Work to begin on Force's new home

[travelling_gerry]

• Tim Clarke
• September 23, 2009 - 3:01PM

Work can begin on the former Perth Oval to bring it up to Super Rugby standard.
RugbyWA and the Town of Vincent last night officially signed a six-year agreement for the oval to become the new home of the Western Force.

The council last night approved the signing of a deed of licence with RugbyWA, giving it the green light to start the upgrade works to the stadium needed to meet SANZAR requirements.

The interim upgrade and temporary works/repairs at ME Bank Stadium include upgrading stadium lighting to 1400 lux to comply with Foxtel requirements, temporary seating to up capacity to 21,165 and an upgrade of the currently sparse changerooms.

The council will be contributing $250,000 towards the works - with the State Government providing Rugby WA with a $2 million interest-free loan towards the new facilities.

"RugbyWA has worked hard with the Town of Vincent to ensure this upgrade will result in the best possible venue for the Emirates Western Force and its supporters," said Vern Reid, RugbyWA CEO.

"The stadium will meet the standards required by SANZAR, now it is up to our players and fans to make it our fortress."

The upgrade of the stadium will also see installation of interim/temporary facilities and 11 new temporary corporate suites, installation and upgrade of media boxes and new Television Match Official (TMO) seating, upgrade of the playing surface and sub-soil drainage

"This is a stellar outcome for both RugbyWA and the Town. It is the culmination of over two years' of planning to ensure that rugby union players and fans have a true home for their code", said Nick Catania, mayor of the Town of Vincent.

The Force will play six games at ME Bank Stadium in 2010, with the hopes every one will be a sellout after attendances slowly dwindled as supporters became increasingly disillusioned with Subiaco Oval.

The first is a blockbuster, with Matt Giteau to return to Perth at the first possible opportunity with his new team the ACT Brumbies.

http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/work...0923-g2cm.html

[tragic]

Well, it's getting pretty late. They better get a wriggle on. I hope everything has already been organised and they're ready to go!

[GIGS20]

finally! I was wondering whether we'd be sitting in an 18000 seater for 2 years!
Posted via Mobile Device

[mudskipper]

I guess they've all ready sold members reserved seating?

[jargan83]

I am more interested in information about the permanant upgrade to MES. I guess I will be able to see the work unfolding being at MES for the Perth Glory

I guess they've all ready sold members reserved seating?

We haven't even got our membership renewals, and I had been told by someone in the RugbyWA membership department that they would be out in September

[The InnFORCEr]

They have started by offering those who paid a 10% premium in year 1 to sit a group the first option of staying together. Individuals will soon follow, with new members last. If you were a member in year 1, you will get a seat.

[mudskipper]

rewarding membership loyalty is important... after that It will be an excellent chance to get a few excellent seats... new stadium & new opportunities for all you die hard Force fans...

Brumbies renewal just arrived last week... I don't expect supporter packs for a few months i guess

[normie]

Yeeehah! Wonder where the members bar will be.

[OzFUB]

Its going to be a difficult choice deciding where to sit.....

The East stand you end up looking into the sun (if it is still up).

The South is not the best view when play is up the other end (although a lot better than Subi)

The North no seats (I think) plus not best view

The West is best but I would think they would almost all be gold seats

[inactive]

don't think the sun will be a factor next year. Most of the games are normally a 7 kickoff

[AndyS]

Its going to be a difficult choice deciding where to sit.....

No it won't - chatting with them I got the clear impression that you will be assigned seats and the only choice is whether you wish to renew or not.

[normie]

Just wondering, does anyone know how will standing room in the shed be ticketted?

[oxleymoron]

Just wondering, does anyone know how will standing room in the shed be ticketted?

There will be a set of footprints for each person to stand on

[normie]

don't think the sun will be a factor next year. Most of the games are normally a 7 kickoff

There will be no DLS either.

[jargan83]

Just wondering, does anyone know how will standing room in the shed be ticketted?

I would imagine General Admission tickets as several things I have read from RugbyWA have stated that every season ticket holder will have a seat