Southern Stand opens at nib Stadium

• New nib Stadium stand completed and opening this weekend
• Patrons to watch rectangular sports in greater comfort

The new Southern Stand at nib Stadium has been completed.

Construction of the new permanent stand at the home of rectangular sport in Western Australia was finished ahead of schedule and be fully open for this weekend's Perth Glory Match.

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said the opening of the Southern Stand was another milestone in the first stage of the stadium redevelopment, due for completion in March 2013.

"I'm delighted that this part of the project has run ahead of schedule and it's a credit to the team at the Department of Sport and Recreation, Building Management and Works, BGC Construction and their employees," Mr Waldron said.

"Fans of soccer and rugby in Perth will now be closer to the action as well as feeling more comfortable while watching their favourite teams."

The Minister said stadium capacity would now exceed 11,000.

"The new stand offers greater spectator comfort with better viewing and some of the best sightlines for rectangular sports in Australia.  These will be on a par with Melbourne's Etihad Stadium," he said.

The Southern Stand is part of many upgrades to the facility which includes the new Eastern Stand; heritage works at Gate 1; two big video screens (110sqm each); the installation of CCTV; new corporate amenities; lighting; and a complete pitch replacement.

      Fact File

• Capacity of the stadium at the completion of the project will be about 20,500

• The covered Eastern Stand is due for completion in March 2013

• A new playing pitch will be installed about mid-2013 after the Western Force season

Minister's office - 6552 6100