- Water collects on surface during recent NRL match
- Questions arose as to why the new location had poor drainage
- Governing body assures fans it will be sorted before finals
Allianz Stadium officials are confident the stadium can withstand any heavy rain during the NRL finals, while ongoing investigations into the stadium’s drainage system continue.
Many people looked on with raised eyebrows at the swampy conditions during the Sydney Roosters’ match against Parramatta last week, with large puddles of water on the surface.
In the 15 minutes before the match, 11.5mm of rain fell in the stadium, but the drainage systems were more than capable of handling this amount quickly.
Of concern for the two-year-old, $828 million venue is that Brookvale Oval’s grass appeared to withstand heavy rainfall much better.
Researchers are examining the condition of the grass and drainage. The next match at Allianz Stadium is a dual between the NRLW and the NRL on September 1.
The stadium will also host at least one final match next month.
Sydney Roosters and Parramatta Eels players had to deal with large puddles of water on the pitch at the new Allianz Stadium
The ground crew tried to drain some of the water during half-time using pitchforks
Pumps had to be brought in to drain the excess water that collected in the corner of the field
Immediate measures have been taken to prevent short-term problems while authorities are still awaiting the results of further tests.
“Investigations are currently underway into the drainage of the pitch at Allianz Stadium and it has been confirmed that the upcoming NRL matches and finals will proceed as planned,” a Venues NSW spokesperson said in a statement.
‘Immediate steps were taken to improve turf drainage, including an extensive pro-core and aeration process.
‘More testing is being carried out and after the concerts in October, work will be carried out to replace the grass.’
The Allianz Stadium was built with a layer of gravel and sand under the grass, which promotes drainage.
The grass for the arena comes from a turf farm in Windsor, a region that suffered severe flooding before the grass surface was first laid at Allianz Stadium in 2022.
That led to suggestions that there could be concerns about silt levels, which could affect water flow.
Before the grass was laid, it was tested and officials have confirmed that the surface was removed as planned after a series of concerts last summer.
Grass from the same peat farm, which had not been affected by the floods, was used as a replacement.