Manly Warringah Sea Eagles celebrated the official opening of the new $32.5 million Bob Fulton Stand and Centre of Excellence at 4 Pines Park last night in spectacular fashion.
A ribbon cutting ceremony for the grandstand, named after Manly’s greatest ever player and rugby league Immortal, Bob Fulton, and the Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence was held at half-time of the NRL game against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
A fantastic pyro display lit up the Bob Fulton Stand following the ribbon cutting which was attended by the Hon. Stuart Ayres, MP Minister for Tourism and Sport, Jason Falinski MP (Federal Member for Mackellar), Sea Eagles Chairman Scott Penn, and the Fulton Family led by Bob’s wife Anne and children Scott, Brett and Kristie.
The NSW Government contributed $20 million towards the project through its Centres of Excellence Programs.
The Centre of Excellence provides an integrated world-class high-performance training, administration and community facility for the identification, development and fostering of rugby league talent on the northern beaches.
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said the opening of the Bob Fulton Grandstand and Centre of Excellence brings one of the most iconic grounds in rugby league into the 21st century.
“Love or hate the Sea Eagles, when rugby league is strong on the northern beaches, the game is strong,” Mr Ayres said.
“This new world-class high-performance facility will be the envy of sporting administrations around the world and ensure the Sea Eagles continue to challenge for NRL premierships.
“It’s fantastic to be able to officially open it during the Sea Eagles first NRL home game of the season with some of the most important people in the club’s history.”
Member for Wakehurst Brad Hazzard said the Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence would provide benefits across the entire community.
“Sport has a vital role in building community,” Mr Hazzard said.
“As Health Minister I saw the benefits of sport to the community during the pandemic.
“This facility is a win for the entire northern beaches community, not just rugby league.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said the opening of the Bob Fulton Grandstand and Centre of Excellence was fantastic news for everyone who loves rugby league on the Peninsula.
“The completion of the Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence means local juniors can now to be part of an elite program here on the northern beaches,” Mr Griffin said.
“No longer will they need to travel to fulfil their NRL dreams, with everything they need to make it to the top at their fingertips.”
Manly Sea Eagles Chairman Scott Penn said that the Club is extremely grateful to both the NSW and Federal Governments for their financial contribution to the Centre of Excellence and the Bob Fulton Stand project.
“We have worked extremely well together in delivering state of the art facilities, an elite training and playing field, and a magnificent grandstand providing great comfort and amenities for the community of northern Sydney to enjoy for many years to come,’’ Mr Penn said.
The NSW Government has contributed more than $110 million towards eight Centres of Excellence projects under the NRL Centres of Excellence Program and 2018 NSW Government Centres of Excellence Program.
All Centres of Excellence include dedicated female programs and facilities to improve pathways for women and girls in line with the NSW Government’s women in sport strategy, Her Sport Her Way.
Each Centre of Excellence also includes multi-purpose facilities, enabling sporting organisations to expand community programs and better engage with their communities.
