Sydney is falling behind the other state capitals in creating a world class stadium to rival the size and splendour of one recently built in Adelaide. The government is prepared to fund such a project but both placement and design are bogged down in acrimony between the various sporting codes.
The main impediment seems to be coming from the NRL. Sports Minister Stuart Ayres wants to site this new super stadium at Moore Park while the NRL seems to favour a major upgrade of either Parramatta or ANZ stadium. The cost is estimated to run to $ 1.6 billion.
It would be ideal if a super stadium could serve the needs of all forms of sport. That would justify the enormous financial outlay and become the focal point of media coverage in this city. Sporting grounds usually achieve fame over time and many in Europe are now seen as hallowed venues in the minds of sporting fans.
What seems to be the base of this problem is the shape needed by the various sporting codes. Rugby League, Rugby Union and Soccer all play on a rectangular pitch, while Australian Rules and Cricket are played on a ground of oval design.
These two traditional arrangements are not compatible when it comes to the best viewing positions for patrons, hence the differing enthusiasm for this super stadium idea. It would seem impossible to design a suitable venue that would serve both requirements.
There would also be an issue with the ground surface. Some codes are kinder to a grass pitch than others and a stadium encompassing all sports would have problems, and there has been ongoing friction on the merits of artificial turf in comparison with natural grass.
If common ground can not be achieved it is likely that the state government will turn away from this super stadium idea and take a two pronged approach. Split the promised money to achieve an upgrade of either Parramatta or ANZ stadium and also proceed with the planned refurbishment of the Sydney Cricket Ground.
That would certainly be a win for Australian Rules, which is fast becoming a major national sport. The iconic SCG is already the venue for AFL home games and this sport is compatible with cricket. It would certainly solve the rectangular or oval configuration problem, but whether Rugby and Soccer could coexist on a common playing surface is entirely another matter.
Perhaps this is a time to consider futuristic design and material aspects if we are to achieve a stadium which can be configured to the needs of various sports - and meet their differing requirements. Both engineering and materials are constantly progressing and what was considered impossible in the past is now becoming a reality.
Unfortunately, even the best forms of innovation require a degree of compromise. At best, a stadium for all sports will meet some of the requirements of each sport - but not all ! There is also the problem of putting all our sporting eggs into one basket. If a new universal stadium falls short of expectations it will be a complete fiasco.
That old saying "Horses for courses "comes to mind. Perhaps spreading the venues to accommodate the various sports would be a better idea !
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