Sports Resources > Latest sports news > February 2009 > 19/02/2009 - NEW WESTERN STAND CLOSER AT ENERGYAUSTRALIA STADIUM

19/02/2009 - NEW WESTERN STAND CLOSER AT ENERGYAUSTRALIA STADIUM

The new Western Stand for EnergyAustralia Stadium is one step closer after the demolition of the old stand was officially kicked off today.

Sport Minister Kevin Greene and Minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay took sledgehammers to the stand to ceremonially start the demolition.

"The NSW Government pledged $50 million for the upgrade of EnergyAustralia Stadium and today we've started the next phase of the project by starting to destroy this 40 year old stand," Mr Greene said.

"Fixtures like furniture, air conditioning units, kitchen equipment and seating have been donated to sporting and community groups around Newcastle and the Hunter by now.

"By the end of next month the whole stand should be down and development of the new stand can begin around July," he said.

The new stand will provide seating for approximately 13,000 people, with 23 corporate suites, media suites and a studio, multipurpose function rooms and public amenities and new catering and merchandise outlets.

Ms McKay said the improved stadium will deliver huge economic and cultural benefits.

"International standard facilities are essential to assure a strong future for sport in Newcastle," she said.

"Once complete, the Stadium will have a capacity of 33,000 people in sport mode, bringing Newcastle's top sports venue up to an international standard.

"This state of the art stadium will attract a range of exciting new sports and entertainment events to the region... maybe even the 2018 FIFA World Cup," Ms McKay said.

While in the Hunter, Mr Greene went with Ms McKay to visit the Hunter Academy of Sport to speak to staff who train and supporting regional athletes.

He also visited Newcastle Harness Racing Club and the Gardens greyhound racetrack at Wallsend to inspect tracks and facilities and to meet race club representatives.

"Newcastle Harness Racing Club is one of the most successful regional clubs in NSW, with 42 race meetings a year.

"Visiting tracks like these gives me valuable feedback from grassroots participants on issues facing the industry and I'm keen to visit as many as I can to discuss issues facing metropolitan, provincial and country racing in NSW," he said.