Super Rugby side Waratahs "have fired a broadside" at long-term landlord the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust, labelling Allianz Stadium as "unacceptably dated and in need of urgent modernisation," according to Iain Payten of the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH. Waratahs CEO Jason Allen "stopped short of threatening to move the team entirely to Homebush if investment and upgrades don’t occur." Allen: “We are not at that stage yet. It’s important that we have games here.” The row between the SCG Trust and the Waratahs "bubbled over" in the wake of complaints from New South Wales fans about "chaotic scenes at the Waratahs’ last two home games." Both home games clashed with events at the SCG -- baseball and Swans games, respectively -- "and transport and severe parking problems ensued." Catering staff shortages "also saw major problems" with food and beverage service at the Waratahs-Rebels game, with "huge queues." Allen said major upgrades "were needed" both inside and outside Allianz Stadium. A SCG Trust spokesperson said that precinct upgrades "were already planned with the Albert Cotter footbridge to be built over ANZAC Parade, and a 10-year master plan in the pipeline" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 4/24).
