New $870 million Sydney stadium already needs new surface after three years

The playing surface at Sydney's $870 million Allianz Stadium is to undergo a major repair job despite being just three years old. 

A recent investigation has found the turf simply isn't draining properly, leaving it waterlogged in heavy rain.

It has, too often, resembled more of a swamp that a football field, leaving players soggy and underwhelmed.

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Fullback Clint Gutherson last year called it "probably one of the worst fields I've played on for a while." 

Now, after a major investigation, the waterlogged surface at Allianz is to be ripped up and replaced.

"It hasn't been good enough and, for a stadium that in every other way is absolutely brilliant beautifully located, the punters absolutely love it. The surface has let down playing teams," NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

Venues NSW says the investigation found the sand drainage layer of the field, installed at the time of construction, is contaminated with too much clay and fine silt.

That means it drains at 40mm an hour instead of 300 to 600mm an hour.

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Minns promised it won't be taxpayers footing the bill.

"For want of a better expression, it's still under warranty. I mean, the thing's brand new so we would expect the builder to fix it up," Minns said.

Replacing the contaminated sand will take an estimated ten weeks starting September 13, to be ready for two concerts in December.

New turf will then be installed in time for Sydney FC's first home matches in January.

"We want the stadium up to scratch, it's important that, as a showpiece stadium, one of the best in the country if niot the world that it's as good on the playing field as it is in the stands," Minns said.

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