Fans force revamp of Subiaco seating
The WA Football Commission is planning a facelift for Subiaco Oval to ease pressure on the bulging capacity at the venue.
WAFC chief executive Wayne Bradshaw said yesterday that sell-outs at all West Coast home games this season had forced officials to devise a scheme to squeeze more fans into Subiaco.
He said it had yet to be decided who would get the extra seats, but it was likely to be a mix between Eagles members and walk-up general admission fans.
West Coast chairman Dalton Gooding said he hoped up to 1000 extra seats could be found for next season.
He took another swipe at the State Government for not funding an immediate $40 million expansion at WA's home of football.
Gooding said he had been angered at the Government's refusal to grant the funding, which would increase Subiaco Oval's capacity from 43,000 to 50,000, while fans were still being denied the chance to go to the football.
West Coast's official membership has climbed to a record 42,137 this season, but Gooding said with home supporters, the total was closer to 44,000. "The Government's not doing anything so we have to, whether it's 300 seats or 1000 seats," he said.
"Hopefully we can find a bit more room with just better configuration while we're waiting for the outcome of the State Government's task force into stadium requirements for Perth.
"We're disappointed with the delay because of that because our supporters are very much deserving of better now that our club is 19 years old."
Bradshaw said there were several logistic hurdles to clear before any minor expansion plans were put in place and the WAFC would consult the Subiaco City Council for its help on the project. He said any changes to the configuration of the ground would need to consider escape routes in case of an emergency, general traffic flow of fans and comfortable seating. Using current walkway space would be the main target of the plan.
"I think we can do at least 200 (more seats) to start with, but there are some other ideas that we need to test before we can get ourselves any further," Bradshaw said.
"There is pressure on space at the ground and we're aware the Eagles have sold out everything, including restricted viewing seats, for home games this year."
