Significant progress has been achieved on the Penrith Stadium rebuild with the first section of the new eastern grandstand roof now installed as part of the NSW Government’s overhaul of the venue.

The installation marks a key milestone in the transformation of the western Sydney stadium, which is being rebuilt to deliver improved comfort, accessibility and capacity for fans ahead of its anticipated return to action for the 2027 NRL season.

The new roof design will significantly improve conditions for spectators, with more than half the seats in the eastern grandstand set to be covered once complete. That will nearly double the number of protected seats compared to the previous grandstand configuration.

Two Western Sydney companies are playing a central role in the installation. Quality Rigging Services Australia has been responsible for rigging each of the four roof sections prior to lifting, while Borgers Cranes is utilising a 600-tonne crane to manoeuvre the massive components into place, some weighing up to 70 tonnes.

In total, 172 prefabricated roof sheets, each measuring 24 metres in length, are being assembled on the playing surface before being secured above the grandstand.

Construction has accelerated since the first structural steel was installed late last year. All concrete seating platforms in the eastern grandstand have now been completed, while early works on the multi-level western grandstand are underway.

Concrete has already been poured for the new player run-out area as the next stage of the build takes shape.

The redevelopment forms part of a broader multi-billion-dollar infrastructure program focused on Western Sydney, aimed at upgrading community assets and supporting growing populations.

Around 500 jobs are expected to be created during construction, with more than 650 ongoing roles supported once the venue is fully operational.

Future works will include the installation of steps within the eastern grandstand and pre-assembly of the western grandstand roof structure.

The new stadium design places strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusion. Plans include triple the number of wheelchair-accessible seats, double the number of female bathrooms and changerooms, enhanced wayfinding, and upgraded security and technology systems to meet modern standards.

When complete, the redeveloped Penrith Stadium will provide a contemporary home for the Penrith Panthers and position the precinct as a year-round destination for sport and entertainment in Western Sydney.