Dear Parramatta Eels Blue and Gold Army:
I wanted to introduce myself in my first week as Chief Executive Officer of the Parramatta Eels NRL Club. It is a privilege to be provided the opportunity to lead a Rugby League Club so rich in passion and history.
Having grown up playing and following Rugby League, I have never lost my love of the game and understand the vital role the Parramatta Eels play in our Western Sydney community. I am dedicated to creating a strong, financially sustainable Club that our Blue and Gold Army can be proud of.
The resiliency and loyalty shown by Parramatta Eels fans in 2016 has been awesome. Achieving a record breaking membership figure, the third highest in the game and second highest in Sydney, is testament to the support of our wonderful fans. It is time for us to repay your loyalty by creating a fan-centric organisation that places our Blue and Gold Army at the centre of every decision we make.
As a matter of priority we have committed to:
• No price increase in 2017 for Renewing 2016 Members
• Locking in 2016 regular prices for any New Member who joins before Christmas 2016
• Including transport in the price of our Membership tickets for 2017, and
• Improving your game day experience through an expanded Fan Experiences Team, upgraded Members' facilities and increased fan engagement initiatives.
We are working diligently to ensure the move of our home games for 2017 to ANZ Stadium is as seamless as possible for our Members. In 2019, with the completion of the new Parramatta Stadium, our fans will enjoy the best club football stadium in Australia. By the time we take residence in our new home, the Parramatta Leagues Club will have completed its redevelopment, thereby delivering a sports and entertainment precinct unmatched in Australia.
Our Football Program is in great shape under the leadership of Head Coach, Brad Arthur. Under difficult circumstances, our players and coaching staff displayed outstanding determination to remain extremely competitive on the field in 2016. We are all excited about our Eels team for 2017.
Our commercial partners have shown great loyalty under the recent circumstances. Their ongoing support confirms an unwavering confidence in the Eels’ ability to deliver both on and off the field. New partnership signings provide further evidence of our Club’s credibility as both a viable and valuable business partner.
I urge you all to get behind our team through our Club Membership Program. Not only are we freezing prices for renewing Members and locking in 2016 prices for new Members who join before Christmas, but those who join now will be at the front of the queue for seats at the new Parramatta Stadium.
Please visit parraeels.com.au/membership to join today.
I look forward to working closely with our Blue and Gold Army to grow our club into an elite sports organisation.
In Blue & Gold,
Bernie Gurr
Chief Executive Officer
Parramatta Eels National Rugby League Club
