The iconic hills will be kept alongside a new western grandstand and refurbished eastern grandstand,including improved views from premium seating.
There will be more food and beverage outlets,scoreboards,sound systems,upgraded lighting and improved player facilities,including four new changing rooms,that will enhance the club’s ability to enter a team in NRLW as now there are no separate facilities for female athletes.
Panthers chief executive Brian Fletcher is hopeful that the upgraded stadium will help the club enter a team into the 2027 NRLW season,alongside improving the fan experience in the NRL.
“It’s good for the club and good for all our fans because we sell out every game with around 20,000 people and now we can take it up to 25,000,” Fletcher said.
“We’re hoping in 2027 to have a ladies side. According to the NRL,that’s when we’ll be allowed to enter a ladies side and we will have the facilities to cater for that in the new western stand.”
Nathan Cleary on home turf.Credit:Getty
Asked whether the upgrade would also include improved access for disabled fans,Fletcher said that this was a key part of the planning for the upgraded facility.
“For sure,that was one thing that really needed attending to[at the stadium] and it’s something that Infrastructure NSW has put a lot of thought into,” Fletcher said.
The stadium’s upgrade will also increase the ability to host other sporting codes,live music and entertainment.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said the stadium was a special part of the club and he was looking forward to the upgrade.
“There’s something mystical and magical about Panthers stadium,” Cleary said. “Today,I guess it’s a milestone,a big milestone for the growth of this hallowed turf.”
The Panthers will finish the current season in the existing stadium and next year will plan to play their home games in a variety of venues,including nine games at Commbank Stadium,one in Mudgee one in Bathurst and one in Las Vegas,Fletcher said.
The reigning premiers will hope to move into their upgraded home ahead of the 2026 season.
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