Festival of Rugby League announcement

23/11/2009 12:41:38 PM

The State Government of Victoria today announced the new rectangular stadium in the Olympic Park precinct will officially open with the ANZAC Day Test match between Australia and New Zealand on Friday, May 7, with the Storm’s first game there two days later against the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday, May 9.

This “Festival of Rugby League” is a magnificent way to open our world class stadium. The ANZAC Day Test match is a massive game between two of the heavy weights of international rugby league, and it will be magnificent to then lock horns with the Broncos, our traditional foes, two days later for our very first game at our new home.

The initial plan was to play matches at the new stadium in April against the Manly Sea Eagles and New Zealand Warriors. Whilst this will now not occur, I can assure all who become Melbourne Storm members that their membership will include 12 home games. In the next few weeks we will finalise details regarding these matches.

Further information on the 2010 membership program will be sent out by direct mail by December 18 to Members. This will include confirmation of the rescheduling of the 2010 season. I can assure you the membership packages for 2010 will be outstanding given the new home we are about to move into.

This is an exciting time for the Club, a new era as we move into what will be among the world’s stadiums. I’m sure you’ll agree this “Festival of Rugby League” is a magnificent way of kicking off what will be a long and successful future in our new home.

Brian Waldron,
Melbourne Storm CEO.

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Posted by: al, December 3 2009 10:24 PM

Well done! Melbourne Storm are awesome. This is going to be a wonderful experience to go to this new stadium.

Posted by: Jaded Jewl, December 2 2009 4:32 PM

I am glad the Test is to be followed by the Storm v Bronco's game. As a Storm supporter living in Brisbane (with a bronco's loving husband), we can actually plan our airfares etc in advance for this massive weekend (and not have to worry about school holiday increases etc. Why can't NRL do like AFL and advertise fixed dates so out of towners can really get behind their teams. This is why the AFL crowds are generally bigger. GO Storm.

Posted by: shannon reeves, November 30 2009 8:00 PM

yeah that is all good that we are getting a new stadium 4 maybe 3 years by the sound of it. going by the Brisbane paper are we going to be sold off 4 another Queensland team mr waldron. considering that we have won the comp 3 times why is my home state Victoria not getting more behind our awesome team the storm i will sadly miss if that is the case but at the moment we have 2 see in the future what happens the mean purple machines go the mighty storm in 2010 with the new graveyard hopefully back 2 back champions.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: arthur moussa, November 26 2009 8:06 PM

this is a great way to open up a stadium with a big bang

Posted by: Tutai, November 25 2009 7:11 AM

Yay the new stadium already looks mean I can't wait to see the boys play there. Awesome boys 2010 is our year the new recruits new stadium and some of the under 20's coming into the squad looks like another awesome year ahead. GO STORM!!!!!

Posted by: Susan Storm, November 24 2009 1:52 PM

So it sounds like they may change the fixture? I thought they'd just play the 3 home games at Etihad, but I'm sure Storm will work out what's best. Looking forward to May 7th, but especially May 9th!! :-)

Posted by: Man Mountain, November 24 2009 1:10 PM

I'm assuming that we'll be requesting Monday Night matches at Etihad against Manly and the Warriors (if they can't get permission for Sunday afternoon on ANZAC Day). What I'd also do is seek permission from the NRL to wear our old jersey until Rd 9 and wear the new jersey for the first time in our first game at our new stadium. We can market it as "New Ground, New Beginning"...

Posted by: Renee, November 24 2009 12:57 PM

yeah but the camps will probably be down here and that will be good for the Storm and Broncos players in the teams since they won't have to travel and it's more fittng that the first victim of the new graveyard is the Broncos given the rivalry between the clubs.

Posted by: Andrew, November 24 2009 12:42 PM

I know that there may be some conjecture about the storm playing the first few games away, but that happened in 2006 (with commonwealth games) and with the storm's outstanding away record for that season being was superb - 3 wins, 2 losses and a bye (technically 4 form 6). I think that that tough away start was the catylist for the outstanding hardness that we needed at the start of the season to propel ourselves into the final. And we went close to taking the premiership that year too. NRL isn't a soft game and a soft start to the season doesn't do anyone favours. Am sure Craig, Cam and the boys will rise to the occasion. Like I have done all this season. I have faith. You don't make it to 4 G.Fs in a row if you are not good enough. Storm Premiership in 2010 to top off our world class stadium - GO STORM!

Posted by: supastorm, November 24 2009 10:43 AM

yiiiipppeee...cannot wait till the grand opening! Brian Waldron.....on both try line could you please get it sprayed the grass with storm colours and a big writing...saying storm! I went to college football in the U.S. and the home team got their name written on it! and it looks awesome!

Posted by: Stormer, November 24 2009 12:45 AM

I am concerned that there will be a number of away games in succession which may unfairly tax our players at a time when the team is rebuilding from the many player changes/losses from the 2009 team. An alternative home venue such as Etiard Stadium may be worth considering for the start of the season to balance the home/away games.

Posted by: Mick, November 23 2009 5:44 PM

That's excellent news. I'm looking forward to using the new stadium. It's gonna be the new 'GRAVEYARD'!!!

Posted by: JASON FROM BORONIA, November 23 2009 4:49 PM

I would like to say that I hope to see a storm game at the new stadium. Go Storm in 2010!

Posted by: brucey, November 23 2009 3:36 PM

this is a great marketing concept. It's awesome that the official opening of the stadium coincides with an International Rugby League game...and then Storm vs. Broncos a few days later. League will take over Melbourne for a few days...awesome.

Posted by: James Matthews, November 23 2009 2:35 PM

I agree a great way to open the stadium and it's fitting it's a Test Match up first. However It's a shame we won't be playing all our home games at the new stadium though and I'm guessing that means a few games will be played at Etihad until the new graveyard is ready.

Posted by: Roy Potts, November 23 2009 1:52 PM

ridiculous, given the amount of players picked for Aust. and N.Z.then to back up two days later....go the storm.