ACT government wants Brumbies to thrive in Canberra despite links to ANZ Stadium move


The ACT government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Brumbies, Chief Minister Andrew Barr declaring he wants the Super Rugby club to thrive in the capital despite reports linking them to a move to ANZ Stadium.

The Brumbies and government are negotiating a new deal for the use of Canberra Stadium with the current contract set to expire at the end of the year.

Speculation in Sydney said the Brumbies were considering a deal with ANZ Stadium to move home games to western Sydney after the NSW Waratahs agreed to move all their games to the city.

The government has put on hold plans for a new $300 million stadium with a roof in Civic as it foots the bill for the Mr Fluffy asbestos clean-up, forcing the Brumbies and Raiders to use Canberra Stadium as a base beyond 2020.

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It has opened the door for ANZ Stadium to swoop if it offers significant financial compensation for the Brumbies to shift a home game.

But Barr was shocked when told by the suggestion of the move, despite the government's deal with the Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL team to play three premiership games in Canberra each year.

"The idea was news to the government and we understand it was news to the Brumbies too," Barr said.

"We want to see a thriving Brumbies side winning games in front of lively, sellout home crowds."

Under the agreement between the Brumbies, the government and Canberra Stadium all eight Super Rugby home matches must be played in the capital. The Raiders have a similar deal.

But the Brumbies took a financial hit on some low crowd-drawing fixtures against South Africa and New Zealand, which actually cost the Brumbies money.

The Brumbies have distanced themselves from the mooted move, instead focusing on revamping the match-day experience for fans at Canberra Stadium.

The ageing venue will need constant work to keep it up to industry standard, and some of its limits have prevented the Brumbies and Raiders from organising greater fan engagement.

The Brumbies are keen to introduce Wi-Fi access for fans to create better interaction at the venue and it is understood they are keen to bring in their own caterers for Super Rugby matches.

The government initially hoped a new venue in Civic would be built by 2020. But the cost of the Mr Fluffy clean-up has delayed that until closer to 2025 at the earliest.

It is understood the Brumbies have not considered a move interstate, but they are working to take a game to China in the coming seasons after signing a sponsorship deal with Hong Kong-based company Aquis.

Canberra Stadium enjoyed bumper crowds for seven Asian Cup games in the capital in January, with more than 80,000 fans walking through the gates.

The Brumbies have also invested more in a match-day experience, using fireworks at a regular season game for the first time in the opening round win against the Queensland Reds, and securing a liquor licence for a pop-up bar next to the AIS Arena to create a "festival atmosphere".

The Brumbies are keen to introduce Wi-Fi access for fans to create better interaction at the venue and it is understood they are keen to bring in their own caterers for Super Rugby matches.

Prawn sangas for the local bourgeois?

Why the fuck do stadiums need the WIFI? You're there to watch a sporting match. Not to sit on your phone like a 16 year old girl on Tumblr.

Why the fuck do stadiums need the WIFI? You're there to watch a sporting match. Not to sit on your phone like a 16 year old girl on Tumblr.

The only actual reason it's introduced is to help people gamble. Giving people internet access is secondary.