Western Grandstand Development Update

30 January 2012

Earlier this month, Ministers Pearce and Annesley announced that the Roof Rectification Plan has been agreed to and the Ministers announced the Western Grandstand will be fully completed by early June 2012.

This will allow 6 Dragons home NRL games to be hosted at WIN Stadium in the second half of the 2012 NRL season, with the first game against the Bulldogs due to be played on the weekend of 15-17 June 2012.

The plan will necessitate the removal of all elements of the roof, remodelling of the structure and the erection of the amended structure and installation of new roof sheeting and then lights, speakers and gutters etc.

The other Fit-Out Works, which includes various elements (including the new IVA office, the Emergency Control Box, extension of the walk-way and catering concession fit-out) has been awarded with works commencing in January.

The Tender for the Southern Car Park, which will result in an additional 140 spaces being created at the southern end of the site, was also awarded in December and the contractor has commenced works on the area behind the Southern Grandstand.

Colliers International has commenced their marketing strategy of the leased areas.  The closing date for responses is 3 February 2012 with a hope that this strategy will provide responses to allow these 3 facilities to be open in mid 2012.

It is now expected that Harbour Street, between Burelli and Stewart Streets, will be closed for the remainder of the construction (expected to be until mid 2012).  There may well be some other disruption to local traffic whilst the Roof Rectification Plan is implemented with cranes around the site, but the construction parties will endeavour to keep this to a minimum and advise neighbours of any expected road changes.

Wollongong NRE Hawks add American Star Ayinde Ubaka

23 January 2012

The Wollongong NRE Hawks have signed exciting American Ayinde "Chewy" Ubaka for the remainder of the 2011/12 NBL season.

Ubaka arrived in Wollongong Sunday and will begin working out with his new team immediately, it is expected he will receive his clearance in time to take on his former team the Melbourne Tigers Friday night at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

"The last few days we've looked to see who we could bring in and join our team as quick as possible.  It makes the process a whole lot easier when there's someone available who's currently in the country.  Chewy's situation with the Tigers was unfortunate but we think his skill set will really compliment the group" Head Coach Gordie McLeod said.

"We have 11 games remaining in the season, now it's about everyone on our team playing to the level they're capable of playing at.  We'll start getting Chewy up to speed with things this week but it's going to take a consistent group effort to put ourselves in the best possible position to win games."

"I think our fans are going to really enjoy his style of play, he brings great enthusiasm and loves feeding off the energy of the crowd." McLeod added.

The Californian native was controversially axed from the Tigers just over a week ago with his NBL career left in limbo.  Ubaka led the Cairns Taipans all the way to the Grand Final decider last season and has shown he is a proven point guard in the competition.

"I'm really looking forward to just bringing my skills to the group, working with the guys to finish off our season the best we can." Ayinde Ubaka said.

"The Hawks and Gordie have given me a great opportunity and I can't wait to get out there and give it my all.  We've got a tough team here, better than what our record suggests."

The fans here in Wollongong are great, they're behind their team no matter what.  I'm excited to get on that court this Friday night in front of a loud home crowd.  We're going to be going out there as a team and working hard for our fans." Ubaka added.

The Hawks are coming off an impressive North Queensland road trip, defeating the Cairns Taipans 80-74 on Friday night then fought hard the following night only to be defeated by the Townsville Crocodiles on the buzzer 65-63.

Tickets for this Friday night's game against Ayinde Ubaka's former team the Melbourne Tigers are on sale via the WIN Entertainment Centre Ticketek Box Office, online at ticketek.com.au, Westfield's Figtree and Warrawong as well as at Hawks office at the Snakepit on 4229 7722.

Tickets start from $15 Children, $20 Adult or from a low $55 for a family of four.

For more information about Wollongong NRE Hawks visit www.hawks.com.au.

WEC Customers Go Paperless With Mobile Tickets for Hawks Games

19 January 2012

With the launch of mobile tickets, Ticketek customers can now browse, buy and receive tickets entirely on their smart phones.

