$20m upgrade for Parramatta Stadium

Parramatta Stadium's capacity will be increased to 24,000 and its facilities upgraded following the announcement of $20 million Federal Government funding.

The venue, built in 1986, is home of the Parramatta Eels and the Western Sydney Wanderers who enjoyed a successful inaugural season. More than 260,000 people attended games at Parramatta Stadium during the last NRL and A-League seasons.

Work will include upgrading the eastern stand, including a new concourse and spectator facilities, new corporate hospitality suites and a 500-seat function room, improved player facilities in the western stand and an additional 3,300 seats on the northern and southern mounds.

Parramatta federal Labor MP Julie Owens said the success of the city's NRL and A-League teams signalled the need for the Federal Government investment in the stadium.

"Parramatta Stadium is an iconic western Sydney landmark, but has been struggling to meet the needs of a growing region," she said.

"This upgrade will ensure western Sydney residents have access to world class sporting facilities.

"Sports fans and local sporting teams will benefit from the upgrade, which will allow players and fans to watch and play their favourite sport closer to home at their favourite venue."

Longer-term plans for Parramatta Stadium are to potentially upgrade it to a 40,000-seat venue with state-of-the-art facilities. Both home tenants believe they'll outgrow the current capacity in the coming years.

The last significant upgrade of the venue occurred in 2003 when the two grass hills at the northern and southern ends were converted to seating, reducing the capacity from 27,000 to around 20,000.