Sydney 7s to move to Bankwest in 2020

Mon, Jun 3, 2019, 4:01 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
The Sydney 7s will move for the second time in three years with new state-of-the-art Bankwest Stadium to host the event in 2020.

Sydney 7s will move to Parramatta's Bankwest Stadium in 2020, keeping it in the city's west for another year.

The tournament will remain in Sydney for the next four years as part of a new World Series circuit deal and Parramatta will be its home next season.

Australia's teams have had a good history at the tournament with the men winning in 2018 and the women winning in 2018 and making the Cup final last year.

Allianz Stadium held the first three tournaments but with that stadium being redeveloped, the 2019 tournament was moved to Olympic Park.

This year's tournament was held at Spotless Stadium in the Olympic Park precinct but the option of a rectangular field like that at Bankwest, which opened in April, was considered a better alternative.

Sydney 7s will be held at Bankwest Stadium in 2020. Photo: Getty Images"It's a four-year deal to keep the event here (in Sydney) and we just think it's the perfect size, the perfect atmosphere," she said.

"Everyone that's been here and had an experience in the stadium talks about the closeness to the sideline of the fans and that's the opportunity for Sevens that particularly gives you that chance to really engage with the game."

"There's always a huge curiosity to come to a new stand and see what that experience is like but also we sold out last year so it's a really good result for us and we would expect it to be exactly the same here in Parramatta."

Injured Sevens player Tim Anstee is from the local area, born and raised in nearby suburb Baulkham Hills, and said he couldn't wait to run out at the new ground.

"I live just 20 minutes up the road so for the Sevens to be out here at Bankwest Stadium I think will be a pretty special experience," he said.

"Hopefully a lot of my friends and fmaily come out and the stadium looks pretty special so I'm really excited."

The 2020 Sydney 7s kicks off on Saturday February 1 and runs until Sunday February 2.

 

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