Sydney Football Stadium to shut for remediation work, taxpayers won't foot bill, premier says
In short:
Sydney Football Stadium will shut for 10-weeks for remediation work to fix drainage issues which have been impacting the playing field.
The final cost of the work has not been confirmed but the premier says the venue, rebuilt in 2022, "is still under warranty".
What's next?
The work will start after the Wallabies-Argentina Test match at the venue on September 13.
Most impacted will be Sydney FC, with the A-League club having to move its first games when the season starts in October.
Premier Chris Minns said it was concerning the stadium wasn't "up to scratch" and that the surface had been impacting teams.
"
So we need to get on it. Obviously that can't happen while football's taking place, and we need the stadium as we head into the final season," Mr Minns said.
American artist Kendrick Lamar will be among the first performers to use the grounds in December. New turf will then need to be laid for A-league fixtures after those events are completed.
A spokesperson for Sydney FC called moving its home games during the first three months of the season "hugely disruptive" and "financially detrimental".
"We are working closely with Venues NSW and our Members and Partners to minimise this disruption and ensure the best possible outcomes for everyone," Sydney FC said in a statement.
"Having a playing surface suitable to host top level professional football is of paramount importance to Sydney FC."
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