Western Sydney Wanderers are heading back to Parramatta after confirming a long-term agreement with Bankwest Stadium from the 2019/20 Hyundai A-League season.
The Red and Black are due to christen the new ground against English giants Leeds United on 20 July and will play all 13 Hyundai A-League home matches at the venue next campaign.
Western Sydney will play FFA Cup (from the quarter-finals stage) and all future AFC Champions League fixtures at the stadium, while the Wanderers Westfield W-League side are also set to play matches at Wanderland next season.
?️ We're coming home… #WSW pic.twitter.com/6WQJsqsk8d
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) February 25, 2019
Featuring the steepest stands in the country, Bankwest Stadium also boasts Australia’s first safe-standing terrace.
Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer hailed the agreement as a game-changer for football fans and said no stone was left unturned for Wanderers members.
“This has been many years in the making and we are delighted to return to our home ground from next season,” Lederer told the club’s official website.
“We left no stone unturned to get the right deal for our members and fans and we are extremely thankful to the NSW Government for building this venue with football fans in mind.
REPORT: Elrich’s injury-time stunner as Wanderers hold Glory
WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch the Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE
Look who’s coming home in 2019! The @wswanderersfc have today agreed a deal to come back to Wanderland & play all their home games at #BankwestStadium from next season ? #WSW #ForTheFans pic.twitter.com/lzUREjWmo2
— Bankwest Stadium (@BankwestStadium) February 24, 2019
“Our discussions and work with the team from VenuesLive has been robust and we are very excited to be working together to bring the best match day experience to our members and fans – a return to Wanderland.”
Meanwhile, NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres the agreement a ‘match made in heaven’.
“This long-term commitment to a new, modern and fan friendly stadium, gives the Wanderers everything they need to become Australia’s premier football club,” said Ayres.
“Western Sydney Stadium is the biggest change to football in Australia since the Wanderers entered the A-League, they are a match made in football heaven.”
CEO of VenuesLive, Operator of Bankwest Stadium, Daryl Kerry, confirmed Wanderers members and supporters will get their first chance to see inside the stadium at Bankwest Stadium Community Open Day on Sunday 14 April.
“The Stadium team will be working closely with the club to create a fantastic game-day atmosphere and the best possible fan experience,” said Kerry.
“Bankwest Stadium is going to be a special place when the Wanderers play at home in front of their passionate fans.
“At the Open Day, the Wanderers faithful will be able to see for themselves how close to the pitch they will be. They will be able to sit in their seats and see where their team will run out on match days.”