SATURDAY’S round seven NRL game in Tamworth might not be the last, if a partnership between the Wests Tigers and Wests Entertainment Group goes ahead.
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With preparations in full swing ahead of the sellout weekend match, Wests Entertainment Group CEO Rod Laing has revealed his hopes for a partnership between the two bodies to secure NRL games for future seasons in the city.
On Saturday, Scully Park will be filled with about 10,000 fans, officials and staff in the biggest event the venue has seen since it opened in 2015.
Mr Laing said months of planning had gone into the game, including ramped up security and additional food and beverage facilities to cater for the influx of footy fans.
He said there were hopes it could be the beginning of the venue’s relationship with the NRL club.
“There’s a lot of planning that has gone into it and that planning started late last year once that game was negotiated,” Mr Laing said.
“As far as the Tigers are concerned, it’s their home game and it’s their home ground for the day.
“What we hope to achieve through this weekend is the signing of a long term agreement between the Wests Entertainment Group and the Wests Tigers.
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“The Tigers will be looking at how we are coping with the operation and they want to ensure that Tamworth supports rugby league.
“The sellout of 10,000 people has obviously ticked that box, but the box we now need to tick is that we can handle those numbers.”
With the neighbouring Mercure Hotel booked out for two nights, and an influx of crowds set to venture into the West Tamworth League Club, Mr Laing said staff would be working until the eleventh hour to ensure the event ran smoothly.
Catering staff have been working around the clock on preparing the weekend’s footy food, including about 3000 pizzas to be sold on the day.
“It’s a large operation as far as staff and security staff are concerned and then there is also a large number of police officers that will be here in attendance,” he said.
“What it is about is patron safety.”
Mr Laing said the event would have a “real carnival atmosphere”, with competitive football on the field and some off-field action too, with kids face painting and a variety of food, both boutique and footy style, for the patrons.
Wests’ staff were also putting the finishing touches on the game field ahead of an NRL inspection on Thursday.
“We know we have a playing surface here that is equal to, or if not the best, than anywhere in NSW or Queensland, and that is what the players from the NRL and other codes are saying to us,” he said.
“They will be raving about that pitch after the game.”
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said the potential for future games in Tamworth would be discussed “when the time is right”.
“The region has embraced this weekend’s game and we can’t wait to see a sold out crowd cheering on both teams at Scully Park on Saturday,” he said.
“At this stage we’re working hard with Wests Leagues Club at putting on the best event possible, so no discussions have been held about future games, but I’m sure when the time’s right we’ll sit down.”
