Dragons to finish season at Wollongong

The St George Illawarra Dragons today announced their home venue game allocation for their 2011 NRL Premiership title defence.

Funding from the NSW Government for upgrades to WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah ($13 million) and WIN Stadium, Wollongong ($28.9 million) and the associated building works have largely determined the home game allocation which will see an even number of games played between the two venues.

The Dragons are not scheduled to play at home until Round 5 of the 2011 Telstra Premiership, allowing for completion of Stage 3 of the building works at WIN Jubilee Oval which includes an extension to the grandstand on the northern end of the ground to be completed by the first week in April to accommodate the NRL’s Heritage Round match against the Bulldogs.

The Dragons will play five of their opening six home games at WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah against the Bulldogs (Rnd 5), Eels (Rnd 8), Cowboys (Rnd 9), Tigers (Rnd 12) and Titans (Rnd 14) before returning to WIN Stadium in Wollongong at the end of June when Stage 1 of the upgrade to the Western Grandstand is due to be completed to accommodate clashes against the Sea Eagles (Rnd 16), Knights (Rnd 17), Rabbitohs (Rnd 21), Roosters (Rnd 23), Warriors, (Rnd 25) and Panthers (Rnd 26). The local derby against the Cronulla Sharks in Round 19 will be played at WIN Jubilee Oval to complete the allocation between both venues

“Our home venue allocation has been scheduled around the building works that are currently taking place at both WIN Jubilee Oval and WIN Stadium thanks to the support of the NSW Government,” said Dragons CEO Peter Doust. “Building programs allow for the venues to be right for these allocated clashes and we are looking forward to improved facilities for all stakeholders in our upgraded venues.

“Ideally we would like to try and alternate our home games between our two venues throughout the season but the schedules of the works don’t allow for this in 2011 meaning that the majority of the first half of our season will be played in Kogarah and the latter half of the season will be played in Wollongong,” added Doust.

Red V Membership packages are now available for both Kogarah and Wollongong fixtures and fans are encouraged to visit www.dragons.com.au for further information or to join.

Red V Members who renew or join by COB today, Monday, December 6 will also receive an exclusive invitation to meet the players and get your photo taken with the Telstra Premiership trophy at our special Members only "Breakfast with the Dragons" event on Saturday, December 18.

Existing Red V Members also have until COB today to renew and ensure they retain their 2010 seats. After this date all non renewed seats will be made available to existing members seeking to upgrade or to new Red V Members.