The Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Barry O’Farrell has officially opened the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS’ new home ground, SKODA Stadium, at Sydney Olympic Park.
The Premier today joined the chairman of the GIANTS Tony Shepherd and representatives of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, the AFL and Sydney Olympic Park Authority ahead of this Saturday night’s match between the GIANTS and Essendon at SKODA Stadium.
Mr O’Farrell said the stadium had been redeveloped in collaboration with the NSW Government, the AFL and Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS). "Western Sydney residents are the big beneficiaries of this upgrade with the establishment of yet another first class sporting facility in the region," he said.
Mr Shepherd thanked the NSW Government, the AFL and the RAS for their contributions towards the $65 million redeveloped stadium which will host GIANTS homes matches in Sydney. NSW contributed $45 million to the upgrade, the AFL $12 million and the RAS $7 million.
“Without their support this would not have been possible. This is a magnificent stadium that will offer a great experience for fans and the GIANTS are excited about the opportunity to play right in the heart of the Sydney Olympic Park precinct,” he said.
Mr Shepherd also acknowledged the support of the GIANTS’ co-major partner SKODA which has the naming rights for the stadium for GIANTS home matches.
SKODA CEO Matt Wiesner said: "We are excited to have our brand associated with the newest AFL team the GIANTS and this important infrastructure development which will be known as SKODA Stadium for the club's home matches in Sydney."
CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE OPENING
The GIANTS held their first training session at SKODA stadium today and will play six home matches there in 2012. The stadium’s state of the art features include:
- Great views from all 25,000 seats
- Largest stadium video screen in the Southern Hemisphere
- Easy access next to Sydney Olympic Park train station
- Unique Fan Zone within the seating bowl
- Exclusive members bar and facilities
Tickets are available for the match between the GIANTS and Essendon at SKODA Stadium this Saturday May 26 at 7.40pm and can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com.au or at the stadium on the night.
Gates open at 6pm and pre-match entertainment begins at 7.15pm with fireworks and Marvin Priest performing his hit `Own this Club'.
2012 GIANTS membership packages for SKODA Stadium start at $75 for adults and $25 for juniors and are available at www.gwsgiants.com.au or 1300 GIANTS.
2012 TOYOTA AFL Premiership Season – Round 9
GWS GIANTS v Essendon
SKODA Stadium
7.40pm Saturday 26 May, 2012
