this Wednesday 27 February here.

Fans will be able to experience the unique Stadium design, including the proximity of seats to the pitch, steeper grandstands and 360-degree views from the concourse.

Meet other supporters, explore the venue, experience some of the food available and find your seat at upcoming events – the Community Open Day is your opportunity to immerse yourself at the new Bankwest Stadium.

The agreement will see the Wanderers play all home matches in the Hyundai A-League, FFA Cup (from the quarter-finals stage) and future AFC Champions League games at their new home ground in the heart of Parramatta. While the Wanderers Westfield W-League team will also play matches at the venue from next season.

Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer said the agreement is a game-changer for the Wanderers.

“This has been many years in the making and we are delighted to return to our home ground from next season,” said Mr Lederer.

“We left no stone unturned to get the right deal for our members and fans and we are extremely thankful to the NSW Government for building this venue with football fans in mind.”

The Western Sydney Wanderers are the fifth NSW club to commit to playing home games at Bankwest Stadium from 2019 – joining the Parramatta Eels (11 games), Wests Tigers (4 games), Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (1 game) and NSW Waratahs ( 4 games).

Bankwest Stadium features the steepest stands in the country, Australia’s first safe-standing terrace and a world-class setting in Parramatta.

“Our discussions and work with the team from VenuesLive has been robust and we are very excited to be working together to bring the best match day experience to our members and fans – a return to Wanderland,” continued Mr Lederer.

NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the combination of the Wanderers and Western Sydney Stadium was a ‘match made in heaven’.

“This long-term commitment to a new, modern and fan friendly stadium, gives the Wanderers everything they need to become Australia’s premier football club,” said Minister Ayres.

“Western Sydney Stadium is the biggest change to football in Australia since the Wanderers entered the A-League, they are a match made in football heaven.”

CEO of VenuesLive, Operator of Bankwest Stadium, Daryl Kerry, said the Western Sydney Wanderers were entering an exciting new era as a foundation tenant at a magnificent new stadium that will take fans closer to the action than ever before.

“The Stadium team will be working closely with the club to create a fantastic game-day atmosphere and the best possible fan experience. Bankwest Stadium is going to be a special place when the Wanderers play at home in front of their passionate fans,” said Mr Kerry.

Mr Kerry said Wanderers Members and supporters will get their first chance to see inside the Stadium at the Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day on Sunday 14 April.

Tickets for that event are free and available via Ticketek from 1pm Wednesday 27 February. Head here.

“At the Open Day, the Wanderers faithful will be able to see for themselves how close to the pitch they will be. They will be able to sit in their seats and see where their team will run out on match days,” finished Mr Kerry.

Minister’s Release: Bankwest Stadium to host free Community Open Day on Sunday 14 April

Minister’s Release: Bankwest Stadium to host free Community Open Day on 14 April

From the Office of the Hon. Stuart Ayres

Fans will get their first look at the brand new Bankwest Stadium on Sunday April 14 as the world-class sporting facility opens its doors to the community.

NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said today that more than 30,000 tickets will be available and patrons will be able to choose from one of four sessions to tour the Stadium.

“Ticket-holders will be able to experience Bankwest Stadium for the first time and see what a game-changer this stadium is going to be for sport and entertainment in Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.

“We are inviting people to come out and enjoy a special day. It will be the first opportunity for fans to see inside the Stadium and to experience first-hand how close to the action they will be.”

Bankwest Stadium, located on O’Connell Street, Parramatta, is well serviced by public transport, and by regular bus, train and ferry services. It is a short walk from the Parramatta CBD, 15 minutes from Parramatta Station, and even less from Parramatta Wharf.

Minister Ayres confirmed that all tickets to the Community Open Day will include public transport to and from Parramatta.

“The Community Open Day has been designed so that everyone has the opportunity to see and experience this game-changer for sport in Western Sydney,” he said.

“Bankwest Stadium is the new home of sport and entertainment in Western Sydney and will become the ‘must do’ location for community activities, corporate and special events.”

