NRL boss Todd Greenberg has hailed the Bankwest Stadium experience as a “game-changer” that could provide the blueprint for future rectangular arenas.
A sellout crowd of 29,047 witnessed history on Sunday when Parramatta thrashed the Wests Tigers 51-6 in the first event at the stadium.
It was the perfect opening night for a long-suffering fanbase, who had to wait over two years to return to their $330 million new home.
And the early feedback suggests it has been worth the wait.
“There’s no doubt this is a game changer. The venue will re-define the event experience for rugby league fans,” Greenberg said after the game.
“It’s been a long time coming. The facilities are incredible and the view from every seat is fantastic.
“This is about bringing more fans to the footy. The live experience is an amazing one. This is world-class standard for a rectangular sport.”
Bankwest is the first plank of a state government stadia plan that also includes the reconstruction of Allianz Stadium and refurbishment of ANZ Stadium.
Allianz is already deep into its demolition, and Greenberg suggested his league’s average attendances will rise if a similar venue is built in Moore Park.
It is believed the new stadium will be worth around $730 million.
“This is a big moment for rugby league,” Greenberg said.
“Bankwest Stadium is the first of a number of new era stadiums that will come on line over the next five years.
“The development of world class rectangular stadia will be critical to driving live attendance for the premiership, as well as other rugby league events.
“This time next year we’ll have a brand new stadium in Townsville, and obviously two more in Sydney (after that).”
It was a night to remember for Eels fans, the bulk of which made up a heaving crowd in a noisy, coliseum-like atmosphere.
And with a surface seven metres below ground level, it wasn’t far from the truth.
Parramatta scored nine tries to one as the faithful – sitting in the steepest grandstands in the country – bayed for even more points.
And with Clint Gutherson, Michael Jennings, Shaun Lane and Mitchell Moses putting on quite the show, Eels fans will no doubt be champing at the bit for an encore performance at their new home.