Sports play a significant role in Australia’s culture, and its stadiums are a huge contributing factor. They host everything from international events and local teams, helping to shape the country’s overall sporting identity.
This article is part of a series that is exploring sports stadiums in Australia. In it, we will focus on BlueBet Stadium in Penrith, New South Wales, examining its history, facilities, and the overall experience it offers sports fans.
Formerly known as Panthers Stadium, the venue is home to the Penrith Panthers NRL team. If you’re a supporter of theirs or just a sports enthusiast in general, you should be interested in our review of it.
About the Stadium
BlueBet Stadium, previously known as Panthers Stadium, is a popular sports venue situated on Mulgoa Road within the New South Wales city of Penrith.
An essential part of the local community, it serves as the home ground of the NRL team Penrith Panthers. Its capacity maxes out at 22,500, accommodating 8,000 of those seats in two grandstands, it also has hills at both ends. From those spectating, the stadium offers excellent views of the match as you are very close to the action.
Over the years, BlueBet Stadium has undergone several name changes, including Centrebet Stadium, Sportingbet Stadium, Penrith Stadium, Credit Union Australia Stadium and Pepper Stadium. In 2018, it was renamed Panthers Stadium, and from March 2021, it became commercially known as BlueBet Stadium, with the name set to remain for at least two years.
The stadium underwent a major redevelopment in 2006, with the primary grandstand receiving significant improvements. Another major refurbishment was mooted in 2022. However, Covid-19 put that on the back burner. Currently, plans are still in the pipeline, although the details have yet to be finalised.
What Sports Are Played at CommBank Stadium?
BlueBet Stadium is primarily a rugby league stadium and is the home ground of the Penrith Panthers NRL team. The stadium hosts all of the Panthers’ home games throughout the NRL season, as well as other rugby league matches, including international matches and state-based competitions. This includes test matches and world cup games.
In addition to rugby league, BlueBet Stadium has also hosted football matches in recent years, with the Matildas and Western Sydney Wanderers playing home games here.
Other Events
While Bluebet Stadium is predominantly a sports stadium, it has held concerts, festivals and other cultural events over the course of its history.
The most famous concert was probably Midnight Oil in 1983 – but sadly, for the wrong reasons. The 18,000 crowds that night caused significant damage to the playing area and left many broken bottles on the field.
Facilities
BlueBet Stadium offers a range of facilities for visitors, ensuring that they have a comfortable and enjoyable experience while attending matches on the ground. Some of the key facilities there include a mix of covered and uncovered seating options.
For those with disabilities, the stadium offers accessible seating and facilities, as well as dedicated parking areas and assistance from staff if needed. There are also baby change facilities available for parents with young children.
The stadium is equipped with bright floodlights and a large video screen scoreboard. It also has several food and beverage outlets, as well as a first aid/medical centre and a number of function rooms and event spaces, which can be hired for private events, corporate functions, or other special occasions.
How to get to the stadium
There are several ways to get to BlueBet Stadium in Penrith, depending on where you are coming from and your preferred mode of transportation.
If you are driving, the stadium is easily accessible from both the M4 and M7 motorways, with good parking options available in and near the ground.
If you prefer to use public transportation, there are several options available. The nearest train station is Penrith Station, which is located about 3 kilometres from the stadium. From there, you can catch a bus or taxi to the ground, or you can walk if you don’t mind a bit of exercise.
There are also several bus routes that service the stadium, including the 794 and 795 routes, which run between Penrith Station and the stadium on game days. You can also catch the 782 or 783 routes, which link St. Marys Station to the stadium.
Lots of taxis service the area, and Uber’s are widely available. You could also choose to ride a bike or take an electronic scooter if you can find one.
Food Options
BlueBet Stadium offers a variety of food options for visitors, ranging from classic stadium fare to more gourmet options.
There are several food stalls and vendors located throughout the stadium, many of which offer a selection of traditional options like hot dogs, burgers, pies, and chips. For those looking for healthier
choices, there are also salads, sandwiches, and wraps available too.
In addition, there are several outlets serving coffee, tea, and other hot beverages, as well as ice cream, soft drinks, and other cold beverages.
For those looking for a more substantial meal, there are a handful of restaurants located near the stadium, including the Panthers Penrith Leagues Club, which features several eateries that present a variety of cuisines, from Asian to Italian.
Not far away, the nearby Westfield Penrith shopping centre also has plenty of dining options, including fast food outlets, cafes, and restaurants.
Accommodation near the ground
There are several good places to stay near BlueBet Stadium in Penrith for those who need overnight accommodation on the day of the match or on either side of it.
Offering comfortable accommodation and convenient access to the stadium and surrounding attractions, the Mercure Penrith is a very popular option. It is located just a few minutes walk from the stadium and offers comfortable and modern rooms in which to stay at. It also has a convenient on-site restaurant to get a bite to eat and a fitness centre for those who want to work out.
Another nearby option is the Penrith Valley Inn, which is a budget-friendly hotel that features spacious rooms. It also has a lovely swimming pool and free parking for guests to enjoy.
For those looking for a more luxurious experience, the Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley is a wonderful choice. It offers beautiful grounds, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and spa facilities, in addition to its comfortable accommodation.
Other options include the Ingenia Holidays Nepean River, which provides self-contained cabins and villas for those who want to make a weekend of their visit to Penrith. The Astina Serviced Apartments Parkside is another stylish choice that has fully equipped apartments with balconies that overlook a beautiful park.
Good pubs to visit
There are several good pubs to visit on match day near the BlueBet Stadium that offer a great atmosphere, cold drinks, and tasty food.
One popular option is the Panthers Penrith Leagues Club, which is located right next to the stadium and features several bars and restaurants, as well as gaming facilities and live entertainment. Here you’ll also be able to mingle with plenty of other sports fans and watch live matches on the big screen TVs.
Another nearby option is the Red Cow Inn, which is a traditional Australian pub that serves up classic pub fare and a range of beers on tap. However, for those who want a more upscale experience, the Mr Watkins bar and eatery is a terrific option. It is characterised by its chic decor, creative cocktails, and modern Australian cuisine, which is beautifully plated and served to you quite quickly.
The Union Hotel is another popular choice, presenting friendly staff, live music and an outdoor beer garden, while the Colonial Hotel in nearby Werrington is also a fabulous spot to catch up with friends over a pint and some tasty pub grub.
Whether you’re looking for a casual drink or a full meal, these venues, as well as several others in the area, are lovely places to visit.
Quick Stats
Address: Mulgoa Road (cnr Ransley St), Penrith, New South Wales, 2750
Capacity: 22,500
Opened: 1967
Field size: 130 m × 68 m
Record attendance: 22,582 – Penrith vs Parramatta, 2010