The Bayside Council confirmed the re-opening of the iconic Barton Park, formerly known as St George Stadium after a long hiatus, in fantastic news for Australian football.
The precinct, located in Banksia in South Sydney, has been undergoing a mega $51.7 million upgrade that has transformed an old sporting field into a state-of-the art sporting and recreational facility which will be enjoyed by Bayside’s growing population.
The upgrade includes three new full-size natural turf soccer fields, a new state-of-the-art facility with a 450-seat spectator grandstand, two multi-use courts suitable for basketball, futsal and handball, four tennis courts, new amenities, improved road access and parking.
Last weekend, Barton Park had a Recreational Precinct Opening Day to celebrate its return and hosted two football matches including an exciting 2-1 St George FC vs Sydney Olympic clash in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition.
In April 2024, St George FC confirmed that Bayside Council has been granted licence 1 of the new Barton Park Sports Complex to the club. This licence includes fields 1 and 2, the newly named Frank Arok Grandstand and the canteen facilities.
After plenty of pitch and grandstand issues in the stadium, it forced multiple relocations from St George FC over the past two decades, however, it’s great to see this stability back in the NPL and the club who get to enjoy this fantastic facility for the future.
Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas emphasised the importance of this storied stadium re-opening for Australian football and to host official NPL matches again.
“The facility accommodates much more than that with numerous outside fields and recreational areas. Special acknowledgement to Bill Saravinovski and the team Bayside Council (NSW) and NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper who have worked on this project for a long time,” Tsatsimas mentioned on LinkedIn.
“The campaign for modern football facilities across all areas and regions continues.”
Always a great sign to see one of Australian football’s most historic venues re-open to hosting official league matches in its improved state.
Football NSW have a plan to continue renovating football grounds to improve the facilities standard across the state and this is one big announcement early on in the season.