The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles today celebrated the official opening of their new $32.5 million Northern Grandstand and Centre of Excellence and at Brookvale Oval.
The grandstand, named after Manly’s greatest ever player and rugby league Immortal, Bob Fulton and Centre of Excellence was officially opened at half time in the Sea Eagles first home NRL game of the 2022 season against the Bulldogs by the Fulton family.
The NSW Government contributed $20 million towards the project through its Centres of Excellence Programs.
The Centre of Excellence provides an integrated world-class high-performance training, administration and community facility for the identification, development and fostering of rugby league talent on the northern beaches.
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said the opening of the Bob Fulton Grandstand and Centre of Excellence brings one of the most iconic grounds in rugby league into the 21st century.
“When rugby league is strong on the northern beaches, the game is strong,” Mr Ayres said.
“This new world-class high-performance facility will be the envy of sporting administrations around the world and ensure the Sea Eagles continue to challenge for NRL premierships.
“It’s fantastic to be able to officially open it during the Sea Eagles first NRL home game of the season with some of the most important people in the club’s history.”
Member for Wakehurst Brad Hazzard said the Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence would provide benefits across the entire community.
“As a lifelong Sea Eagles supporter, it is fantastic to finally have 21st Century facilities for our home games at 4 Pines Park,” Mr Hazzard said.
“And as a local MP and uncle of youngsters who love playing some of their biggest games at Brookie, I am delighted locals will also be able to share in the ever improving facilities.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said the opening of the Bob Fulton Grandstand and Centre of Excellence was fantastic news for everyone who loves rugby league on the Peninsula.
“The completion of the Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence means local juniors can now to be part of an elite program here on the northern beaches,” Mr Griffin said.
“No longer will they need to travel to fulfil their NRL dreams, with everything they need to make it to the top at their fingertips.”
Manly Sea Eagles Chairman Scott Penn said the Club is extremely grateful to both the NSW and Federal Governments for their financial contribution to the Centre of Excellence and the Bob Fulton Stand project.
“We have worked extremely well together in delivering state of the art facilities, an elite training and playing field, and a magnificent grandstand providing great comfort and amenities for the community of northern Sydney to enjoy for many years to come,’’ Mr Penn said.
The NSW Government has contributed more than $110 million towards eight Centres of Excellence projects under the NRL Centres of Excellence Program and 2018 NSW Government Centres of Excellence Program.
All Centres of Excellence include dedicated female programs and facilities to improve pathways for women and girls in line with the NSW Government’s women in sport strategy, Her Sport Her Way.
Each Centre of Excellence also includes multi-purpose facilities, enabling sporting organisations to expand community programs and better engage with their communities.