The Daily Telegraph - Copyright 2002 News Ltd
April 24, 2003
THE St George Illawarra Dragons are racing the clock to complete a $2 million upgrade of famous Kogarah Jubilee Oval -- with just 10 days until their historic return to their old stamping ground.
The big Easter wet has hindered construction work at Kogarah. But Dragons officials last night were confident the famous ground would be in order for the showdown with southern Sydney rivals Cronulla on May 4.
"We have had our moments with the rain," admitted club chief executive Peter Doust.
"But our builders have been there every working moment. We are still on target."
Dragons players and officials say the surface of the revamped Kogarah is superb. Doust said the $2million outlay had brought Kogarah Jubilee Oval to life.
The improvements include:
- Increased amenities, including toilets and food and beverage facilities;
- The installation of 600 new concourse seats on both sides of the main grandstand;
- New media, coaches and video referee boxes;
- Updating the ground's turnstiles;
- Better access for the game's two television broadcasters.
"These improvements will enable Jubilee Oval to be recognised as a community asset," Doust said.
The St George Illawarra boss added that the Southern Districts rugby union team would play two matches at Jubilee later this season against Randwick and Sydney University.
The ground, which now holds 17,000, will continue to be upgraded.
All reserve seating for the Cronulla match has been sold but outer tickets are still available.
The move back to Kogarah is a major step for the Dragons and comes after intense pressure from the club's vocal supporter base.