Dragons and Trust reach agreement
Written by: Dragons media
17/03/2006
The Wollongong Sportsground Trust and the St George Illawarra Dragons today announced an extension to the Venue Hiring Agreement for WIN Stadium.

The Dragons and the Trust had formally only completed a one year agreement for 2006 due to a number of critical issues some of which include:
- the ongoing viability of the Illawarra Steelers
- the possibility of further development of WIN Stadium, in particular the Western Grandstand
- the determination of the full impact of the NSW Government's Poker Machine Tax on both St George and the Illawarra Steelers Licensed Clubs.

With the recent announcement of the significant financial commitment of WIN Corporation, the Dragons have now been able to confirm a longer term Venue Hire Agreement with the Wollongong Sportsground Trust.

In essence, the one year deal for 2006 was formulated so as to provide a sound commercial basis for the future, this agreement has now been extended for a further five years, with a commitment to play six or on average 50 per cent of the Dragons home games plus a NRL Trial at WIN Stadium each year.

The Wollongong Sportsground Trust and the Dragons were both very pleased to be able to communicate with Dragons supporters and the community generally about elite rugby league having a long-term future at WIN Stadium.

Chairman of the Wollongong Sportsground Trust Mr Chris Christodolou welcomed the confirmation of the extension of the agreement with the Dragons.

“I am really happy for Dragons fans and the people of Wollongong and the Illawarra generally,” said
Christodolou.

“I am very also pleased for the Wollongong Trust and the NSW Government as this outstanding community asset, WIN Stadium, can be confirmed as the long-term home of a national sporting icon … the mighty Dragons”.

Chief Executive Officer of the St George Illawarra Dragons Mr Peter Doust reinforced how the Dragons regional presence, at both Oki Jubilee and WIN Stadium was a very important business strategy of the Dragons.

“The commercial terms of this five year extension are sound however, the Trust and the Dragons have also agreed that it is imperative ongoing improvements to Corporate, Media and Player facilities occur over time,” said Doust.

“The Dragons need to continue to grow their revenue yield and keep pace with appropriate standards of facilities going forward”.