$26 million upgrade for Parramatta Stadium

This could be the final gift deposed CEO Denis Fitzgerald gives to Parramatta - a bigger and better home for the blue and gold army.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal plans for a $26 million grandstand to be constructed at the southern end of Parramatta Stadium, where the Brett Kenny terrace currently sits. State Cabinet is understood to be discussing the project this week.

Fitzgerald, a Parramatta Stadium trustee, has twice travelled to Canberra lobbying the Federal Government for funds.

The State Government has already granted $6 million with the Trust hoping for another $6 million. Fitzgerald hopes that $12 million would then be matched by the Federal Government. Parramatta Stadium would pay the additional amount.

The ground currently holds 20,000 but would increase to 23,000 with a gymnasium, additional dressingrooms and corporate rooms included.

Parramatta's overwhelming support was evident during the club's emotional charge to this year's Grand Final.

A new grandstand would also make the stadium more appealing to the new western Sydney A-League franchise.
The corporate facilities would accommodate weddings, expos, dinners and trade shows.