im not subscribed sorry so can’t see it, but how many rank below us?Here you go. Only Penrith places higher out of the ‘traditional’ suburban grounds.
Rating Sydney’s NRL stadiums from worst to best
From lifeless and loveless, to lush and luxurious, the Herald ranks your club’s Sydney stadium and gives you a chance to have your say.www.smh.com.au
A 2019 survey placed Brookvale Oval last:
Manly revealed as least-popular NRL venue
Manly Sea Eagles' home ground of Brookvale Oval has been revealed as the least-popular NRL venue in Sydney.
Leichardt gets 50 mill, where is Brookie funding
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Terry Zarsoff
First Grader
Ffs, another one.
Campbelltown is not included for some reason, nor is Gosford’s (technically part of greater Sydney) stadium, which hosts enough games to (I believe) rate a mention. I certainly have Accor in last place:Rating Sydney’s NRL stadiums from worst to best
From lifeless and loveless, to lush and luxurious, the Herald ranks your club’s Sydney stadium and gives you a chance to have your say.By Billie Eder
MARCH 22, 2024
Which Sydney stadium is the best in the NRL?CREDIT: GRAPHIC: MICHAEL HOWARD
Sunday afternoons on the hill at Kogarah, or a Friday night thriller at Sydney’s shiny Allianz Stadium – these are the occasions that rugby league thrives on.
But charm and nostalgia can only do so much for some of Sydney’s historic grounds which are becoming outdated and decrepit.
Cronulla and Wests Tigers are among a handful of clubs campaigning for state funding to upgrade facilities, while the Panthers are set for a $309 million redevelopment due to be completed in 2026.
But if we take the venues as they are, how do they stack up? The Herald has ranked Sydney’s rugby league stadiums, from lifeless and loveless, to lush and luxurious.
Ticket prices, toilets, parking, public transport, visibility and atmosphere are among the factors considered in ranking your team’s stadium against the rest.
9. Accor Stadium
It’s no wonder the Rabbitohs want a slice of Allianz Stadium: their home ground Accor is cold and lifeless unless it’s filled with 80,000 fans. Sure, there’s a place for Accor in rugby league, but that place is State of Origin and grand finals.Transport: A two-minute walk from Olympic Park Station ... if the trains are working.
Accor Stadium in Olympic Park is home to the Rabbitohs and the Bulldogs.CREDIT: OSCAR COLMAN
Ground and atmosphere: General admission starts at $15 for kids, $25 for adults and $70 for a family, which makes it slightly more affordable. It’s not the best stadium for viewing, especially if you’re stuck up the top with the pigeons, but there are plenty of toilets and food stands – which got a bit more bougie this year – although you might have to remortgage the house to feed the family.
The empty seats make for a lacklustre atmosphere which is a mood killer.
Score: 4/10
8. Belmore Sports Ground
Transport: Parking can be difficult, but the stadium is just a five-minute walk from Belmore station.Ground and atmosphere: With a capacity of about 17,000, the stadium is small and intimate, which makes for good viewing wherever you sit. The grand stand, although well-worn, is heaving when it’s packed out for a Bulldogs home game.
General admission tickets for kids are $20 and $30 for adults. If you want a spot on the hill – rain, hail or shine – there’s an alcohol-free section for families.
A young Bulldogs fan during a 2023 game at Belmore.CREDIT: NRL PHOTOS
What the grounds’ owner said: “As one of the last true suburban football grounds, nestled amongst houses, the railway and surrounding parkland, the Sportsground is iconic to the local Belmore community,” a Canterbury-Bankstown Council spokesperson said. “Stepping foot into the Sportsground gives local residents and the community a sense of pride in the area, the club and its long tradition.”
Score: 5/10
7. Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Transport: Parking isn’t great, but the stadium is a 10-minute walk from Carlton Station.Ground and atmosphere: It might not be the flashiest ground, but Kogarah has a certain charm to it. The hills are pumping when the Dragons return to play, and the fans turn up even when the team are having a shocker of a season.
Dragons fans on the hill at Kogarah on Saturday afternoon.CREDIT: GETTY
Family tickets start at $65, $30 for adults and $25 for juniors.
There are a few food vendors to pick from, and the price point is on-par with other Sydney stadiums ... so not the cheapest.
What they said: “Netstrata Jubilee Stadium is an iconic community gathering place that brings major sporting events to the Georges River local government area,” a Georges River Council spokesman said.
“With a capacity of around 20,000, the atmosphere at the ground is alive even with an attendance of 2000 patrons.”
Score: 5.5/10
6. Leichhardt Oval
The Wests Tigers run out at Leichhardt Oval.CREDIT: MARK EVANS/GETTY IMAGES
Transport: Possibly one of the most annoying grounds to get to. A bike, bus or car will get you closest to the ground (although you’ll go insane looking for a park). The Leichhardt North light rail stop is a 10-minute uphill walk if you’re looking to get the step count up.
Ground and atmosphere: There’s no denying it: Leichhardt is a loveable ground, even if it is falling to pieces. One of the toilet blocks wouldn’t be out of place on the set of a post-apocalyptic movie. The Tigers don’t play many games here any more, but when they do, it’s electric.
