Wagga Wagga ready for Raiders' return in 2021

The footy might be off, but Wagga Wagga City Council is pushing ahead with new improvements at the Exhibition Centre and McDonald’s Park.

The major upgrade at McDonald’s Park and surrounds, including a new exit on to Kooringal Road, increased seating capacity and an increase in the size of the southern hill, continue to progress towards a mid-April finish.

Council Strategic Asset Planner Ben Creighton said many of the improvements had already been completed with the remaining works still on target which was set for the Raiders and Newcastle round 6 NRL game in Wagga on 18 April.

Mr Creighton said the decision last week to cancel the Wagga game had no effect on the upgrade schedule.

“We’re going full steam ahead with the improvements at this stage,”  Mr Creighton said.

As a result of the improvements, McDonald’s Park will have a 1450 increase in fixed seating capacity, taking the total number of seats to 2300 - an overall venue capacity of 12,000 and improved pedestrian and traffic infrastructure.

Mr Creighton paid tribute to the great work and ongoing partnership with Wagga Rugby League.

“This partnership continues to deliver significant improvements at the venue which would not be possible otherwise, and is a key reason Council can continue to attract elite level content to McDonald’s Park,” said.

President of Wagga Rugby League Mr Warren Barclay said he was extremely pleased with the works that have been completed and believes they will provide a massive benefit to the community into the future.

“Wagga Rugby League and Council has a strong relationship which has allowed the development of McDonald’s Park into one of the best multi-purpose facilities in Country NSW,” Mr Barclay said.

Mr Creighton said confirmation the Raiders would be back in Wagga next year for an NRL game is a great outcome under the current circumstances and demonstrates the solid partnership that Council has with the Canberra Raiders and NRL.