Overview

• An independent review found up to 9% clay and fine silt in the drainage layer from improper testing, reducing drainage to about 40 mm per hour versus the 300–600 mm standard.
• The venue will close for 10 weeks after the Wallabies–Argentina Test on September 13 to replace the drainage layer and install new turf, with concerts resuming in December and sporting fixtures set for January.
• Premier Chris Minns said NSW taxpayers will not pay for the remediation, as the original builder is expected to meet all costs under the stadium’s warranty.
• Sydney FC’s men’s and women’s teams must relocate home games, and the stadium will be unavailable for NRL finals beyond week one and the planned Unite Round in late November.
• A spokesperson confirmed the total cost of repairs has not been finalised, creating uncertainty over the builder’s final liability and compensation for affected clubs and events.