Wollongong Showground - Future

Future

Following the announcement of the $28.9mil western stand redevelopment, it would seem that WIN Stadium will remain as the region's major sporting facility. However, the likelihood of Wollongong being part of a potential Australian World Cup bid is now unlikely. FIFA have strict requirements for World Cup Stadia, including the need for a minimum of 45,000 seats. It would be almost impossible to upgrade WIN Stadium to these requirements as there is very little room to expand and it is unlikely that a stand would be allowed to be built on the eastern side of the ground, where the eastern hill forms part of a coastal sand dune. Also, as further commercial and apartment developments occur in the eastern and southern city areas, parking will become an even bigger issue. WIN Stadium is practically fully reliant on street parking.

Many critics of the stadium claim that the Illawarra region would be better served by moving the stadium from the current site and building a new stadium in a better location. Kembla Grange, J.J. Kelly Park, Thomas Dalton Park and Shellharbour City Stadium in Albion Park are often suggested as alternative sites for a major sporting precinct.