Arena pledge

STADIUM facilities at the Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park (SOP) received a promise of a $45 million revamp in the State Budget, with another $45m to guarantee that the NRL Grand Final stays at nearby ANZ stadium for the next ten years.
Seating capacity in the main arena will increase from 13,000 to 25,000, and include upgrades of other amenities as well a change to layout of the field.
Chief executive of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, Peter King, welcomed the announcement, backed by additional funding from the Australian Football League and the RAS.
The revamped stadium will be the home ground for the new AFL team, Greater Western Sydney, and is expected to be finished in time for them to join the National competition in 2012.
"This is a great investment which will provide wide ranging benefits to the people of NSW," Mr King said.
He said the upgrade would help them to attract and retain major events to the Showground.
AFL chief executive officer Andrew Demetriou said they will contribute $10 million to upgrade.
Praising NSW Premier Kristina Keneally and the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Kevin Greene, for supporting the project, Mr Demetriou also thanked former State and Regional Development Minister, Ian McDonald.Continued page 2