A study reportedly reveals a new stadium would result in a 15% increase in attendance.GETTY IMAGES
The "top-secret business case" behind the redevelopment of Allianz Stadium reveals demolishing and rebuilding the arena delivers "significantly more economic benefit than any other option," according to Anna Caldwell of the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH. The exec summary of the KPMG business case dated Jan. '18 is "currently being prepared" for the NSW government. The KMPG documents, labeled "sensitive -- NSW cabinet," boost the state government's case to demolish and rebuild the Moore Park stadium, finding that the alternative of a simple refurbishment would have "significant capital costs for marginal improvements" and deliver "significantly negative net economic outcomes." The analysis reveals a new stadium at Moore Park would deliver an extra 20 events on average per year, "from 34-37 events to up to 59." This would include "more than twice as many" National Rugby League games, the addition of int'l rugby league, "more regular" U.S. events and "double the number of concerts." It also predicts a new stadium would "drive an attendance increase" of about 15%. Based on these assumptions, the analysis "finds in favour of knocking down the ailing stadium and rebuilding it to a 45,000-seat venue, finding this option delivers the best financial benefit and strongest cost benefit ratio." The final business case has not yet been seen by NSW Sports Minister Stuart Ayres. KPMG will deliver a final version to Infrastructure NSW, which will then hand it to the government "within the next month" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 2/26).
