**THE 2015 NRL grand final could be played under a roof if a new proposal involving ANZ Stadium gains backing from the NSW government.**
Plans to put a roof on the Olympic Stadium are once again gathering momentum - with building giant Multiplex recently completing a revised document with five possible roofing proposals.
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The venture, estimated to cost up to $165 million, would dramatically improve the NRL "package" for fans, sponsors and TV networks - with marquee events like Origin, Test matches and the annual grand final always assured perfect weather conditions.
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Several NRL clubs - including the Bulldogs and South Sydney - are set to back the new proposal, especially given the way recent wet weather seriously impacted nearby grounds like Parramatta Stadium.
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The revelation also comes a day after Rabbitohs boss Shane Richardson called on all Sydney clubs to abandon their traditional home grounds in favour of ANZ and Allianz stadiums.
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The Daily Telegraph understands five options have been tabled by Multiplex, with a transparent, sliding roof tipped to be the most popular option with Sydney league fans.
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ANZ Stadium managing director Daryl Kerry confirmed last night that a stadium roof could be complete before Sydney hosts both the Asian Football Cup and the one-day cricket World Cup in 2015.
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"The stadium was built for the 2000 Olympics with a future roof in mind and putting a roof on the place would take ANZ Stadium to the next level and dramatically lift the spectator experience," Kerry said. "A roofed stadium in the geographic heart of Sydney that holds 83,500 people would also allow government and promoters to be more aggressive in their pursuit of major events, whether these feature sport or entertainment."
As one of the worst stadiums, this is definitely a great improvement. I also read that Allianz, who have a 10 year deal on the naming rights of the SFS, are willing to put money into the ground to improve the facilities and overall experience.
Plans to put a roof on the Olympic Stadium are once again gathering momentum - with building giant Multiplex recently completing a revised document with five possible roofing proposals.
>
The venture, estimated to cost up to $165 million, would dramatically improve the NRL "package" for fans, sponsors and TV networks - with marquee events like Origin, Test matches and the annual grand final always assured perfect weather conditions.
>
Several NRL clubs - including the Bulldogs and South Sydney - are set to back the new proposal, especially given the way recent wet weather seriously impacted nearby grounds like Parramatta Stadium.
>
The revelation also comes a day after Rabbitohs boss Shane Richardson called on all Sydney clubs to abandon their traditional home grounds in favour of ANZ and Allianz stadiums.
>
The Daily Telegraph understands five options have been tabled by Multiplex, with a transparent, sliding roof tipped to be the most popular option with Sydney league fans.
>
ANZ Stadium managing director Daryl Kerry confirmed last night that a stadium roof could be complete before Sydney hosts both the Asian Football Cup and the one-day cricket World Cup in 2015.
>
"The stadium was built for the 2000 Olympics with a future roof in mind and putting a roof on the place would take ANZ Stadium to the next level and dramatically lift the spectator experience," Kerry said. "A roofed stadium in the geographic heart of Sydney that holds 83,500 people would also allow government and promoters to be more aggressive in their pursuit of major events, whether these feature sport or entertainment."
As one of the worst stadiums, this is definitely a great improvement. I also read that Allianz, who have a 10 year deal on the naming rights of the SFS, are willing to put money into the ground to improve the facilities and overall experience.