Stadium management will use the Community Open Day to test everything inside the venue before the big events start in 2019.

Twenty one sport and entertainment events have already been confirmed for Bankwest Stadium this year, with more events soon to be announced.

The opening sporting event will be the Round 6 NRL clash between Western Sydney rivals the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers on Easter Monday 22 April.

The NSW Waratahs will play the first of three Super Rugby games at Bankwest Stadium against the Sharks on Saturday 27 April.

Wests Tigers will play four home games at the venue, with their first against the Raiders on Friday 7 June.

The Western Sydney Wanderers will play their first game against English club Leeds United on Saturday 20 July.

Tickets to Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day available from 1pm Wednesday 27 February at: ticketek.com.au/openday

Fast Facts:

  • The new Bankwest Stadium at Parramatta will officially open with a Community Day on Sunday 14 April that will be free to all fans.
  • Fans only need to redeem a ticket and choose a session to attend.
  • Tickets can be redeemed at ticketek.com.au/openday from 1pm Wednesday 27 February.
  • All tickets to the Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day will include public transport to and from the event.
  • The confirmed session times for Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day are 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm.

150 Days until first football game at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday 20 July

150 Days until first football game at Bankwest Stadium

Julian Keith

Today marks 150 days until football comes to Bankwest Stadium with the Western Sydney Wanderers to host English giants Leeds United on Saturday 20 July.

The Wanderers Bankwest Stadium debut will be the first chance for fans to bring the famous Red and Black atmosphere to their new home.

And what better way to introduce football back to Parramatta than with an international fixture against high-flying Leeds United.

Leeds, who currently sit 3rd in the English Championship with a game in hand, are well on track to win promotion back to the Premier League and could visit Sydney having secured their spot in England’s top flight.

Under the guidance of head coach Marcelo Bielsa and behind goals from Kemar Roofe (14) and assist leader Pablo Hernandez (11), Leeds are having one of their best seasons in recent memory.

As many as 5000 Leeds United fans are expected at the game in July, a testament to their strong Australian following.

But make no mistake, it’ll be a Wanderers crowd at Bankwest Stadium on a historic day for football in Western Sydney.

“Our incredible members and fans have waited a long time to see this stadium come to fruition and we cannot wait to play our first match there against a club with so much history and tradition in Leeds United,” said Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas.

“This will be a historic event for the club and the people of Western Sydney and we look forward to working in partnership with the Stadium to bring this match to life.”

The Wanderers are looking to make a late-season run under new coach Markus Babbel which would set up an exciting encounter in July.

The countdown to football’s Bankwest Stadium debut is officially on – make sure you’re part of this historic day.

Tickets available here

Tickets On Sale for Historic First Sporting Event at Bankwest Stadium on Easter Monday

Tickets On Sale for Historic First Sporting Event at Bankwest Stadium

Julian Keith

Tickets to the very first NRL sporting event at Bankwest Stadium will become available to the General Public at 10am this Tuesday 19 February.

The Easter Monday clash between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers will be the first chance for fans to experience the unparalleled atmosphere at the new Stadium.

Eels Members will have access to an exclusive pre-sale at 2pm today with Wests Tigers Members given the opportunity to buy at 10am on Monday.

Fans will also be able to purchase tickets to the Eels second home game at Bankwest Stadium against the St George Illawarra Dragons on Sunday 5 May.

Tickets will become available to General Public at 10am on Tuesday here

20 sport and entertainment events are already confirmed for Bankwest Stadium in 2019 with many more still to come.

The Eels and Wests Tigers will kick things off with their highly anticipated Easter Monday clash and a further 13 regular season NRL games are locked in.

Stay across the Bankwest Stadium calendar as it develops here

The first sporting event at the Stadium will give fans the chance to experience the unique design aspects that will help create an unparalleled event experience.

Proximity to the field and steeper grandstands bring fans closer to the action than ever before and a 360-degree view of the field from Level 1 means they won’t miss a thing.

