Excuse my ignorance everyone but I am a little confused. The Canada Bay Council and State government are combining to build a new centre of excellence on the old Concord Oval site. This will be a multi-purpose facility with provision for football, club Rugby and the Wests Tigers training facilities. Where will the Tigers play the majority of their home games once the facility is completed - Concord Oval or the Western Sydney Stadium at Parramatta? I am not quite clear on whether the new facility will include a home ground or not. Have I got the name right for the new Parramatta Stadium?
To add my penny's worth, I'd like to see one home game at Leichhardt, two at Campbelltown and one in the country. Being an ex Balmain Tiger supporter, I have a nostalgic attachment to Leichhardt Oval. I can remember sitting on the hill during many packed Sunday afternoon games and absolutely loving the atmosphere of the place, however, it was a Saturday night game this season that convinced me that 'the old girl' has just about passed her use by date. Maybe it's my age, but being forced to stand on the hill in bitter cold for the duration of the match, having to to wade through swarming people to the disgusting underground toilets and being asked to pay $30 for these 'pleasures' really sapped my enthusiasm. Obviously, losing a critical game against St. George didn't help either but, seriously, I cannot see the value in this, especially when there is only one game offered for the price (another issue).
It is hard to get really excited about the COE excellence when it is so far off but, if it lifts the overall standard of the Wests Tigers as a progressive, professional organisation, with better facilities for players and fans, then I'm all for it. Actually, I think the club needs something like this to ensure it's survival.