Around 500,000 punters passed through Sydney's largest stadium in recent weeks.
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Sydney’s Accor Stadium has dropped $1m to fully re-turf its field in a mad scramble to prepare for the NRL season after a slew of massive concerts in recent weeks.
As reported by The Daily Telegraph, recent stadium shows from Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Guns N’ Roses and Red Hot Chili Peppers have seen management and ground staff work tirelessly to ensure the playing surface is in “pristine condition” ahead of this Saturday’s NRL game between Manly and Souths.
It’s noted that around 500,000 punters passed through Sydney's largest stadium during an “unprecedented” run of shows.
“We have come through our major concert period in good shape and rolled out ready-to-play turf as we welcome back NRL footy,” Accor Stadium head curator Graeme Logan told The Daily Telegraph.
“It’s a couch-based surface that we will over-sow with winter rye to get us ready for the colder months.
“We’re good to go for Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles this Saturday night and a huge season of football ahead.”
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Ahead of Sheeran and Styles’ concerts last month, NSW Transport issued a warning to punters, urging them to “arrive early or expect delays”.
“The biggest concerts in six years will be staged at Accor Stadium across two massive weeks – the Ed Sheeran concerts will be on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 February, while the Harry Styles concerts will follow on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 March,” NSW Transport said.
“More than 85,000 fans are expected each night for Ed Sheeran, while 70,000 fans are expected each night for Harry Styles.”