Sydney stadium debate: Arguments for and against

While NSW sports minister Stuart Ayres and Allianz Stadium's major tenants have become embroiled in a war of words over the protracted debate over Sydney stadia, and news has leaked that ANZ Stadium will take the lion's share of the funding on offer, we've decided to simplify the issue.

What are the pros and cons for Allianz and ANZ stadiums?

And while we're at it, are there any lessons to be learnt from the construction of Etihad Stadium in Melbourne in 2000?

The case for Allianz

We need a new stadium in the heart of Sydney, a world-class venue to go with our world-class city.

Allianz Stadium has served the city admirably since it opened in 1987, playing host to many great rugby league grand finals, some Bledisloe Cup thrillers and Socceroos clashes, not to mention the countless NRL and Waratahs matches of the last 20 years.

But it is tired, and rather than do a hatchet job of an update, we must start again and create a venue that is not just the envy of Australia, but the world. There is no hiding from the fact that Sydney's population is moving further west, and that ANZ Stadium probably makes greater sense in terms of geography and planning.

But with the light rail project set to serve the Moore Park area now underway, and the surrounding bars and restaurants of Surry Hills, Paddington and Fox Studios already in place, the infrastructure is far more advanced than it is at Homebush.

Whether it's a game of rugby league, soccer or rugby union, or a rock concert, a sense of excitement should stir within you and that feeling is only enhanced when you're at the heart of city - right where the action is.

I understand that crowd figures probably don't support a 55,000-seat configuration as is planned, but an upgrade to the existing facilities would appear a significant challenge, structurally, as much of the problems stem from the design of the food and beverage areas, and the walkway both inside and immediately outside the stadium, particularly when crowds are close to capacity.

ANZ Stadium can remain a suitable home, improved by the planned upgrade, for big events like the Grand Final, State of Origin and Bledisloe Cup that pull the 70,000-80,000 crowds; but let's start again with Allianz and build a world-class events hub that creates genuine atmosphere and excitement.

And to the Roosters, Waratahs and Sydney FC - it's a case of short-term pain for long-term gain.

The case for ANZ

Investing in a new, state-of-the-art stadium in Sydney less than two decades after hosting the greatest ever Olympic Games screams of poor-planning and vested interests.

ANZ Stadium is still a world-class facility and, if operated properly, can be the Wembley-like location that the NSW Government so desires.

Any issues that Sydneysiders have with Homebush are cosmetic at best.

Here's an idea: Rather than pouring millions into redeveloping Allianz, use that money to fix the two issues that are constantly held against the Olympic site.

First, the stadium has no soul. Unless there's 80,000 fans packed into ANZ, the ground feels like an empty cavern. Even with a sellout, the atmosphere doesn't even go close to the cauldron of Suncorp or the majesty that is the MCG.

The simple fix here is to install a roof on ANZ, which has the dual befits of locking in noise and locking out the weather.

And while we're at it, let's get rid of this multi-purpose crap. The Swans have returned to their spiritual home at the SCG. Let's use that move to consolidate what works best at ANZ - games on a rectangular pitch. Move the seats permanently closer to the sidelines and tilt the concourse higher so fans feel closer to the action.

Second is to improve the facilities around ANZ Stadium to a point where travelling to Homebush doesn't feel like a chore. A nightlife that extends past 'downstairs at the Novotel' would be a start. As would dining alternatives outside of Ribs & Rumps and McDonalds.

As for Allianz, keep it as it is: A boutique stadium that serves the Eastern Suburbs clubs of the Roosters, Sydney FC and the Waratahs. Population-wise and geographically, Homebush is the heart of Sydney. It's time to start treating it like so.

A Victorian perspective

So, the NRL wants to follow the AFL's model of building a centralised stadium to house multiple teams, forcing clubs and fans away from their traditional heartlands?

Take it from an AFL aficionado - it won't be a popular move. Whatever the NSW Government's reasoning behind the idea, it risks putting a vast majority of stakeholders off-side. And which stakeholders are more vital to a sport than its clubs and fans?

Melbourne is blessed to have the storied MCG as its AFL centrepiece, meaning many reacted with scepticism when the governing body decided to build a shiny new, closed-roof stadium at Docklands for the start of the 2000 season.

Gone were the familiar surrounds, intimate atmosphere and feeling of community of a club's traditional home base, replaced with what many described as a soulless, enclosed, and often freezing cold enclosure on Melbourne's waterfront.

Melburnians have never truly embraced the Docklands venue. The majority of fans understand the business case behind it, but the nostalgia for the old suburban grounds still burns some decade-and-a-half later. Many supporters still pine for the day they could stand among friends in the outer, drinking cold cans, eating warm saveloys dripping with sauce and cheering on their teams at their traditional home grounds.

It must be noted, however, that the city seems to have embraced AAMI Park after its completion in 2010. The quirky 'bubble dome' as it was once nicknamed is home to the Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne Storm, and A-League clubs Victory and City. It's found a perfect niche in an AFL-mad city.

But a great part of the NRL's appeal is its connection to the clubs and communities in its heartland. And while it may be tempting to look towards something shinier, flashier and new-age, sometimes the best course of action is to build upon the foundations and appreciate what is already in place.