The state's Super 14 rugby matches will be played at ME Bank Stadium from next year after the Town of Vincent approved a licence arrangement and $2.4 million worth of upgrades.
The state's Super 14 rugby matches will be played at ME Bank Stadium from next year after the Town of Vincent approved a licence arrangement and $2.4 million worth of upgrades.
The announcement is below:
The Town of Vincent is pleased to announce that it has approved the signing of a Deed of Licence with RugbyWA which will see Super 14 matches played at ME Bank Stadium (Perth Oval).
The go-ahead was also granted for RugbyWA to commence upgrade works to the Stadium to meet SANZAR requirements.
At the Council Meeting held last night, the Council unanimously voted to approve the 3+3 year Deed of Licence which will see RugbyWA call ME Bank Stadium home for the next six years.
Approval was also granted for $2.4 million in upgrades to commence at the Stadium, ensuring that the pitch and facilities will be ready for the Super 14 matches in 2010.
"This is a stellar outcome for both RugbyWA and the Town. It is the culmination of over two years' of planning to ensure that rugby union players and fans have a true home for their beloved code", said Mayor Nick Catania.
"RugbyWA has worked hard with the Town of Vincent to ensure this upgrade will result in the best possible venue for the Emirates Western Force and its supporters. The Stadium will meet the standards required by SANZAR, now it is up to our players and fans to make it our fortress," said Vern Reid, Chief Executive Officer RugbyWA.
The Emirates Western Force will play 6 games at ME Bank Stadium in 2010 - attracting more than 21,000 patrons for each fixture.
The interim upgrade and temporary works/repairs at ME Bank Stadium include:
- upgrade of the Stadium lighting (to 1400 lux) to comply with Foxtel requirements
- temporary seating to provide for a capacity of 21,165
- upgrade of the change-rooms for player comfort and amenity
- installation of interim/temporary facilities and 11 new temporary corporate suites
- improvement and upgrade of existing fixtures and fittings
- installation and upgrade of the media boxes and new Television Match Official (TMO) seating
- upgrade of the playing surface sub-soil drainage
- demolition of the former Caretaker's Cottage on the Bulwer Street frontage of Loton Park and new landscape works.
As part of the upgrade, the Town of Vincent will provide approximately $250,000 towards the various works.
"We are delighted that RugbyWA will be moving to ME Bank Stadium. The Stadium is the ideal location for rugby in WA with its rectangular pitch and the ability for the fans to get up close to the action. Fans of Super 14 will have a real home for their code and no doubt are looking forward to the first match in February," concluded Mayor Catania.
The Town and RugbyWA will work collaboratively to deliver the upgrades and works in readiness for the 2010 rugby season with the first match scheduled at ME Bank Stadium on 12 February 2010 - Emirates Western Force vs. CA Brumbies.