Fans are encouraged to get in quick as tickets are expected to move quickly.

80 Days to go until first sporting event is staged at Bankwest Stadium on Easter Monday

80 Days to go until first sporting event is staged at Bankwest Stadium

Julian Keith

In just 80 short days, fans will pack the stands at Bankwest Stadium for the very first sporting event at the new venue.

The Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers will become the first clubs to set foot on the pitch at the Stadium as they clash in their traditional Easter Monday game on 22 April.

But as we cast our eyes forward to April, the Bankwest Stadium site is a hive of activity as the final touches are put in place to bring the venue to life.

Construction is nearing 92 per cent completion and around 80 per cent of the 30,000 seats have now been installed.

Once construction is finished, the Stadium will be prepared for events with a large scale operation taking place to deliver and install all the furniture, fittings, equipment and technology required to operate the venue.

Around 26,000 cubic metres of concrete and 4500 tonnes of steel have gone into shaping the new beating heart of Parramatta.

The installation of the high-tech playing surface system is underway with the delivery and installation of the turf the Eels and Wests Tigers will play scheduled for March.

Construction of the brand new stadium is on track to be complete by the end of March, with commissioning and testing to follow shortly after.

Once testing is complete it’s onto the first sporting event in Round 6 of the NRL season with Eels and Wests Tigers fans getting the first crack at the steepest grandstand in Australia.

Tickets to the milestone event are expected to go on sale sometime in the next month as the NRL season fast approaches.

Wanderers Western Sydney Stadium debut confirmed against English giants Leeds United

Wanderers Western Sydney Stadium debut confirmed against English giants Leeds United

  • Wanderers v Leeds United confirmed as first football event at new Western Sydney Stadium on Saturday 20 July;
  • Leeds share rich Australian history with former players including Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell and Paul Okon;
  • Tickets to go on sale in December. For all the latest info sign up to the waitlist here;
  • International fixture will give Wanderers fans first chance to see their team in new home.

The Western Sydney Wanderers are set to play storied English club Leeds United in the first ever football game at the new Western Sydney Stadium on Saturday 20 July next year.

NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres and Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas today confirmed the historic fixture would officially open the Stadium for football.

“This will be a historic day for Western Sydney football fans as their home team lines up against one of English football’s most storied clubs, marking the first international fixture at the venue,” Mr Ayres said.

The 30,000-seat Western Sydney Stadium is scheduled to open in April 2019 and will showcase the best live event experience in the country.

“We said this stadium would change sport in Western Sydney and this game is proof that is happening,” Mr Ayres said.

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said the match will be the first opportunity for Wanderers fans to experience the new Stadium against the famous Leeds United Football Club.

“Our incredible Members and fans have waited a long time to see this Stadium come to fruition and we cannot wait to play our first match there against a club with so much history and tradition in Leeds United,” said Tsatimas.

“This will be a historic event for the club, the Stadium and the people of Western Sydney and we look forward to working in partnership with the Stadium to bring this match to life.”

Speaking about the fixture, Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa said: “I am pleased that we have been given the opportunity to take the team over to Australia to help us prepare for the 2019/20 season.

“To play in the first international sporting event at the new Western Sydney Stadium will be an honour and we are all looking forward to the occasion.”

Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear and Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas also spoke about the announcement.

“We’re really excited to be part of this fixture with Western Sydney Wanderers, which will be a very special occasion at their new home,” said Kinnear.

“The large number of Leeds fans based in Australia has only been reinforced since the announcement of the tour last week and we’re really pleased to be playing in Sydney.

“This match will be a fantastic part of our centenary season and we expect between 4000 to 5000 of our passionate supporters from all over the world to travel to Sydney and we look forward to seeing them all there.”

Leeds United’s visit to Sydney is supported by the NSW Government through Venues NSW, as well as the Western Sydney Wanderers and Western Sydney Stadium Operator, VenuesLive.

