Image: Images: Speakers Aus / ImDB
Venues NSW – who are responsible for overseeing and operating the major stadiums across the state – has announced the appointment of Yvonne Sampson and Ian Roberts to the new-look board of directors.
Ian Roberts and Yvonne Sampson appointed to Venues NSW board
Ian Roberts is a former professional rugby league footballer and a notable advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Roberts has played 213 in the National Rugby League as well as representing New South Wales and Australia. He made history as the first Aussie rugby player to come out as an openly gay man, and to this day is a leading voice in Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community. Roberts was also the director of the LGBTQIA+ history and museum and community centre, Qtopia.
Yvonne Sampson is best known for her 20+ years of experience as a rugby league presenter, being an iconic face on both Fox and channel 9. She also has plenty of administrative experience, being on the board of both Harness Racing NSW and the Ricky Stuart Foundation.
State minister for sport Steve Kamper has voiced his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating it marks a new era for the sport and entertainment landscape in New South Wales.
“Venues NSW is entering an exciting period,” said Kamper in a statement delivered to City Hub.
“Having successfully lifted the concert cap and incorporated CommBank and Accor Stadium into operation, we must now focus on getting maximum utilisation out of our venues network, he said. “I look forward to working with the entire board and Venues NSW team on how we can boost our sporting and entertainment offerings.”
Ian Roberts already has agenda for direction for NSW stadiums
Ian Roberts already has an agenda for the direction that he wants to go in, telling the Sydney Morning Herald that the stadiums can be used for purposes beyond sports and concerts, “There’s a whole load of other potential stuff, so many other possible solutions for utilising those spaces, outside just sport,” he said. “I think there is potential for a lot more community activities.”
For Roberts and Sampson, the key priority of Venues NSW for the near future is securing a long-term deal for the NRL grand final to remain in the Harbour City.
For Venues NSW, Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park is the venue that causes the most headaches — particularly over how it should be utilised.
As the largest venue in the state and second largest in the country, Accor Stadium is the first choice for the largest events coming into Sydney. Outside of the regular sporting fixtures such as the State of Origin, NRL Grand Final and the Bledisloe Cup, Accor stadium has hosted some of the biggest names in music such as Taylor Swift, the Weeknd and just recently Coldplay.
Major concerns over NSW’s stadiums
Following the four consecutive Coldplay concerts held over the weekend, employees working amongst the stadium’s facilities have expressed their concerns over the stadium’s ability to maintain a high standard of hospitality on a consistent basis.
Following larger events such as concerts, it is reported that stock tends to out quickly, especially with alcoholic beverages and usually takes a couple of days for the stadium to return to full stock.
In response to such an issue, questions should also be raised about the kind of events that are being held there week to week. Other than concerts and larger sporting events that sell out the stadium.
Accor hosts many regular NRL matches, and some AFL matches that usually see a sixth of the tickets being sold. Events such as these should be considered redundant and moved to smaller venues that better accommodate that specific crowd as well as create a better atmosphere for the fans.
These are just some of the issues that need to be at the forefront for Roberts and Sampson when addressing the needs of Sydney’s stadium as well as the stadiums in both Newcastle and Wollongong. We are looking forward to seeing what first steps Venues NSW will take with their new-look board.
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