MEDIA RELEASE - July 31, 2019
SHARKS HOME GROUNDS FOR 2020 AND 2021
The Cronulla Sutherland Sharks will hold information sessions and seek the views of its members on where its home games should be played over the next two years.
CEO Richard Munro said the club is about to embark on a major redevelopment of its Leagues Club which will force the Sharks to move their games from PointsBet Stadium in 2020 and 2021.
Mr Munro said he understood that fans would be disappointed that the club would not have a regular home ground for two years but the redevelopment will set up the club for long term financial success.
“We are here for the long term and part of that strategy is to have one of the most modern, successful Leagues Clubs in the game,” he said.
“Unfortunately while those works are being carried out there will be a huge impact on PointsBet Stadium with reduced parking and access and a reduced capacity at the ground.
“We want to give our members and fans a great experience every time they watch the Sharks and we can only do that if we use other venues while the construction works are carried out.”
Mr Munro said members would be invited to choose from a range of home ground options for the next two years including:
· Staging games at Kogarah or Wollongong – the closest venues to PointsBet Stadium
· Taking several games to regional areas each year to attract new supporters
· Staging marquee matches, including local derbies, at BankWest Stadium which would give fans greater comfort and an opportunity to see the Sharks play at Sydney’s best Rugby League ground
“We are asking our members and fans to tell us directly where they want the Sharks to play because they are the key to our club’s future success,” Mr Munro said.
“The next two years will present challenges for the club but we hope to take the fans with us and I have no doubt we will emerge in a great position when this redevelopment is completed.”
Mr Munro said he had already updated players and staff on the changes and a series of “town hall” meetings will be held to ensure all interested parties are informed of any impacts on them.
“This is one of the most exciting projects in the club’s history,” Mr Munro said.
“We have a chance to emerge from this upgrade with world class training and entertainment facilities.
