The lights were officially switched on last Wednesday but the first public viewing was at Saturday’s GWS Giants vs Western Bulldogs game.
Compliant with Australian Football League and International Cricket Council requirements, the new system will have the functionality to support world-class light shows for concerts and music festivals, including the venue’s very own Sydney Royal Easter Show, while simultaneously enhancing patron match day experiences for home team’s the GWS Giants and Sydney Thunder. The goal of the upgrade will be to ensure Engie Stadium can remain competitive with some of the newer stadiums opened in recent years and to reduce its energy consumption.
“We are super excited about this upgrade and believe the investment in a state-of-the art lighting system is a great step forward for our business and the longevity of the stadium,” Sydney Showground General Manager Darryl Jeffrey said.
THE GWS Giants have been toppled by the Western Bulldogs who won the arm-wrestle by 27 points at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday.
The Bulldogs gradually edged ahead without quite putting the Giants away until a big finish, resulting in their 8.22 (70) to 6.7 (43) triumph.
Sam Darcy gave more than just glimpses of his budding talents even as heavy rain came down, the 208cm forward-ruck booting two goals while helping to stretch the Giants’ defence.
After winning their first five matches of the season, the Giants have now lost four of their past five to slump to a 6-4 record and are at real risk of ending round 10 out of the top eight.
Giants spearhead Jesse Hogan kept his side in the contest with three goals and seven marks in his milestone match, and skipper Toby Greene added three, but the Dogs ultimately had more options in attack.
The hosts shared the ball around their defence with Lachie Whitfield (31 disposals), Harry Himmelberg (30) and Nick Haynes (25) racking up the possessions, but moving it forward with their usual speed proved difficult against the Dogs’ full-field defence.
Tom Green (29 disposals, seven clearances) and Stephen Coniglio (22, five) battled hard in the Giants midfield but the Dogs’ ability to win the clearances 47-37, was a clearer indication of the game.
The Giants next take on the Geelong Cats from 4.35pm on Saturday in Geelong.
Stadium lights up after $4m boost
FANS were treated to a spectacular light show at Engie Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, with its new $4 million LED lighting upgrade to significantly elevate its offerings as a venue and simultaneously reduce its power consumption.
