Join us as we count down the top five moments and memories of the Parramatta Eels’ 75-year history.
This week we celebrate the anniversary as we approach the annual Easter Monday blockbuster against Wests Tigers.
Number Three: Sterling reflects on Parramatta Stadium openings in 1986 & 2019
Eels' legend Peter Sterling reflects on playing in the first game at Parramatta Stadium in 1986 before watching from the stands at the opening in 2019:
Eels' 75 Years: Sterlo reflects on Parramatta Stadium openings in '86 & '19
The Eels' home hasn't moved from its hallowed patch in Parramatta, but it has been transformed over the years, with two new stadiums being unveiled in 1986 and 2019.
Originally known as Cumberland Oval, the new Parramatta Stadium was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 5 March 1986,
The first NSWRL game was played over a week later on 16 March, with 26,870 fans in attendance.
The Eels ran away victorious 36 – 6 over the St. George Dragons.
Parramatta Stadium was demolished in 2017 to make way for the new $360 million Western Sydney Stadium, now known as CommBank Stadium.
The Eels' 30,000-seat fortress opened in April 2019, with the first game played against Wests Tigers on Easter Monday of that year.
Spectators were packed to the rafters, to see the Blue & Gold run rampant at the then Bankwest Stadium.
Anticipation was plenty, and the excitement was huge, but if the Eels felt pressure to perform, they never showed it.
It was a whitewash as 51 points were piled against Wests Tigers’ six and the Eels christened their new PARRAdise.