Wollongong NRE Hawks fans will be the first in Wollongong to buy and receive tickets entirely on their smart phones for the upcoming clash against the Melbourne Tigers at WIN Entertainment Centre on Thursday 27 January 2012.

"This will be the first opportunity for the people of Wollongong to utilise mobile ticket delivery, and this cutting edge technology here at the WIN Entertainment Centre" said Stuart Barnes, General Manager Illawarra Venues Authority.

Australia's leading live entertainment ticketing company, Ticketek, recently announced the availability of mobile tickets, the latest development in its end-to-end mobile ticketing solution.

In an Australian first, customers are now able to purchase tickets and either send them all to their own mobile number or send them on to their friends' during the purchase process.  Each customer is conveniently able to receive their own ticket via SMS, eliminating the need for paper tickets to be mailed or picked up by customers at the box office or agency before the event.

Ticketek Australia's Managing Director, Cameron Hoy said, "Ticketek mobile tickets offer customers the ultimate convenience by letting them purchase tickets and receive them via SMS.  Our customers can now browse, buy and receive tickets on mobile; it is the most advanced end-to-end mobile ticketing solution in Australia."

The mobile ticket is barcoded and compatible with WIN Entertainment Centre's scanners.  "This is great for our customers who simply have to open the link embedded in their SMS and scan their mobile phones," said Mr Hoy.

"We continually look for ways to enhance our game night experience.  This is just another dimension to making it easier to get our fans to a Hawks game.  This is a fantastic initiative by Ticketek" said Mili Simic, General Manager Wollongong NRE Hawks.

Tickets to the Wollongong NRE Hawks v Melbourne Tigers event are available via this new innovative ticket delivery method via www.ticketek.com.au.

Tickets can also be purchased by calling 13 28 49, by visiting the WIN Entertainment Centre Box Office (Monday - Friday) or by visiting the concierge desk at Westfield Figtree and Westfield Warrawong Shopping Centres.

Remediation Work Starts on WIN Stadium

10 January 2012

Minister for Finance and Services and Minister for the Illawarra, Greg Pearce, and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, today announced remediation work had commenced on WIN Stadium's Western Grandstand redevelopment.

"Today marks the beginning of the remediation work following approval of a new design for the Western Grandstand," Mr Pearce said.

"The redesign has been finalised following a period of testing and independent party review, together with scrutiny by the Government's appointed expert Professor Trahair," he said.

"The first stage is the removal of the Western Grandstand's seating to allow the installation of temporary trestles to support the truss.

"Removal of the roof rafters and the first half of the roof truss are expected to occur by the end of the month.

"It is anticipated the grandstand will be fully operational by June 8 this year.

"It has been a trying period for everyone since the unforeseen circumstances of September caused a delay in finishing the project.

"I am grateful to all involved for their professionalism and for the patience of the Illawarra community," Mr Pearce said.

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley said with the remediation timetable now in place it provides certainty for the St George Illawarra Dragons regarding the 2012 NRL season.

"Rugby league fans and more particularly Dragons supporters will welcome the news work to rectify the western grandstand is finally underway," Mr Annesley said.

"I again thank Illawarra Steelers Chairman, Peter Newell and his Board for their understanding over the last few testing months and reaffirm the NSW Government's commitment to the Illawarra region.

"The project team have done an excellent job in arriving at a solution and the end result will be a facility the people of the Illawarra can be proud of," Mr Annesley said.

The Wiggles Big Birthday Tour at WIN Entertainment Centre

6 December 2011

The Aria Award winning Wiggles will return to WIN Entertainment Centre this Wednesday 7 December for two shows at 10am and 1pm.

The Wiggles will be celebrating their Big Birthday Tour in style this year, with a performance in the round which is set to be the Family Event of 2011.

4,000 ladies and jellybeans (wiggles for 'patrons') are expected to attend each show on Wednesday.

"Parents and carers are encouraged to plan their trip into the City tomorrow, and allow enough time to park, and get to the venue before the show starts," said Stuart Barnes, General Manager of the WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres.