Family tickets are a little costly at about $100; otherwise general admission starts at $25 for kids.
What they said: Mayor of Inner West Council, Darcy Byrne
“My old man wanted his ashes scattered at Leichhardt Oval. There’s a lot of people who feel the same emotional attachment to the ground.
“The atmosphere on the Wayne Pearce Hill is unique and players and fans of all codes and clubs say the same - they love being there.”
Score: 5.5/10
5. PointsBet Stadium
Wade Graham runs out at PointsBet Stadium for his final NRL game at the ground.CREDIT: GETTY
Transport: Parking is limited at the ground, but shuttle buses run on a loop from Caringbah, Cronulla and Woolooware stations. Otherwise, it’s a 15-minute walk from Woolooware.
Ground and atmosphere: A great ground for viewing, but you’ll want to hope for clear skies, with about half the ground open to the elements, and undercover seating vulnerable to rain when the wind blows in.
Fans are vibrant and passionate, and general admission tickets start at $20. There’s no shortage of food options with bratwurst, wood fired pizza and gluten-free ice cream just some of what’s available. Prices, however, are a bit steep for families.
What they said: “The atmosphere when PointsBet Stadium is at capacity is second to none; however, we acknowledge there are ongoing challenges and that many of the facilities need a facelift and the stadium an upgrade,” Sharks chief executive Dino Mezzatesta said.
“Every Sydney club has received some form of funding for a stadium refurbishment and/or the construction of a Centre of Excellence, and we will continue to seek similar assistance.”
Score: 6/10
4. 4 Pines Park
A sea of fans on the hill at 4 Pines Park, home to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.CREDIT: GETTY
Transport: The worst part about 4 Pines is getting there. Parking is a nightmare and the B1 only takes you as far Warringah Mall, otherwise the leagues club is $10 for parking.
Ground and atmosphere: A ticket on the famous eastern hill will set you back $22 for a junior or $37 for an adult. With a capacity of about 18,000, every seat has a good vantage point at 4 Pines, but the hill (while enthusiastic) can make for tough viewing if you’re swallowed up by the sea of people.
The catering options are in the name: 4 Pines. The stadium offers a tasty selection of craft brews, if that’s your thing, and food stands with a few options including a bratwurst (the spicy one is the best).
Score: 6.5/10
3. BlueBet Stadium
BlueBet Stadium in Penrith is home to the Panthers.CREDIT: GETTY
Transport: A shortish stroll from Penrith Station, otherwise there is cheap parking ($5) at the nearby paceway or cricket club.
Ground and atmosphere: Tickets on the hill are just $16 making it an affordable option for a family outing, and it’s another ground that has great visibility regardless of where you sit.
There’s a large variety of food – cheaper prices for members at the bar – and food trucks are also available.
The passion of a Penrith crowd is second-to-none, and a significant number of fans turn out to watch the reserve grade game beforehand. A very family-friendly venue that has a great vibe.
Score: 7/10
2. CommBank Stadium
CommBank Stadiums is one of the newest and nicest rugby league venues in Sydney.CREDIT: GETTY
Transport: There’s not much public parking available near the stadium, but it’s a 15-minute walk from Parramatta station, or you can get off at Westmead and walk through Parramatta Park.
Ground and atmosphere: This stadium is pristine - fresh, clean, and an all-round great experience. The 30,000 capacity means it’s thriving when it’s filled to the brim, but even with a smaller crowd it has a good vibe.
CommBank is another stadium where restaurants are getting involved with the food offerings, with Lebanese eatery Al Aseel and burger chain Five Guys part of the new offerings in 2024. Tickets start at just $15 for juniors or $75 for a family of four.
Score: 8.5/10
1. Allianz Stadium
Allianz Stadium in all its glory.CREDIT: WOLTER PEETERS
Allianz is the pinnacle of rugby league stadiums.
Sure, it came with a $828 million price tag, and there are questions about whether it needed to be rebuilt in the first place, but now we have it, isn’t it nice?
Transport: A five-minute walk from Moore Park light rail or a 25-minute walk (uphill) from Central station.
Ground and atmosphere: Bright lights and buzzing, Allianz is at its best during a big clash like the Roosters and Rabbitohs this weekend or the Tricolours’ classic Anzac Day match against the Dragons.
Food options, while a little costly, are in abundance. Have a slab of Vinnie’s pizza, a braised beef pie from Sonoma or lamb kafta from Jimmy’s Falafel. Once again a family pass is a little steep – $110 – otherwise tickets start from $25 for juniors or $45 for adults.
Score: 9/10
Terry Zarsoff
First Grader
I think the term you’re after is ‘Apples and Oranges’.
Anyway, re: Brookvale, not sure what your point is? Brookvale Oval has certainly received far more money, from three tiers of government over the last few decades, than Leichhardt has.
The Tigers do play several games a year at Leichhardt, suggesting that is indeed a ‘part-time facility’.
