The Allianz Stadium in Sydney, which cost $870 million to build, is set for significant repairs just three years after its inauguration. An investigation revealed that the field is plagued by poor drainage, often becoming waterlogged during heavy rains and resembling a swamp rather than a proper playing surface, much to the dissatisfaction of players.
Last year, rugby fullback Clint Gutherson described the pitch as “probably one of the worst fields I’ve played on for a while.” After thorough inspections, it has been determined that the stadium’s drainage system, specifically the layer of sand, is contaminated with excessive clay and fine silt. This unwelcome situation has dramatically hindered its drainage capacity, allowing only 40 millimetres of water to be removed per hour instead of the expected 300 to 600 millimetres.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns noted that while the stadium itself is outstanding and beloved by fans, the field’s condition has let down the teams that play there. He assured that taxpayers would not bear the costs of these repairs, stating that the work is covered under warranty due to the stadium’s relatively new age.
The plan involves replacing the contaminated sand drainage layer, a process that is expected to take about ten weeks starting September 13. This renovation aims to ensure the stadium is ready for two upcoming concerts in December, with a new turf installation scheduled in time for Sydney FC’s home matches beginning in January.
Minns expressed a strong desire for the stadium to reflect its status as a premier venue, reiterating that it should perform as well on the field as it does in the stands. Thus, the repairs are deemed essential to uphold the stadium’s reputation as one of the finest in the country and the world.