WIN Stadium rising hire fees force regional sporting shifts

Football South Coast (FSC) has announced that its Men’s and Women’s Premier League grand finals will be moved to local football grounds this September. The decision follows a substantial increase in venue hire fees at WIN Stadium, with daily rates reportedly more than doubling.

The Men’s Premier League grand final is scheduled for September 26 at John Crehan Oval, while the Women’s Premier League grand final will take place on September 27 at Lakends Oval. FSC stated that the increased costs could no longer be justified when local venues were available.

This development follows similar concerns raised by Wollongong Wolves head coach Luke Wilkshire, who described the stadium's pricing as exorbitant. Wilkshire noted that the club's costs have increased significantly compared to previous years, prompting discussions about the feasibility of playing home games within the region.