Source : the age
Venues NSW has been forced to replace a massive section of the playing surface at Allianz Stadium just weeks after the $828 million stadium reopened following a 10-week shutdown to fix substantial drainage failures.
A large strip of turf spanning the length of the pitch had to be re-laid after some of the grass originally laid after the repairs became damaged due to being harvested during a heatwave, according sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The area of lighter-coloured turf was clearly visible during the NSW Waratahs’ match against the Queensland Reds last Friday.
In a statement, Venues NSW said small sections of the newly laid turf had not met their standards and that it had been decided to replace the central playing corridor ahead of the Super Rugby season opener, which NSW won 36-12.
Fellow Allianz Stadium tenants Sydney FC expressed disappointment over the quality of the pitch after their 2-1 A-League defeat to Adelaide on Saturday night.
“We are in constant dialogue with Venues NSW regarding the playing surface,” a Sydney FC spokesperson said. “We are a premium football brand and need a premium playing surface to showcase the best our game has to offer.
Sydney FC management have expressed disappointment over the standard of the pitch at Allianz Stadium.Credit: Getty Images
“Venues NSW manage some of the country’s best stadiums, including Allianz Stadium. While this situation is disappointing, we are working closely with them to ensure the pitch meets the highest standards required for professional football.”
Sydney FC’s men’s and women’s teams were heavily impacted by the 10-week closure of the ground from September 13 last year to replace the field and repair drainage issues.
The A-League season kicked off in October and the Sky Blues were forced to play three home games at Leichhardt Oval before returning to Allianz for the home match against Wellington Phoenix on January 18.
However, it quickly became apparent patches of turf were of substandard quality and Venues NSW decided to relay the middle corridor.
Sydney FC fans were forced to watch their team’s first three home games at Leichhardt Oval due to the original Allianz Stadium shutdown for repairsCredit: Getty Images
Sydney FC’s match against Auckland FC at Leichhardt Oval on Tuesday night was a rescheduled fixture from December, when the Leichhardt pitch was deemed unsafe.
The taxpayer-funded Allianz Stadium, which is home to the Waratahs, Sydney FC and Sydney Roosters, opened in August 2022.
Last August, NSW Premier Chris Minns spoke of his disappointment over the playing surface after a Venues NSW review found the ground was draining at just 40mm per hour, compared to the 300-600mm per hour at which sand-based sporting fields were expected to drain.
“The surface has let down playing teams, so we need to get on it. Obviously, that can’t happen while football is taking place,” he said.
Last year, British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell accused the Waratahs of watering the field, such was the poor state of the surface.
