Stadium NO closer

[tdcockers]

Storm = Inclement Weatner = Four Seasons in One Day = Crowded House?

i like that, hopefully we will see it plenty often, too

[Surandy]

Hmm, what the hell is with the Victory and their supporter groups?

http://www.austadiums.com/news/news.php ... 6065c89b0a

Melbourne Victory unlikely to move into new stadium
EXCLUSIVE

Austadiums.com can reveal that the proposed rectangular stadium at Melbourne Park is unlikely to include the Melbourne Victory, due to division within the supporters groups. While the decision to reject Telstra Dome’s offer of configuring Telstra Dome with retractable seating, has created further anger amongst the decision makers.

Austadiums knows the Melbourne Victory were offered the rectangular configuration for free before last year’s Rugby League Test Match but was rejected due to the apparent loss of advertising space on the oval’s perimeter fence when shown on television.

Along with the advertising issue, Melbourne Victory did not want to get its home fans accustomed to better viewing with the use of the retractable seating.

Austadiums.com has alerted people involved with the re-development and they are hardly pleased with the revelation that the Victory put profits over allowing retractable seating at Telstra Dome, despite being asked not to pay a cent.

Yet the biggest development to come to light has come with the revelation that the Victory supporters groups are fighting amongst each other to develop the venue into a stadium of their desire, with the Blue and White Brigade the central act in control.

The BWB control of the fans sector has been a leading influence in the Victory domain of not accepting the offers the State Government has put to them, despite increasing funding and many deadlines expiring.

The Northern Terrace have not got a good reputation and thus this is a problem when it comes to the round table conversations, when more extreme groups sit down with the State Government in support for the Victory.

While it is believed that flares and other anti-social behaviour has lessened the ability of the Victory to bargain for a better deal in regards to their desires of a larger rectangular stadium.

But it is not only the supporters groups, Gold Members are also represented on the board of around 10 members who work with the Melbourne Victory administration formulating their proposals in order to pressure the State Government on a stadium greater then 34,000 which is being offered.

“The committee and the Government had organised to meet last week, but was cancelled due to the inability to get everyone together”

Sources close to the supporters group continue to say that the BWB have been asking for demands that are unreasonable in regards to the stadium, which has been putting it at odds with minor groups such as the more family friendly Offside Set Group.

Matt Lamsis who belongs to the Offside Set was a leading player to start the communication of the fans desires for a larger stadium than 20,000, including starting the mass petition to many Government ministers. However it is believed this was a private campaign, not official Offside Set policy.

Austadiums.com understands more moderate and smaller in size fan groups are providing less demanding requests for the major rectangular stadium, rather than taking a hard line approach such as the major player in the BWB Brigade which is believed to be asking for a stadium far exceeding 34,000.

By Chris Egan
egan@austadiums.com

[Stormwarning[c]]

And this is news now?

It was posted on this board last year that the Victory supporter groups were fighting to take control and the two main groups had come to an agreement before last years A-league season to unite as some other groups were trying to have more control and influence on the club.

Geoff Lord isn't someone that is influenced by supporters, in fact, he is more concerned about getting more corporates in the door and advertising than the average punter currently in the stands. Lord wants the dollars and the big dollars that average supporters can't and don't bring.

The article saying that Victory hasn't sign or wont sign due to their supporter groups is way off the mark. It's about money and how Lord can get the best return on his investment.

[Buzz]

Austadiums knows the Melbourne Victory were offered the rectangular configuration for free

That part hurts. Had the Dome been that generous to us in 2001, perhaps it might have remained our home. Instead, they chose to give us a sterile, distant experience.

[Ice]

If i recall correctly when they made the last announcement on the stadium, the government stipulated that the Victory had one month to either agree to terms on 34,000 seats or they'll go ahead and build 27,500 should they not want to be a part of it. Can anyone remember if that's correct? If it is then i'm pretty sure it's been over a month. Personally i'd rather the latter option of 27,500 and the Victory never step foot in the joint.

[Hailstorm]

If i recall correctly when they made the last announcement on the stadium, the government stipulated that the Victory had one month to either agree to terms on 34,000 seats or they'll go ahead and build 27,500 should they not want to be a part of it. Can anyone remember if that's correct? If it is then i'm pretty sure it's been over a month. Personally i'd rather the latter option of 27,500 and the Victory never step foot in the joint.

On Page 4 of this thread the last article has been posted, a month ago. It quotes two figures, 27 750 & 31,000 with the foundations to cater for an upgrade to 50,000 if needed, all to lure Melbourne Victory. I've not heard anything more since then.

[riccardo7]

As a member of both teams, I can see the rationale of both arguments.

On the Storms side, its time to get on with building the stadium, and 27,500 is more than adequate considering the average attendance of the Storm and league in general. Olympic Park, fortress like though it is, is outdated, uncomfortable and the running track, terraced seating and pylons on the Eastern stand makes for some bad views.

On the Victory/Soccer side, a medium to large sized stadium is imperitive as the growth potential of the game is enormous, crowds are on the rise both locally and nationally and the Telstra Dome, though large, comfortable and modern, is not an appropriate venue for rectangular field games.

