The NSW Government has released designs for the new Penrith Stadium, which will expand capacity to 25,000.
BlueBet Stadium will be shuttered after the 2024 season to allow for refurbishment, with a reopening scheduled for the 2026 season.
The Panthers will play all of their home games in 2025 thirty minutes away at CommBank Stadium, the home of fierce rivals the Parramatta Eels.
Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher announced the stadium improvement during the club’s grand final celebrations at BlueBet Stadium the morning following their triumph over the Brisbane Broncos.
“We’ll spend the entire year playing at home at CommBank Stadium,” Fletcher told the SMH on Monday after the Panthers’ third title.
“Parramatta is the closest venue for our supporters. We get along well with Parra, so there will be no drama there.
“There were a few boos (from the audience) when it was announced this morning, but that’s our supporters, tribalism, and passion. Parra fans have the same opinion about us.”
The $309 million makeover will include a new western grandstand and additional food and beverage outlets to enhance the consumer experience.
Players’ facilities will also be enhanced, with four new changerooms to be created, which, according to a Panthers press statement, “will help grow representation in rugby league and other sporting codes”.
According to the statement, the restoration will “transform the precinct into a modern venue for sporting and entertainment”.
The training pitch next to the stadium will also be renovated to create a precinct suitable for community, sporting and entertainment activities.
Prue Car, Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, praised the community for their input in developing the stadium design.
“I’m thrilled to see the rebuilt Penrith Stadium come to life in these fascinating new designs.
“Thanks to community input, we are confident in delivering upgrades for fans while also giving value for money to NSW taxpayers.
“This is a much-needed update to a stadium that has long been popular with the dedicated Western Sydney community.
“I cannot wait to see the seats filled as fans come roaring in to enjoy Panthers’ games in the upgraded stadium.”
