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The Sydney Football Stadium has been renamed the Allianz Stadium as part of a multi-year partnership between leading insurance company Allianz Australia and the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust.

Anouncing the new name, NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation Graham Annesley said the partnership brings together two iconic brands in the historic Sydney CBD sports precinct, stating "I congratulate the SCG Trust and Allianz Australia on their partnership.

"Allianz Stadium is an internationally recognised sports and entertainment facility which caters for hundreds of thousands of spectators and concert goers each year.

"(This) announcement is an important milestone in the Stadium's history which next year will celebrate its 25th anniversary.

"The agreement will benefit all spectators who attend Allianz Stadium in the years ahead as the SCG Trust re-invests all funds into its venues."

SCG Trust Chief Executive Jamie Barkley said the partnership will assist the Trust implement further venue upgrades which will enhance fans' experience at rugby league, rugby union and football matches, plus at live concerts and entertainment spectaculars.

Barkley explained "Allianz Australia is one of Australia's leading insurance companies and the Trust is delighted to enter into a long-term partnership with such a reputable company. The international and national nature of events staged at Allianz Stadium will result in nation-wide coverage and branding.

"The stadium boasts a significant year-round schedule of events. The Wallabies return this year to join the NSW Waratahs, Sydney Roosters, Wests Tigers and Sydney FC ï¾ who all call Allianz Stadium home. National rugby league finals and other special events are also played here. "

Allianz Managing Director Terry Towell said the agreement continues Allianz's global association with world class sports sponsorships, including sports stadiums, adding "the Allianz Arena in Munich is regarded as one of the world's best football stadiums and, as the first international stadium able to change its exterior colour, has quickly become an icon of modern sports arena architecture and technology."

Barkley said the Trust's vision, as part of its long-term master plan, was for dramatic lighting to be introduced to the stadium exterior as well as modifying the iconic roof. A refurbished Allianz Stadium will stand out on Sydney's skyline.

He concluded "the Trust will now accelerate plans to upgrade facilities for the benefit of fans. Allianz Stadium will offer a new dining level and food court on level three with works already underway in the Nick Shehadie Stand to provide improved facilities and amenities for spectators.

"These improvements will be progressively implemented so existing facilities and match-day experiences are among the best.

"In recent years, we have increased the stadium's capacity, upgraded food and beverage offerings, introduced new and bigger video screens both inside and outside Allianz Stadium and are in the process of redeveloping the main entry forecourt."

2nd January 2012 - SCG TO HOST ITS HUNDREDTH ASHES TEST

8th July 2010 - SCG TRUST’S MOORE PARK EXPANSION PLANS THWARTED

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