Tigers' stadium switch gets 2500 more fans into game

The Wests Tigers' successful push for their round eight clash against the Panthers to be moved to Bankwest Stadium means an extra 2500 spectators will get through the gates.

Under the Australian Government's new crowd policy, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a 25% capacity allowance from July 1 for all sporting venues that usually seat a maximum capacity of 40,000 people.

The joint venture's move from Campbelltown Stadium to Bankwest Stadium, which holds a maximum of 30,000, will allow for 7500 people to attend.

Ticketed members are likely to be first to book their seats with corporate partners and sponsors also set to be given early access to the live experience.

"Being able to play our next home at Bankwest Stadium is a great result for our club because it allows over three times the number of loyal and passionate members the chance to watch us live for the first time this year," Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said on Wednesday.

"Our members have been tremendously supportive and patient throughout this time, and we're incredibly thankful for their ongoing commitment to this club.

"To be able to welcome many of them to a home game for the first time this season is a great result for all involved and we’re looking forward to having a vocal crowd cheering us on next Saturday."

The joint venture's venue switch is likely to begin several venue changes from travelling clubs over the coming weeks and leading into round eight.

As it stands, Canberra have confirmed their intentions to return to GIO Stadium from the start of July for home clashes against the Dragons and Storm.

Newcastle are also expected to play their round-nine clash with the Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium after that match was originally set for the Central Coast.

The Sea Eagles are also keen to return to their suburban home base Brookvale Oval for the rest of 2020, while Sharks are likely to stick with Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

St George Illawarra will likely alternate between the Kogarah venue and WIN Stadium, with the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs to confirm their local grounds.

Both clubs have the chance to return to ANZ Stadium (capped at 10,000 capacity) after plans to redevelop the Olympic venue fell through in May. 

The NRL is yet to confirm venues in the revamped draw from round 10 onwards.

It was announced earlier this week that the Storm were set to relocate to Sydney indefinitely following a recent COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne. 

The squad and coaching staff travelled to Sydney on Wednesday to prepare for their round-seven clash with the Warriors in Kogarah.

"It was bit of a shock on Monday knowing we had to pack up and leave, that's thrown a spanner in the works, we need to handle it best we can," Bellamy said.

"A lot of these players and staff are leaving family behind and unfortunately in our case here, there's not too many mums and dads or brothers and sisters for our players' partners to rely on for some help with them or kids.

"Hopefully [a short stay] but that's out of our control and out of the NRL's control."