Raiders chairman pushes for new Canberra stadium
New Canberra Raiders chairman Dennis Richardson has called for a new stadium to be built in the ACT, claiming GIO Stadium has passed its use-by date.
Richardson said he was eager to work with both the ACT and Federal Government on the stadium issue.
“It's worth noting that a national stadium was part of the original Griffin plan in Canberra ... 120 years ago,” Richardson said.
“We look forward to working cooperatively with the ACT Government on that.
“But the current stadium has reached its use-by date. I think that is understood.
“Quite clearly as the national capital having a new stadium is an important priority.”
There has been talk of a new stadium in Canberra since 2009, however the ACT government made a decision in September to ditch plans for a new Canberra Civic stadium, angering the Raiders and ACT Brumbies.
The 25,000-capacity GIO Stadium offers little protection from the elements, with spectators having to endure wet and near-freezing conditions in the nation’s capital during the winter months.
A potential major redevelopment of GIO Stadium was put on hold in 2014 while a decision was made on a new stadium, however plans for a new venue were put on hold later that year. Talk of a new $350 roofed stadium returned in 2018, however no progress has been made.
The Canberra Raiders have long hoped for a new stadium to play out of, claiming earlier this year their home ground is “vastly inferior” compared to other NRL venues and that it is keeping fans away.
Richardson said he was also keen to work with the Brumbies on the matter, with no preference of the location of the stadium provided it was built.
“Most state governments around the country have in recent years built new stadiums,” Richardson said.
“Optus Stadium, Adelaide Oval, the Tasmanian government are speaking about constructing a stadium in Launceston or Hobart.
“We are a little behind on that front.
“But we do need to understand the ACT Government have a lot of competing priorities. And we need to work with them, not against them.”
Meanwhile, AIS Arena is set to reopen in mid-2024 after receiving $15 million in federal government funding for upgrades. The 5,000-capacity indoor arena has been closed since prior to Covid.
