Sydney Business Chamber: Bankwest Stadium kicks goals for Western Sydney economy
The new Bankwest Stadium will turbocharge the Parramatta CBD and inject millions of dollars into the Western Sydney economy, according to analysis by the Western Sydney Business Chamber.
The analysis found that visiting sports fans and major event goers to the new stadium would spend more than $176 million in the next two years.
David Borger, Executive Director of the Western Sydney Business Chamber said, “The opening of the new Bankwest Stadium will see a surge of new visitations to Parramatta that we have never seen before.
This is now one the best stadiums in the country with a spectator experience unparalleled.
“The flow-on benefits from the stadium will be immense. Parramatta’s night-time economy will be supercharged.
“Parramatta will expect to see a wave of tourists – coming to watch sports games and concerts at Bankwest Stadium.
“Patrons making their way to and from the stadium will be stopping at one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby – boosting the vibrancy of Parramatta Eat Street. We will also see out-of-towners booking accommodation at local hotels,” Mr Borger said.
Bankwest Stadium CEO Daryl Kerry said Bankwest Stadium was designed for the fans with the event experience front of mind.
“Bankwest Stadium will provide a fantastic new stage for rugby league, football and rugby union with fans closer to the action than ever before. It will also host a range of community events and activities, business meetings, shows and concerts.
“More than 30 sport and entertainment events are already confirmed, with more to be announced. We will host hundreds of additional meetings and special events, and anticipate more than 600,000 people will walk through the gates of Bankwest Stadium in its first nine months of operation,” Mr Kerry said.
Bankwest Managing Director Rowan Munchenberg said Bankwest was thrilled to support this critical piece of community infrastructure in the vibrant, diverse and growing corridor of Western Sydney.
“The Bankwest Stadium partnership will send a clear message to the people of Western Sydney and, more broadly NSW, that we’ll continue to invest in products and services that meet their needs,” Mr Munchenberg said.
NRL Chief Executive Todd Greenberg said Bankwest Stadium would be a game-changerfor Sydney.
“Clearly, there are huge benefits for rugby league as a whole.
Parramatta, Wests Tigers and the Bulldogs will all use the new stadium this year and the Downer Rugby league World Cup 9s Sydney 2019 will be another event to showcase our sport in the new venue.
“Given the number of matches and events on show, the economic benefits will be significant not only for Western Sydney but for Sydney and NSW in general.
“This will show us not only what we have been missing when it comes to state-of-the-art stadia, but how the state can benefit economically from them,” Mr Greenberg said.
Parramatta Eels Club CEO Bernie Gurr said, “We are thrilled to be the anchor tenant and to showcase the benefits Bankwest Stadium will have on Parramatta’s economy when we play our first game at the stadium on April 22.
“With the refurbished Parramatta Leagues Club located adjacent to the Stadium, we look forward to putting on a spectacular game day experience for our Members and fans,” Mr Gurr said.
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said, “The Wanderers arrival in Parramatta coincided with an economic boom that will positively impact Western Sydney for many years to come.
The infrastructure and development exemplified by Bankwest Stadium will continue to drive this thriving economy and platform for social engagement,” Mr Tsatsimas said.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle said Bankwest Stadium would finally give Sydney a genuine world-class rectangular venue.
“We are looking forward to seeing the Qantas Wallabies take on Samoa in the first Rugby Test match at the venue on September 7.
“Rugby fans will have the opportunity to experience a stadium that is purpose-built for our game and is designed to create an atmosphere that will ensure the Wallabies get a fitting send-off before they embark on their Rugby World Cup campaign in Japan,” Ms Castle said.
Venues NSW CEO Paul Doorn said, “Bankwest Stadium is truly `The People’s Stadium’ – a stadium for everyone. Whether for sport, entertainment, business, community or cultural events, Bankwest Stadium is a unique facility that every person in NSW can access and enjoy.
“This stadium will quickly become part of the fabric of booming Western Sydney and a centre of celebration in our community,” Mr Doorn said.
