Grand final push for new stadium

Austadiums • Wednesday 23rd March 2005

Olympic Park will host the Victorian Premier League grand final on 18 September in a strategic move to nudge Sports Minister Justin Madden into committing to a new soccer stadium.

"We hope the State Government goes ahead and builds a new stadium for soccer and rugby league and we look forward to making the stadium the soccer headquarters for Victoria," Football Federation of Victoria chief executive Tony Pignata said.

Soccer hasn't been played at Olympic Park for 10 years and Pignata wants to dispel the myth that soccer patrons dislike the venue and Swan St precinct.

"It's a nice venue, it's very central and it gives us the opportunity to market our game," Pignata said.

"Going from Bob Jane Stadium to Olympic Park ensures that the grand final is being played at a neutral venue.

"It's a first step and we have the scope to stage the whole finals series there from next year."

Soccer fans took a dislike to Olympic Park because of parking problems but Pignata said the argument wasn't relevant now.

"The parking situation is better. All the footbridges are in place now and it's easy to park at the MCG and walk across," he said.

Olympic Park Stadium

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Olympic Park will host the Victorian Premier League grand final on 18 September in a strategic move to nudge Sports Minister Justin Madden into committing to a new soccer stadium.
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