Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
IT may be the historic meeting that injects $30 million a season to be shared into the coffers of every Sydney-based NRL club.
The Daily Telegraph has been told of a special conference today between the nine Sydney CEOs to discuss the financial benefits of taking games away from suburban grounds for city's two main arenas, Allianz and ANZ.
The proposal would entail each club playing three to four Sydney versus Sydney games a season at Allianz or ANZ. The remaining matches would be played at each club's traditional home ground.
An NRL CEO's conference starts this morning before the Sydney CEO's from Manly, Souths, St George Illawarra, Cronulla, Wests Tigers, Sydney Roosters, Canterbury, Parramatta and Penrith gather at 2pm for what is being described as a Stadium Workshop.
Insiders insist clubs could reap up to $3 million each season at the larger venues for the four matches through the doubling of crowds, hospitality and corporate facilities. NRL clubs could also model memberships around the big event games.
One well-placed source said: "We need to find the right game at the right venue at the right time."
There is even talk that clubs who play at the major stadiums could split gate takings, prompting both teams to promote the match.
Members could also have reciprocal rights at matches.
"I don't want to comment too much until we all sit down and air our views," Souths chief executive Shane Richardson said. "But it isn't about individual clubs. It's about maximising crowds and revenues and, at the same time, considering members and fans. It is good we are starting the process."
Sydney Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce said the 40,000 crowd at Allianz for Anzac Day was a strong test case.
Pick your NSW State of Origin side and win
"That is an iconic event for rugby league but these special events must be a benefit for the game," Noyce said.
"The big stadiums can attract more people, more commercial benefits and more atmosphere."
Asked about suburban grounds, Noyce said: "Less can be more.
"When I was with Wests Tigers, when the draw came out and you circled some dates. It wasn't birthdays or anniversaries but the games at Leichhardt and Campbelltown."
A state government stadium strategy report will be completed next month and is expected to recommend that big money be injected into the two main stadiums - maybe a third - and only minimal cash to help maintain suburban grounds.
Manly continue to seek money to revamp Brookvale but then take a Wests Tigers game to Gosford and now a Warriors match to Perth.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/sydney-club-ceos-to-meet-to-discuss-proposal-to-shift-matches-to-allianz-stadium-and-anz-stadium/story-e6frexnr-1226351442844
