The Wests Tigers board has extended a June 30 deadline to lock in upgrades for Campbelltown Sports Stadium in south-western Sydney, with a final decision now to be made by July 31.
However, in a letter to Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound, Tigers CEO Shane Richardson has stated Campbelltown City Council is still required to show the board its own financial commitment towards the stadium upgrades by next Monday, June 30.
“This commitment needs to include an upgrading of the Western side of Campbelltown Stadium to ensure additional capacity seating and allow for meaningful discussions [to] continue with Australian and New South Wales Governments,” Richardson informed Council.
“The above information can allow the Wests Tigers to be able to take next steps with our Stadium Strategy and providing clarity to the NRL and our Wests Tigers Members for the future.”
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In response to the Tigers’ request, Campbelltown City Council has called an Extraordinary Meeting for 5:15pm tomorrow, Friday June 27.
Concerns have been growing about the state of the Campbelltown venue for several years, with the Tigers indicating earlier in the season that without significant upgrades—understood be in the vicinity of $50-$100 million—it will no longer be considered a viable venue to host NRL games.
According to Council documents, the stated aims of the upgrades are to:
- Increase ground capacity to 24,000
- Enhance spectator experience and functionality
- Improve commercial viability
- Reduce game day operational costs.
Campbelltown Sports Stadium opened in 1955 and was originally known as Orana Park, before being redeveloped in the lead-up to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.