National Rugby League Parramatta Eels and the A-League Western Sydney Wanderers "have joined forces in their campaign for a better stadium," according to Adrian Proszenko of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Eels officials "have been in talks with their Wanderers counterparts about their future venue needs, with a revamp of Parramatta Stadium or the construction of a new facility in the region their preference." The teams "are in heated competition for fans, members and sponsors, but they have found common ground in their desire to provide them with the best possible amenities." Eels CEO Ken Edwards confirmed that "he was in talks with Wanderers officials." Edwards said, "We've had some discussions with the Wanderers around what their plans and what our plans are. Our market research, coupled with the work we've done with the NRL, tells us we should have up to 40,000 members by 2017. That obviously brings into sharp focus our stadium issues in terms of capacity and the facilities that go with it." Parramatta has managed to grow its membership base during difficult times. However, the Wanderers "became the hottest ticket in town during their fabled run to the A-League grand final." Their supporter group, the Red and Black Bloc, "grew exponentially throughout the club's debut season" (SMH, 5/23).
