A GIANT welcome for AFL NSW/ACT at Skoda

AFL NSW/ACT staff were treated to a behind the scenes tour of the soon to be opened Skoda Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, when AFL Stadium Development Manager Simon Gorr hosted the team alongside GWS GIANTS Commercial Services Manager Heath James.

The stadium, which will hold 25,000 spectators, was converted from a general purpose arena into a specialised sporting ground over the last four years. The biggest challenge identified by curator Terry O’Keeffe was converting the surface into an AFL quality ground following the Royal Easter Show, in under 40 days.

GIANTS coach Kevin Sheedy has told the media he wanted the ground to become a “Colosseum” like ground for his team.

AFL NSW/ACT General Manager Tom Harley said the ground was an impressive addition to the city’s sporting landscape.

“The uninterrupted sightlines from all areas of the stadium will make this a fantastic ground for spectators,” he said.

“Fans here will be able to get closer to the game than at any other venue.”

Earlier in the day, the GIANTS held their first training session on the ground as they prepare to take on coach Kevin Sheedy’s former team the Essendon Bombers on Saturday night. NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell was on hand to officially launch the state of the art venue, which is home to the largest in-stadium video replay screen in the southern hemisphere as well as luxury corporate facilities.

GIANTS’ chief executive David Matthews said he was hoping for a crowd of 18,000 to 20,000 for the first clash at their new home ground.