The first Group Ten Rugby League local derby in May next year is expected to be the first time the new grandstand seating at Wade Park gets its first big test.
Local community leaders were on-hand today to inspect the new seats which have been installed courtesy of a $100,000 grant from the Australian government under the Community Development Grant's program.
Orange Mayor Cr Reg Kidd has welcomed the installation of 698 new grandstand seats.
VIEWPOINT: Mayor Reg Kidd, Cr Jason Hamling and Member for Calare Andrew Gee check the view of Wade park from the new grandstand seating. (Click to see larger image.)
"It's amazing how much the new seats give the old grandstand a major lift. Alongside the installation of new seats, the Council has taken up the opportunity of installing some new hand-rails and having some painting done as well."
"The modern, flip-up seating is so much more convenient for both spectators and cleaners to move in-between seats.
"It's good to be working in partnership with the Australian Government to improve the quality of key sporting facilities in Orange," Cr Reg Kidd said. "Wade Park is Orange's main sporting venue and the grandstand plays an important role for spectators at sporting events."
Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee was delighted with the result when he inspected the seating.
"Wade Park has been Orange's sporting hub for many years," Mr Gee said. "This modern seating will make key events much more comfortable."
"A great game of footy or cricket will be made even better with this fantastic new seating," Mr Gee said.
Orange City Council Sports and Recreation Committee chair Cr Jason Hamling said he's looking forward to watching some of Orange's biggest sporting events from the grandstand.
"There's nothing like the atmosphere of big crowd here at Wade Park on the day of a big game," Cr Jason Hamling said. "After an interrupted football season this year due to COVID, I can imagine the feeling next May when CYMS and Hawks run out in the local derby. There'll be hundreds of local league fans cheering here in the grandstand."
"We're almost ready to open the new cricket centre next to the grandstand. It all makes Wade Park a centre of sport in Orange."
"I was pleased see the previous seats go to a new home. Council asked local sports clubs to put up their hand if they would like any of the old seats.
"It turned out they were given to the Orange City Rugby Club, Orange City Bowling Club, Orange and District Cricket Association, Orange and District Pistol Club and Cowra Rugby Club.
"They originally came from SCG about 15 years ago and it's good they've been kept out of landfill and found a new home."
