PointsBet Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium that has been an integral part of the local community since it first opened in 1960.
Located in the suburb of Woolooware in New South Wales, it is notable for being one of only three professional stadiums in Australia that are owned and operated by the team that plays there. (A-League team Western United’s Wyndham City Stadium and the Redcliffe Dolphin’s Kayo Stadium are the others).
Home to the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks rugby league team, the stadium has an official seating capacity of 22,000. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and upgrades, making it a state-of-the-art facility capable of accommodating a range of rectangular field sporting events and activities. (That said, at the time of writing, its current capacity is 12,000, as it is undergoing further refurbishment to enhance its facilities).
In November 2015, an independent report by EY Sweeney for the NRL concluded that crowds at the PointsBet Stadium generated the competition’s best atmosphere. Its food and beverage offering was also ranked number one as well, while its pre- and half-time entertainment was voted in the top three. These are all factors that make the stadium such a special place to watch live sports.
In this article, as part of our series on Australian professional sports stadiums, we will review PointsBet Stadium in more detail. Examining its history, facilities, and other details, you’ll want to know should you ever decide to watch a match there.
About the Stadium
Purpose-built for NRL matches, PointsBet enjoys a stunning location on the shores of Woolooware Bay, which provides a picturesque backdrop for fans to enjoy while watching the game.
In 2006, the stadium underwent a major renovation, largely thanks to an A$9.6 million grant awarded to it by the Federal Government. At this time, it was upgraded to incorporate a new covered stand which was designed to seat more than 1,500 spectators at its southern end.
Current renovations are underway for the ET Stand, which is named after Andrew Ettingshausen, a club legend at Cronulla who also holds the record for most games representing them, as well as the Peter Burns Stand.
The stadium has a strong presence in the community, with the owners supporting a range of local initiatives and programs.
Naming Rights
Over the years, the stadium has been known variously by many different names.
Initially, it was called Endeavour Field before having its name changed to Ronson Field in 1985, in a move that was believed to have made it the first sports venue in Australia to secure a deal with a naming rights partner.
Since then, it has been variously called Caltex Field, Shark Park, Toyota Park, Toyota Stadium, Remondis Stadium and Southern Cross Group Stadium.
In 2019 it was changed again to the PointsBet Stadium, thanks to a secured four-year deal.
What Sports Are Played at PointsBet Stadium?
The primary sport played at PointsBet Stadium is rugby league.
It is the home ground of the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks NRL team, and most of their home games are played at the stadium throughout the NRL season.
The ground hosted several games of the Women’s Rugby League World Cup tournament in 2017, including semi-final matches.
What Other Sports Have Been Played There?
In addition to rugby league, the stadium has also hosted other sports events, including football, touch football, and OzTag.
Between 2001 and 2003, it was the home ground of the Sydney Olympic Sharks in the National Soccer League.
Other Events
As well as sports matches, the stadium has also previously been used for local cultural events and concerts.
Facilities
The stadium offers a good range of modern and convenient facilities for fans and visitors which are designed to provide spectators with as pleasant a match-day experience as possible.
Seating at the stadium incorporates a mix of covered and uncovered. There are also premium seating allocations as well, including corporate boxes and VIP lounges.
For those requiring accessibility facilities, the stadium has wheelchair-accessible seating options and amenities that make it inclusive and welcoming for fans with disabilities.
In addition, multiple food and beverage outlets are located throughout the stadium, offering various options to suit different tastes and preferences. There are also a number of function rooms available for hire, which are suitable for corporate events, weddings, and other special occasions.
If you want to stock up on Cronulla Shark’s merchandise, a store on-site stocks official merchandise for the NRL team. The stadium also has floodlights, a big-screen electronic scoreboard, and limited parking available.
How to get to the stadium
PointsBet Stadium is easily accessible from various parts of Sydney, so on game day, it is a straightforward destination to get to.
The best way is by public transport, with the nearest train station to the stadium being Woolooware Station, located on the T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line.
From there, the stadium is a short walk away, with clear signage to guide you. Additionally, several bus routes service the area, with stops located near the stadium.
If you intend to drive to the stadium, you must make your way to Captain Cook Drive. However, there is limited parking available on-site, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. That said, plenty of parking options are available in the surrounding streets and nearby shopping centres.
Should the thought of driving in and around Cronulla fill you with dread, you can always catch a taxi or Uber to the stadium.
Food Options
For those wanting a bite to eat or refreshments during the game, several options are available at PointsBet Stadium.
These include several kiosk outlets throughout the stadium, offering traditional stadium fares like burgers, hot dogs, chips, pizza slices, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and soft drinks.
Additionally, there are sometimes food trucks outside the stadium, offering fans a range of gourmet food options.
In addition to these, the stadium presents catering packages for corporate events and special occasions, with a range of menu options available to suit different tastes and preferences.
There are also several licensed bars throughout the venue selling a selection of alcoholic beverages to fans.
Unlike some other stadiums in Australia, PointsBet prides itself on good choices for those who have special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian and gluten-free options at select outlets.
Accommodation near the ground
There is a range of accommodation options available near PointsBet Stadium for those needing a place
to stay in order to attend a sporting event or special occasion at the venue.
If you fancy staying by the beach, then consider the Rydges Cronulla Beachside. It offers stunning ocean views, easy access to the sand, and other local amenities. Its rooms are also stylish and spacious.
Also near the sand, the Quest Cronulla Beach is a luxury apartment which provides you with all the comforts of home and is just a short drive or train ride from the stadium.
If you would prefer to stay somewhere other than Cronulla, the Caringbah Hotel is a trendy pub hotel that presents affordable accommodation options and easy access to the stadium by public transport.
Similarly, in Miranda, the Metro Hotel Miranda has comfortable rooms and convenient access to shopping and dining options.
These are just a handful of the many accommodation options available in Cronulla and the neighbouring suburbs. Wherever you choose to base yourself, you should find several options for hotels, motels, serviced apartments and holiday rentals to suit all budgets and preferences.
Good pubs to visit
For those wanting to enjoy a drink before or after the match, there are plenty of pubs you can head to in the local area.
One venue which is very popular among sports fans is Northies. Located in Cronulla, just a short drive or train ride from the stadium, this popular pub always has a cracking atmosphere. It also offers a range of food and drink options, as well as live music and entertainment on weekends.
The Caringbah Hotel in nearby Caringbah is another good option, just a short distance from the stadium. An institution in town, it always shows plenty of sport on big screen TVs and has a great selection of food, beer and wine available.
Over in Miranda, the Miranda Hotel also attracts many sports fans. It is a modern pub that offers a range of food and drink options, as well as a beer garden, pool tables and live music and entertainment on weekends.
You might also want to visit the Royal Hotel in Sutherland too. It is a historic pub not too far driving distance away from the stadium, which is known to be a regular hangout for Cronulla Sharks fans.
Quick Stats
Address: 461 Captain Cook Dr, Woolooware NSW 2230
Capacity: 22,000
Opened: 1960
Construction Cost: Not Recorded
Field size: Not Recorded
Record attendance: 22,302 – Sharks vs St George Illawarra, 2004