Western Sydney Wanderers FC today announced a long-term agreement with Bankwest Stadium as its new home from the 2019/20 season.
A return to Wanderland is now set, with the club already locked in to play Leeds United at the stadium on 20 July this year, the Wanderers will play all 13 home matches at Bankwest Stadium in the 2019/20 season.
The agreement will see the Wanderers play all home matches in the Hyundai A-League, FFA Cup (from the quarter-finals stage) and future AFC Champions League games at their new home ground in the heart of Parramatta. While the Wanderers Westfield W-League team will also play matches at the venue from next season.
Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer said the agreement is a gamechanger for the Wanderers.
“This has been many years in the making and we are delighted to return to our home ground from next season,” said Mr Lederer.
“We left no stone unturned to get the right deal for our members and fans and we are extremely thankful to the NSW Government for building this venue with football fans in mind.”
Bankwest Stadium features the steepest stands in the country, Australia’s first safe-standing terrace and a world-class setting in Parramatta.
“Our discussions and work with the team from VenuesLive has been robust and we are very excited to be working together to bring the best match day experience to our members and fans – a return to Wanderland,” continued Mr Lederer.
NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the combination of the Wanderers and Western Sydney Stadium was a ‘match made in heaven’.
“This long-term commitment to a new, modern and fan friendly stadium, gives the Wanderers everything they need to become Australia’s premier football club,” said Minister Ayres.
“Western Sydney Stadium is the biggest change to football in Australia since the Wanderers entered the A-League, they are a match made in football heaven.”
CEO of VenuesLive, Operator of Bankwest Stadium, Daryl Kerry, said the Western Sydney Wanderers were entering an exciting new era as a foundation tenant at a magnificent new stadium that will take fans closer to the action than ever before.
“The Stadium team will be working closely with the club to create a fantastic game-day atmosphere and the best possible fan experience. Bankwest Stadium is going to be a special place when the Wanderers play at home in front of their passionate fans,” said Mr Kerry.
Mr Kerry said Wanderers Members and supporters will get their first chance to see inside the Stadium at the Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day on Sunday 14 April. Tickets for that event are free and available via Ticketek from 1pm Wednesday 27 February.
“At the Open Day, the Wanderers faithful will be able to see for themselves how close to the pitch they will be. They will be able to sit in their seats and see where their team will run out on match days,” finished Mr Kerry.