Special Event Parking will be available in the Stewart Street East car park and Burelli Street East (former Dwyers site).  Multi storey car parks are also located in the Wollongong CBD at Stewart Street and Market Street.  For more event and transport information, visit www.wec.org.au.

"It's very important that you leave home in plenty of time to park, enter the venue and locate your seats, to avoid missing out on the start of the show" added Mr Barnes.

Great seats are still available for both shows, and tickets can be purchased via Ticketek online at www.ticketek.com.au or 13 28 49.  You can also purchase and collect tickets from the WIN Entertainment Centre Box Office from 9am.

An Entertainment Feast for the Festive Season at WIN Entertainment Centre

30 November 2011

WIN Entertainment Centre will commence the festive season with a jam packed entertainment programme, starting with 5 events in the first week of December.

Following on from the recent successful Kidzwish Christmas Party, a concert event held for thousands of special children, and Kidzwish Charity Ball, the WIN Entertainment Centre will host a range of performers from a vast genre of entertainment styles.

Rock 'n' roll, comedy, family entertainment, dance studio concerts, corporate Christmas parties and sport, all make up the outstanding offering leading into the Christmas and New Year break.

Stevie Nicks performs her 'In Your Dreams Tour' with special guests Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Brian McFadden on Monday 5 December - what a way to start the week!  Closely followed by The Wiggles Big Birthday Tour on Wednesday 7 December (two shows with 4,000 attending each show), the Spicks and Speck-tacular Finale on Thursday 8 December, and the NRE Christmas Dinner (800 guests for traditional Indian cuisine) on Saturday 10 December, the week concludes with our NRE Wollongong Hawks taking on Perth Wildcats on Sunday 11 December.

WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres General Maanger, Stuart Barnes, said "We are approaching one of our busiest periods in this year's event calendar, and I'm pleased that we can offer the community a wide range of choice of live entertainment in our regions premier sporting and entertainment facility".

"The various genres of sport and entertainment at the WEC over the next fortnight illustrates the wonderful capabilities of our multi-purpose venue.  It's brilliant to have such a contrasting mix of international touring acts, family entertainment, comedy and basketball."

"Following the successful Kidzwish events, we also have 4 dance studios holding their end of year concerts over this weekend, and we are pleased to be able to engage with all levels of the community, and provide students of the Illawarra the chance to grace the same stage as major international entertainers," Mr Barnes added.

The WIN Entertainment Centre has just recently announced a series of concerts for the first quarter of 2012, including Ronan Keating, Lenny Kravitz, Carl Barron and an additional Disney Live performance on Saturday 21 January.

Tickets for all shows at the WIN Entertainment Centre are still available via Ticketek.  Phone 13 28 49 or visit www.ticketek.com.au.

For more information, visit www.wec.org.au or phone the WIN Entertainment Centre on 02 4220 2800.

Minister Unveils Venues NSW

11 October 2011

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, today unveiled plans to create a new authority, Venues NSW.  The new authority will replace the Hunter Region Sporting Venues Authority, Illawarra Venues Authority and Parramatta Stadium Trust.

"The establishment of Venues NSW will effectively rationalise the current structures and set-up an authority to oversee existing and future NSW Government venues," Mr Annesley said.

Facilities to be part of Venues NSW include:

>  Parramatta Stadium
>  WIN Stadium
>  WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong
>  Ausgrid Stadium
>  Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showground; and
>  Other venues managed by the Hunter Region Sporting Venues Authority.

Mr Annesley said the change is designed to streamline the current operations of these important facilities.

"Venues NSW will maximise efficiencies and opportunities by taking advantage of economies of scale to make NSW even more competitive in attracting major events.

"There will be a continuation of local representation, with Local Venues Councils being established in the Hunter, Illawarra and Western Sydney Regions.

"Importantly, the Chair of each Local Venues Council will be a member of the Board, as local community involvement will be a key focus of Venues NSW.

"This will ensure local communities continue to have a voice in the running of their sporting and entertainment facilities, and that Venues NSW meets local needs.

