Stadium expansion to depend on demand

The National Sports

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Oil Search National Football Stadium (NFS) has no commercial case to initiate an expansion at this stage, says general manager Lee Pokarop.
Pokarop made this statement in response to public feedback regarding the capacity of the stadium and its possible expansion.
“There are always plans to expand but we have to see it from a commercial perspective,” Pokarop said.
“If we are able to pack it regularly then there’s a commercial case for it, these things come to mind when we make decisions on that.
“These questions pop up every time there’s a big game.
“The cost of running and maintaining a stadium is quite expensive, the figures are there. The economics don’t warrant that at this time, that is why we have EMTV and TV Wan on board to prevent anyone from missing these games.”
Pokarop said NFS was a state asset and that a compelling case had to be made to convince the Government to spend money on such move.
There have feedback by fans on social media after the Digicel Cup grand finals over the past two season and the 2017 Rugby League World Cup held at NFS.
Rugby League International Federation Southern Hemisphere general manager Jeremy Edwards also said last week that stadiums in Australia and New Zealand were facing the same situation with many fans only attending one big game in a season.

One thought on “Stadium expansion to depend on demand”

  • It will only be fair if the National Government can consider building one such stadium as NFS in the Central Highlands so that international games can be held where majority of the population in the Highlands have a fair opportunity to watch. Specifically at the National Sports Institute in Goroka would be a good location. Our good rugby league followers up in the Highlands have been flying in and out of Air Niugini at a massive expense including accommodation and other associated cost just to watch such games and its totally not fair. may be the the spacing at NFS is sufficient enough but build a stadium in the highlands would be more appropriate.

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