A late deal has ensured Parramatta will play NRL home games at the new Western Sydney Stadium, starting with the official opening against neighbours Wests Tigers on Easter Monday.
Parramatta announced on Thursday – an hour before the NRL draw release – that they’d agreed terms to play out of the $300 million stadium, ending an impasse with its operator Venues Live.
Parramatta have been forced to play out of ANZ Stadium for the past two seasons as the Parramatta stadium was knocked down and rebuilt and they have structured much of their marketing for season 2019 around their return home.
“This is where we belong,” said Parramatta CEO Bernie Gurr, who only nine days ago had described terms offered by Venues Live as “unacceptable”.
He described the new venue as an “absolute game changer,” touting its facilities and the crowd’s proximity to the playing field.
While the two parties have reached an “agreement in principle”, they have still to formalise a contract.
However Gurr said the Eels were satisfied all issues had been addressed.
“The purpose of what we’ve been doing here is to help our club, our members, our fans, our corporate partners, our community partners.
“It’s a terrific result for them because it’s going to give our club some financial sustainability
“But just as importantly we’re coming home. This precinct here, which includes the Parramatta Leagues Club, is the spiritual home of the Parramatta Eels.
“We’ve been in this precinct since 1947. So for over 70 years, this is where we belonged.
“Our members and fans love this precinct. They’re very excited about coming home to it. And we’re very excited, too.”