"It makes good sense for these venues to be co-ordinated by one entity.

"This structure is already in place interstate and has proven to be very successful.

"Venues NSW will deliver better outcomes, and be well positioned to take advantage of new opportunities in sport and entertainment which is vital to local interests and the NSW economy," Mr Annesley said.

Steel Expert to Advise Grandstand Roof Works

30 September 2011

Emeritus Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney, Nicholas Trahair, has been engaged as an adviser for the remediation works to the roof of the Western Grandstand at WIN Stadium.

Professor Trahair, an internationally renowned authority on the behaviour and design of steel structures, will provide guidance on the two most important priorities: securing the safety of the grandstand in the immediate future; and ensuring the structure is safe and fit for the purpose of holding sports events.

Professor Trahair, who began work on the project today (30 September), will be supported by officers from NSW Public Works and work closely with the building contractor and the stadium's designer and structural engineer.

Cranes are likely to remain in place at the stadium over the long weekend.

The Illawarra Venues Authority has advised patrons visiting the WIN Entertainment Centre to watch MeatLoaf perform live in concert on Tuesday 4 October to take note of road closures in the area when planning their trip.

Update on the Western Grandstand at WIN Stadium, Wollongong

26 September 2011

The Illawarra Venues Authority said that rectification work on the damaged roof truss will continue this week.

Welding work on the truss was hampered over the weekend due to poor weather conditions.

Scaffolding was erected at the northern end of the roof today to improve access for workers.

Cranes continue to hold the load of the truss and are likely to stay in place for most of the week.

The builder continues to secure the perimeter of the site.  The Steelers Club remains closed until further notice as a precautionary measure.

The Terms of Reference for the independent investigation are being finalised and will be released later this week.

Further updates regarding the Western Grandstand will be provided as work progresses.

Update on the Western Grandstand at WIN Stadium, Wollongong

23 September 2011

The Illawarra Venues Authority said that rectification work on the damaged roof truss continued last night and today.

Cranes brought in by the builder to take the load off the roof are still in place and will remain in position over the weekend.

The cost of the cranes are expected to be met by the insurance that is in place for this project.

Welding operations to repair the roof truss have continued however further work over the weekend will be subject to weather conditions.

Until the connections are repaired and certification of the truss is provided, cranes will stay in place and the Steelers Club will remain closed.

Inspection of all repairs are being carried out by engineers, who continue to be on site.

The safety perimeter zone surrounding the stadium will also remain in place as stabilisation works are completed.

A project control group is meeting regularly to ensure works are completed in a safe manner.

The Terms of Reference for the independent investigation are currently being drafted and will be released when finalised.

Further updates regarding the Western Grandstand will be provided as work progresses.

Wollongong Monster Energy Super X to go ahead as planned

22 September 2011

Global Action Sports have confirmed their Monster Energy Super X event scheduled for Saturday 29 October at WIN Stadium will go ahead as planned despite the recent incident involving the roof of the Western Grandstand.

Managing Director of Global Action Sports, Michael Porra, said the premier supercross race will be completely unaffected by the incident given the planned build of the track and designated seating areas.

"Our full sized US track has been designed to cater for seating in the Northern Grandstand and on the Eastern Hill.  Seats in the Western Grandstand have never been on sale for our event so there will be no impact for fans.  I am delighted that the event will go ahead as planned, and with all of the top local racers competing in a talent packed field, you won't want to miss it."

The Monster Energy Super X will showcase the most insane live motorsport action in Australia as the best supercross riders in the country including local rider Jay Marmont, who recently made history by claiming his fourth straight national motorcross championship, race bar-to-bar on an international standard supercross track.

In a series first, this year the Monster Energy Super X will run four classes; Pro Open, Pro Lites, Under 19s and the Michelin Development Series (for riders aged 14 and 15).  There will also be more action than ever before with the introduction of Pit Bike racing, the Club Challenge and a Monster Energy FMX demo.

For further information and tickets, visit www.superx.com.au.

