Melbourne Storm has today transferred its scheduled home fixture against Gold Coast Titans on June 5 to Sunshine Coast Stadium.
The decision to move the game from AAMI Park was made following extensive consultation with the NRL, Victorian Government representatives and Melbourne and Olympic Parks.
Storm CEO Justin Rodski said it was extremely disappointing not to be playing in front of a home crowd at AAMI Park.
“This was not an easy decision to make given the impact COVID has already had on our members and fans in Victoria through 2020 and again in 2021,” Rodski said.
“We are feeling for all Victorians who will be challenged by another lockdown and hope that this passes quickly so we can get back to playing in front of a packed AAMI Park.
“Unfortunately, given the growing uncertainty in Victoria and advice provided to our club, we feel this is the best outcome.”
Storm’s football department has been located on the Sunshine Coast for the last two weeks meaning they have not been impacted by the restrictions announced yesterday by the Victorian Government.
Our players know they are fortunate to be able to continue training and playing the game. They will be again carrying the Big V with them as they run out to play in the coming weeks and will be thinking of all Victorians who are doing it tough.
CEO Justin Rodski
“We will be back as soon as it is safe to do so. Our players and coaches want to play in front of their Melbourne members and fans and our staff want to open the doors to a home crowd.”
The round 13 game will be played at Sunshine Coast Stadium with tickets to be put on sale via Ticketek at 2pm today (Friday).
“We thank the Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Stadium for moving quickly and partnering with us again, particularly given the circumstances we are facing,” Rodski said.
“The Sunshine Coast has become our home away from home these last two years, but we will always call Victoria home.”
Storm will continue to monitor the COVID situation in Victoria and will take advice from the NRL and governments before making any decision on future games.
For our fans and members based on the Sunshine Coast, tickets to our round 13 match are available here.