Plus, if Australia wants to host the World Cup, Rugby 7s, even another Tri-Nations or SoO game, a medium sized ground is virtully a requirment.
I think the only option is to make an ultimatum, either upgrade the stadium to 35,000 and force the Victory to come up wit the extra cash or proceed with it at 27,500 (with an option to upgrade when the deal with the Dome expires) with or without the soccer club.

Just start on the bloody thing.





 

[Buzz]

Not sure how the Victory fans will take to the latest moves by TDome. From the start of this year, there are no more passouts from the ground. Smokers will have outside cages in which they'll be able to smoke. You are not allowed to bring in hot food (flares are ok tho!). And lastly, from their good behaviour slide from last year, you have to restrain yourself, not racially, sexually, physically abuse or yell out anything that might upset anyone.

Welcome to TDome - Sports Opera. Next we'll have dress standards in the general admin!

[Buzz]

Melbourne Victory chairman Geoff Lord made a surprise appearance in the SEN studios tonight talking about his 99 year old father in law who played with Aussie Rules great Roy Cazaly. At the end of the interview, he was pulled up on his earlier comment about heading to a forum with engineers. He was asked if this was to do with a new stadium for Victory. He said no - but that the Victory's position regarding the new stadium was becoming clearer all the time, and he can now "see through" the issue. Maybe we'll finally see their position within the next few weeks.

As if the project isn't already delayed.

[Tigger]

It's so annoying that it seems the whole thing is relying on bloody Victory to make a friggin decision (no matter what anyone says on the contrary) friggin bastids!

[Buzz]

Players push Victory to call new stadium home

THE soccer players' union has urged Melbourne Victory to base itself at the planned $250 million rectangular stadium as talks over who will play at the state-of-the-art venue drag on.

The Professional Footballers' Association, which represents A-League players and the Socceroos, believes that stadium economics will be crucial in determining the viability of clubs in the rapidly developing national soccer competition.

Chairman Brendan Schwab yesterday said that on all counts — capacity, atmosphere, quality of facilities and revenue generation and marketing opportunities — the proposed stadium was the "optimal" venue for Victory.

Melbourne Storm rugby league club and the Melbourne Football Club already have signed up to be inaugural tenants, but Victory, flushed with its success this season (when crowds at Telstra Dome have averaged about 30,000), has stalled on putting pen to paper.

It is fielding what has been described as a "sweetheart deal" from Telstra Dome to sign a long-term agreement to play at the much larger Docklands stadium, to which it attracted 55,000 people for last season's grand final rout of Adelaide. Its chairman, Geoff Lord, so far has resisted State Government pressure to sign up.

Schwab believes that the logic behind moving to the larger venue is flawed and that the best interests of the game would be served by selling out a smaller, more intimate rectangular ground every week.

"It's not about being able to charge higher prices because demand will be so great. It's about being able to enhance even more the great experience for the fans that football matches provide. We hope that a resolution will be reached as a matter of urgency. We believe it's very important to have a rectangular stadium and that it's built for football," he said.

"The capacity of between 27,500 and 31,000 is perfect. We are dealing with a $250 million investment to give football a home in Australia's toughest sports market. The stadium design is optimal for the future viability of the A-League and football in this country.

"Football's unique selling point is the experience it gives the fan and the atmosphere in the ground. That's our major selling point against the other sports, and that's why a rectangular stadium is crucial.

"If the clubs persist in playing in front of large half-empty stadiums, the perception will be that demand is not as strong."

[Ice]

The head of Victory was on SEN earlier today and while he said they we're still negotiating with the government, the impression he gave was that they were leaning toward the TD deal as it was pretty much too good to pass up. Personally i don't want them at the new stadium and hope they take the Dome deal as i'd much prefer the 27,500 capacity.

I also hope when they find the TD is no longer economically viable due to their crowd numbers falling after their success dries up as it inevitably will, that when they come back with their tails between their legs wanting to be a part of the new stadium that the government tell them to go and get effed!

[Goat]

Lets just hope they agree to 27,000 quickly and before they sign an agreement with the Dome, that way at least we will still get what we are owned.....OUR NEW STADIUM.

Theo and more importantly Bracks would be so happy to pulled the money out building the stadium and especially since MOPT have now come out and said they want a new upgrade to the tennis centre.


Oh, another point on this is that talks are beginning with stakeholders re a multi story car park next to Vodaphone. They are early talks, but at least Parks Vic hasn't kicked the issue off the agenda like they have for the past year and a bit.

27000?  The Queensland Roar have a bigger stadium then that.  I think we have to face the reality and the stadium will be at least 31k.

[MENACING*STORM]

According to SEN & the MVFC Forum,  the Victory has agreed to sign to the new Stadium.
Capacity 33K!

[Goat]

According to SEN & the MVFC Forum,  the Victory has agreed to sign to the new Stadium.
Capacity 33K!

That's great news for the Storm, hopefully it means 33k seats and some standing room areas?  We should pack this bitch out every week.