Tickets for the Western Sydney Wanderers v Leeds United Football Club friendly will go on sale in December. You can sign up to the waitlist for all the latest tour and ticketing info here.

Eels v Tigers Easter Monday Blockbuster to be First Sporting Event at Western Sydney Stadium

Eels v Tigers Easter Monday Blockbuster to be First Sporting Event at Western Sydney Stadium

  • 30,000-seat Western Sydney Stadium to open in April 2019;
  • Fans closer to the action than ever before with the best sightlines of any rectangular stadium in the country;
  • A food & entertainment village outside the Stadium for fans to enjoy;
  • A free family and kids’ play area outside the Stadium;
  • New technology within the Stadium that will deliver an amazing audio and visual experience to enhance the game-day atmosphere and accentuate home-ground advantage.

Julian Keith & Nathan Davis

It’s Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers on Easter Monday 22 April in a spectacular first NRL game at the magnificent Western Sydney Stadium.

The new 30,000-seat Stadium, featuring the steepest grandstands in Australia and offering a lively entertainment precinct, will host home games for three Sydney clubs in its debut season.

The Parramatta Eels, who have played out of the precinct since 1947, will host 9 home games at Western Sydney Stadium in 2019. With the Round 6 Easter Monday event poised to be a first-up sell-out for the new venue.

parramatta stadium outside venue with eels fans

In quick succession, the Eels then host the St George Illawarra Dragons on Sunday 5 May (4.05pm kick-off) in Round 8, the Penrith Panthers on Thursday 23 May (7.50pm) in Round 11 and the Rabbitohs on Friday 31 May (7.55pm) in Round 12.

Wests Tigers will play four home games at the new Stadium on top of the Easter Monday game, in which they are the away team.

View the full 2019 Telstra Premiership Draw here.

The Tigers play the Raiders on Friday 7 June (7.55pm) in Round 13, the Rabbitohs on Thursday 27 June in Round 15, the Roosters on Friday 5 July (7.35pm) in Round 16, before they host the Eels in a School Holidays special on Sunday 14 July (4pm).

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will play one home game at Western Sydney Stadium in season 2019 – against the Penrith Panthers on Saturday 3 August in Round 20.

The Bulldogs are keen to give their Members and supporters a taste of the new Western Sydney Stadium, which is likely to host more Bulldogs games while their traditional home ground ANZ Stadium is under redevelopment from 2020.

Western Sydney Stadium Welcomes the Parramatta Eels back home for 2019 and beyond

Western Sydney Stadium Welcomes the Parramatta Eels Home for 2019

MINISTERIAL MEDIA RELEASE

The Parramatta Eels will not only call Western Sydney Stadium home in 2019, but they will be the first side to run onto the state-of-the-art stadium when they take to the field over the Easter long weekend.

Minister for Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres today joined Parramatta Eels CEO Bernie Gurr to announce the Eels have finalised commercial agreements with VenuesLive to play at their brand new home next season.

“Eels fans should be counting down the days to the opening of Western Sydney Stadium which will revolutionise the visitor experience by bringing fans closer to the action than any other sporting precinct in Australia,” Mr Ayres said.

“The Eels are one of the great sporting clubs with one of the biggest supporter bases in the NRL and they will be the first to experience game day at the brand new 30,000-seat stadium which will be the best in the country when it opens.

“VenuesLive, on behalf of Venues NSW, has now negotiated agreements with sporting teams including the Eels, the Wests Tigers and the NSW Waratahs, as well as securing a blockbuster line up of exciting events for the new Western Sydney Stadium.”

Parramatta Eels CEO Bernie Gurr said “We are extremely pleased to have reached this stage and announce Western Sydney Stadium as our new home.

“We believe that Western Sydney Stadium will provide our Members and commercial partners with an outstanding game day experience and will also contribute to the Club’s financial stability.

“We would like to thank VenuesLive for constructive dialogue and helping us to give our Members and fans an outcome ahead of the 2019 NRL draw being announced.”

Read the Parramatta Eels media release here 

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