Stadium Update - Support a Rectangular Stadium

To all Emirates Western Force members and supporters

RugbyWA put forward a strong case to the Stadia Taskforce for the development of a 35,000 seat rectangular stadium. And while the taskforce has recommended a two stadia policy, it is clear that neither it nor the State Government have an appetite at this time for a dedicated rectangular development with a 35,000 seat capacity.

Now that the WAFL has changed its tack and supports the multi-purpose stadium, we have to accept that that is the likely outcome.

Our job now is to ensure that the multi-purpose stadium’s rectangular configurations meet the needs of rugby.

There is no doubt the design of the multi-purpose stadium will have our supporters closer, and higher, than at Subiaco Oval. For a start, the retractable seating will have the closest spectator 15m from the action, rather than the 31m at Subiaco.

We will need to look at creative ways of managing crowds of 30,000-plus in a 60,000 seat stadium.

RugbyWA will also be working with the State Government and the Department of Sport and Recreation on the issues of management, scheduling, tenure and rental to ensure the multi-purpose stadium is financially viable for rugby. We have only recently received the financial assumptions underlying the taskforce’s conclusions and recommendations and this will take some time to work through.

We’ll keep you posted.

RugbyWA has met with the WA Sports Minister and held constructive discussions over the Stadium Taskforce’s recommendations including our preference for a dedicated rectangular stadium.

We are awaiting the receipt of the information which underlies the Taskforce’s financial conclusions, and have been advised that it will be made available in the near future.

Stay tuned!

RugbyWA will meet with the WA Sports Minister later this month to discuss our case for the development of a dedicated rectangular stadium.

The meeting follows a recent briefing with the consultants to the Taskforce, where we discussed some of the assumptions behind the Taskforce’s financial conclusions.

We have asked for access to the information underlying the Taskforce’s financial conclusions, and we have been advised that it should become available.

RugbyWA remains committed to the development of a dedicated rectangular stadium, preferably with a capacity of 35,000 seats, and we note the Taskforce’s call for a two stadium policy in its recent announcement for a 60,000 seat multi-purpose stadium.

It was interesting to see the Victorian Government recently commit to the $270 million development of a 31,000 seat rectangular stadium.

How many stadiums in Melbourne is that?!

The benefits of a dedicated rectangular venue were there for all to see at the recent Super 14 final between the Bulls and the Sharks. What an atmosphere…what a game!

Stay tuned!

To all Emirates Western Force members and supporters

The Stadium Taskforce presented its final report to us today and while the outcome is not what we had hoped for, it is only a recommendation to the State Government.

We will continue to push our case for a dedicated rectangular facility with the government over the next few weeks and months. Please find below a copy of the media statement released today.

RUGBYWA MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday 23 May 2007

RUGBYWA DISAPPOINTED WITH TASKFORCE RECOMMENDATIONS BUT FURTHER REVIEW UNDERWAY

RugbyWA would like to commend the Major Stadia Taskforce and the State Government on the management of the stadium review process including the excellent presentation provided to all the major sports today.

At first glance, the Taskforce recommendations and findings do not accommodate RugbyWA’s submission for the establishment of a dedicated rectangular facility with a 35,000 seat capacity.

RugbyWA is disappointed with this outcome but appreciates that this is only a recommendation to government, and the final decision on stadium development in Perth will be made by the government after further consultation with the sports.

Before RugbyWA comments further, it will review and analyse in detail the 700 page report. Areas of focus will include the operational and commercial viability for rugby in WA of the multi-purpose stadium as recommended by the Taskforce.

In addition, and importantly, RugbyWA will investigate the Taskforce assumptions with respect to the commercial viability of the redevelopment of Members Equity Stadium into a 35,000 seat facility.

The Sports Minister and government representatives have agreed to meet with all the major sports involved over the next few weeks to further discuss issues relating to the Taskforce’s recommendations and findings.

We look forward to those meetings.

We will continue to update you on the progress of our discussions with government.

Your continued support for a dedicated rectangular facility is needed and appreciated.

Kind regards

Geoff Stooke
RugbyWA Chairman

DON’T LET THE WEST
BE SECOND BEST

INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF SPORT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

We all know rugby in Western Australia needs a purpose built rectangular stadium – it’s better for players and fans alike. If Western Australia is to become an important international hub for rugby then it’s vital that a rectangular stadium is built.

But it’s not just rugby players and supporters who want an international, purpose-built rectangular stadium. Glory players and their fans, rugby league and the entertainment industry all support calls for a 35,000 seat rectangular stadium.

RugbyWA has been working with the other codes and the entertainment industry to present the case for a rectangular stadium to the State Government’s Stadia Task Force. The Task Force process has been rigorous and we expect detailed recommendations to be released in the coming weeks.

The case for a purpose-built rectangular stadium in Western Australia is a strong one and we are confident that the economic and demand scenarios provided to the Task Force show that this is the way to go.

We will continue to liaise with Government over the coming weeks as we assess the details of the Task Force report and will keep you all up to date on progress.