Brumbies to play all home games at GIO Stadium

ACT Super Rugby franchise the Brumbies have come to a new agreement to play all of their home games in Super Rugby for the next five years at GIO Stadium in Canberra.

Brumbies Chief Executive Michael Jones says both parties are very happy to have reached this outcome.

“This agreement is a fantastic result for our fans,” Jones said.

“The new deal will allow both parties to work in collaboration to improve the game day experience at Canberra Stadium.

“It brings increased benefits to the Brumbies and ACT Government, and most importantly our fans.

“The agreement allows us to take control, on behalf of both parties, the sale of corporate hospitality.

“We know there was speculation regarding where we would play home games next season, but we have never entertained the idea of playing home games anywhere but GIO Stadium.

“The Brumbies greatest memories were recorded at the stadium, most notably our two Super Rugby titles in 2001 and 2004.”

ACT Government Director-General of the Economic Development David Dawes says the agreement is great news for rugby fans in the nation’s capital.

“We’ve been negotiating this agreement for some time so that both parties could find the best possible outcomes for everyone who watches the Brumbies at GIO Stadium,” Dawes said.

The GIO Stadium Eastern Grandstand was named the Gregan/Larkham Grandstand on 28 April 2007, after Brumbies and Australian Rugby greats George Gregan and current Head Coach Stephen Larkham.

Brumbies General Manager of Commercial Operations Simon Chester said both parties are now looking forward to hosting matches at GIO Stadium in the New Year.

“The Brumbies proudly display the CBR logo on the front of the playing jersey and will continue to do so in 2016,” Chester said.

“We will play eight home matches at GIO Stadium in 2016, starting with our season-opening blockbuster against the Hurricanes on 26 February.

“We follow that up with one of our most popular events of the season a week later, a showdown with the NSW Waratahs on 4 March.

“Along with matches against some of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia’s best franchises, GIO Stadium will also host one of Super Rugby’s newest franchises, the Japanese Sunwolves in May.

“We’ve got our fingers crossed that fans get to watch the Brumbies at home in the semi-finals and hopefully beyond in 2016 as well.”