Update on the new Western Grandstand under construction at WIN Stadium, Wollongong

22 September 2011

The Illawarra Venues Authority said that rectification work on the wind damaged roof truss continued today.

The cranes brought in to take the load off the roof are still in place.

Welding operations to repair the roof support structures have commenced and will likely continue through the afternoon, depending on the weather.

Engineers will be inspecting the repairs as they are carried out.

The builder continues to secure the perimeter of the site and is not undertaking any additional works on site, other than the rectification and stabilisation works.

The Illawarra Venues Authority would like to commend the work being carried out by all concerned, particularly the cooperation between the authorities, builder and workers involved with this challenging process.

The media will be provided with further written updates regarding the Western Grandstand when more information becomes available.

Update on the new Western Grandstand under construction at WIN Stadium, Wollongong

21 September 2011

The Illawarra Venues Authority is today working with NSW Public Works, the WorkCover Authority of NSW, Police and the builder Lipman, as part of the emergency and follow up response to yesterday's strong wind damage to a roof support structure. 

The safety of the public and workers on the site remains the number one priority.  A safety perimeter zone has been established around immediate areas of the precinct while investigation and stabilisation works are undertaken.

The boudary extends from the WIN Stadium site to Harbour Street intersections at Stewart and Burelli Streets.  The safety perimeter zone is a precautionary measure to enable safe access and remedial works on the site.  The perimeter will be in place until further notice.

The Grandstand's structural engineer has been brought in to make an interim assessment of the situation.  Initial investigations indicate that a bolted connection at each end of the truss has failed.

The immediate work to enable remedial measures and further investigations includes:
>  Stabilisation of the truss structure
>  Investigation and analysis of the damaged areas
>  Determination of rectification works required
>  Certification of the Grandstand for use.

A further detailed and independant investigation will determine the cause(s) of the point of failure; any measures required to address any design, material or construction issues; and certification when the work is complete.

Due to the incident, and the subsequent investigation and remedial works, the Illawarra District Rugby Union Grand Finals on 24 September, and Football South Coast Grand Finals on 1 October, will be relocated to an alternative venue in the Illawarra.  Further details will be made available regarding the relocation of these events.

The media will be provided with further updates regarding WIN Stadium when information becomes available.

Name change for the managing organisation of the WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres

November 2009

In November 2009, the NSW Government enacted changes to the legislation governing the organisation that manages the WIN Sports and Entertainment Centres, on behalf of the NSW Government.

The previous legislation (the Wollongong Sportsground Act – 1986) was repealed and a new organisation (then the Illawarra Region Sporting Venues Authority) was established under the Sporting Venues Authorities Act 2008 - No 65.

The changes to the legislation have transferred the assets, rights, liabilities. entitlements and obligations of the former Trust to the new Authority.

Today Chairperson of the Authority Chris Christodoulou announced that the Government had agreed to simplify the Authority’s name to the Illawarra Venues Authority (IVA) 

“The name change is simple and better reflects who we are and what we do”, Mr Christodoulou said. 

“Our venues just don’t cater for sport but a whole range of events including entertainment, conferencing, dinners, exhibitions, and community events.” 

Noreen Hay Member for Wollongong said that she was happy with the name change because the Authority who owns and operates the Win Entertainment Centre and Win Stadium was there to ensure the facilities were used by many diverse groups. 

“The name Illawarra Venues Authority is much more appropriate. In the last month the Authority has had the Hawks NBL Final Series games, Tom Jones, the Dragons, Steelers Youth games, a South Coast Wolves game, a Centrelink Jobs Expo and a private dinner at their venues”, Ms Hay said. 

Apart from the name and legal changes, the IVA will continue the previous work of the Trust and ensure that its relationship with the venue management industry and the community will remain as close and active has it has, over the last decade. 

The Authority’s addresses, contact numbers, emails etc and the names of our venues (WIN Entertainment Centre and WIN Stadium) will remain unchanged, whilst we will also retain the trading name of the WIN Sports and Entertainment Centres.