Starting this weekend, a six-month trial will permit the sale of full-strength beer at three stadiums: Accor Stadium, CommBank Stadium in Western Sydney, and McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle. Previously, fans at these venues had access only to mid-strength options along with light and non-alcoholic beverages.
This trial aims to address the ongoing disparity between how sports fans are treated in different parts of Sydney, particularly as full-strength beer has long been available at venues like Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium in Moore Park. The initiative has garnered support from local officials, with Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, acknowledging the strong demand from fans for this change.
The trial will kick off with three matches at CommBank Stadium this weekend: the Panthers versus Roosters on Friday night, followed by the Western Sydney Wanderers against Melbourne Victory on Saturday, and the Parramatta Eels taking on the West Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby, who campaigned for the trial, believes it promotes fairness and equity for sports fans across the region. He emphasised that the aim is not to promote excessive drinking but to acknowledge that responsible consumption should be available to all, regardless of whether they’re in the Eastern Suburbs, Western Sydney, or Newcastle. Kirby commended Minister Kamper for restoring balance for fans amidst what he described as a ‘beer war’ between the East and West.
This trial coincides with an announcement that sports attendees can enjoy free public transport to all events at CommBank Stadium, further enhancing the experience for fans attending these games.