A redeveloped ANZ Stadium "could have a capacity as low as 65,000 -- a scenario that would hurt Sydney's chances of attracting major events in the future," such as a World Cup final, according to Chris Barrett of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. More than 12 months after the state government announced a A$1.6B ($1.28B) Sydney stadia plan, the allocation of those funds "remains uncertain beyond a new stadium at Parramatta being built" at a cost of A$360M ($288M). Amid reports of a "cost blowout that would see the price of a new ANZ Stadium balloon" from a projected A$750M ($600M) to more than A$1B ($800M), a business case for the redevelopment of the venue is being prepared for the NSW government. It is understood that "one lower-cost option being considered for presentation is for the stadium seating to be reduced from a planned 75,000 capacity to between 65,000 and 70,000." The ground's current capacity is 83,000. There are "concerns about what impact such a significant reduction could have on Sydney's ability and pulling power when it came to vying for major events." For instance, FIFA's stadium requirements demand that the opening game and final of a World Cup be played at a venue with a capacity of at least 80,000 (SMH, 7/31).
