ANZ Stadium-Hosted A-League Sydney Derbies Will Be Permanent If Crowds Show Up

A-League derbies between Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium "could become the norm if the opening-round A-League fixture attracts a big crowd," according to the AAP. The Wanderers will open the season "against crosstown rivals Sydney FC at the ground on Oct. 8, in a match that is all-but-certain to attract more fans than any previous meeting between the two clubs." While the fixture is "only slated for Sydney's biggest stadium due to the three-year redevelopment of Pirtek Stadium," Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas has suggested "it could be a blueprint for the future." Tsatsimas said, "If it's a success we'll look at every opportunity that is available to the club and for all the supporters to be able to attend a match should they wish to do so." The Homebush venue is also "due to undergo an upgrade after Parramatta is complete, however the ground is still expected to remain fully operational during its own upgrade" (AAP, 8/18).