Announcement of plans for a new Penrith stadium, the Panthers are expected to overtake…

The NSW Government has released the plans for the new Penrith Stadium, which will feature a major expansion that would raise capacity to 25,000.

Due to the construction, BlueBet Stadium will close at the conclusion of the 2024 season in order to undergo renovations and reopen in time for the 2026 campaign.

All of the Panthers’ home games in 2025 are scheduled to take place at CommBank Stadium, the home field of the fiercely competitive Parramatta Eels, thirty minutes away.

The announcement of the stadium renovation was made by Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher at the team’s grand final festivities at BlueBet Stadium the morning following the team’s triumph against the Brisbane Broncos.

“We’ll play at home at CommBank Stadium for the entire year,” Fletcher said to the SMH on Monday after the Panthers won their third championship.

“For our fans, the closest arena is Parramatta. There won’t be any difficulties there because Parra and I get along great.

“When it was announced this morning, there were a few jeers (in the audience), but that’s our fans—that’s tribalism and emotion. Fans of Parra feel the same way about us.

The $309 million renovation will improve the customer experience by adding more food and beverage outlets and building a new western grandstand.

Four new locker rooms will be constructed as part of the player facilities upgrade, which the Panthers said in a press statement “will help grow representation in rugby league and other sporting codes.”

According to the press announcement, the renovation would “make the precinct a contemporary sports and entertainment venue.”

To establish a precinct that can be utilized for communal, athletic, and entertainment activities, the training field adjacent to the stadium will also receive some renovations.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car, expressed gratitude to the community for their input on the stadium’s design.

“I am thrilled to see these innovative new concepts bring to life for the renovated Penrith Stadium.

We are certain that we are giving fans upgrades and giving the NSW government value for their money because of the community’s involvement.

“The enthusiastic people of Western Sydney have always appreciated the stadium, so this update is quite welcome.

“I can’t wait for the stadium to fill up with enthusiastic fans watching Panthers games in the newly renovated venue.”