TooveyisManly
Member
Peryaps
Perhaps you should get your facts straight? Could you please produce an image of her with the Eagles Angel's? The reason I ask is that a family friend was an Eagles Angel, and said that Steggall was certainly no supporter. I disagree with politics interfering in sport, particularly with identity agendas. Sport is for everyone, including Christian Polynesians. Perhaps you take issue with them? I don't recall those boys demanding a crucifix on the club jersey.
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TooveyisManly
Member
No
No, it's apples and pears for me. Perhaps your familiar with each to their own? Brookvale received 38 million as a fulltime team, the tigers are receiving 50 million for a ground they use 2 to 3 times a year, that's my point, if you can understand that?I think the term you’re after is ‘Apples and Oranges’.
Anyway, re: Brookvale, not sure what your point is? Brookvale Oval has certainly received far more money, from three tiers of government over the last few decades, than Leichhardt has.
The Tigers do play several games a year at Leichhardt, suggesting that is indeed a ‘part-time facility’.
I for one am pleased there is more interest in smaller suburban grounds again.
A few years ago it was looking pretty grim.
Tigers are playing dumb ,they love Leichardt like we love Brookie.
You can bet once ground gets money put in they will be back there .
Used to love going there in the 90's.
Thats been there plan for decades.
A few years ago it was looking pretty grim.
Tigers are playing dumb ,they love Leichardt like we love Brookie.
You can bet once ground gets money put in they will be back there .
Used to love going there in the 90's.
Thats been there plan for decades.
Terry Zarsoff
First Grader
Yes I can, thanks for asking. The figure Brookvale received last time around was somewhat less than your quoted figure. And the figure quoted for Leichhardt in this round is $40m.
Maybe consider how much money Brookvale Oval has actually received since 1994, the year that work started on the Ken Arthurson Stand, vis a vis Leichhardt.
The latter has had only one upgrade of note in that time, as opposed to several at the former.
I guess there is no photos of every supporter buying pavers, or corporate signage at Brookie either.
Members include surfer Layne Beachley, and Olympians Kerri Pottharst, Shelley Taylor-Smith, Louise Sauvage, Zali Steggall and Melinda Gainsford-Taylor.
Damien2812
Bencher
It's just Albanese trying to buy some votes from the locals. Pork barrelling at its finest.
Terry Zarsoff
First Grader
Will this do? From presumably yours and Tony Abbott’s favourite masthead, the Daily Duttograph:
Eagles' Angels the wind beneath their wings in final
Meet the Manly Sea Eagles' biggest fans - The Eagles Angels, who will be cheering them on when they clash against the Rabbitohs on Saturday night.By Amy Dale
September 6, 2007 - 12:00AM
The Manly Sea Eagles' Angels ... are gearing up for a fierce NRL finals showdown against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday night.
YOU'VE seen the glamour on the Dally M red carpet - now meet the other stylish belles behind the NRL Manly Sea Eagles.
The Eagles Angels, launched by actor-author Sarah Murdoch and radio star Wendy Harmer to unite female Manly fans, are impatiently awaiting Sydney's sole final this weekend.
The group will be cheering their beloved team during the clash with South Sydney at Brookvale Oval on Saturday night.
Many of the Eagles Angels boast significant credentials in the sporting sphere in addition to their high-profile footy passion.
Members include surfer Layne Beachley, and Olympians Kerri Pottharst, Shelley Taylor-Smith, Louise Sauvage, Zali Steggall and Melinda Gainsford-Taylor….
So were any of those named above your ‘family friend’?
Edit: thanks Mave
Nordburg
First Grader
That and it increases the chances of the NRL choosing PNG as an eventual expansion team
Damien2812
Bencher
Yeah, it's political and the funding wasn't done for the right reason.
Terry Zarsoff
First Grader
There’s all of that, but as rugby league supporters we should be glad to see another ground getting a long overdue upgrade.
If it comes to pass.
And as I mentioned previously, it’s not just about the Tigers. There are other teams/sports who can put an upgraded Leichhardt to good use.
If it comes to pass.
And as I mentioned previously, it’s not just about the Tigers. There are other teams/sports who can put an upgraded Leichhardt to good use.
| Team | P | W | L | PD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
11 | 8 | 3 | 75 | 20 |
|
12 | 9 | 3 | 70 | 20 |
|
12 | 8 | 4 | 100 | 18 |
|
12 | 7 | 5 | 64 | 16 |
|
12 | 7 | 5 | 57 | 16 |
|
12 | 7 | 5 | -37 | 16 |
|
12 | 6 | 5 | 36 | 15 |
|
12 | 7 | 5 | 135 | 14 |
|
12 | 6 | 6 | 77 | 14 |
|
12 | 6 | 6 | -39 | 14 |
|
12 | 6 | 6 | -76 | 14 |
|
12 | 5 | 6 | -3 | 13 |
|
12 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 12 |
|
11 | 3 | 8 | -89 | 10 |
|
12 | 4 | 8 | -107 | 10 |
|
11 | 2 | 9 | -95 | 8 |
|
11 | 2 | 9 | -170 | 8 |
