Back to Belmore today reflects on the first anniversary of the most recent NRL fixture staged at Belmore Sports Ground, a match that saw more than 17,000 supporters descend on the historic venue in a powerful demonstration of the Canterbury-Bankstown community's enduring passion for the game and the precinct.

Since 2015, a total of 15 first-grade fixtures have been successfully staged at Belmore Sports Ground, along with an NRLW match in August last year, welcoming more than 200,000 spectators through the turnstiles and generating in excess of $5 million for the local economy. These events have delivered significant economic and social benefits to the Canterbury-Bankstown district while reaffirming the venue's importance as a major community asset.

Vice President Steven Cataldi said the milestones achieved at the facility over the past decade were the result of years of community advocacy.

“Everything we have seen at Belmore over the past decade stems from the grassroots movement that began in 2005 to ensure this iconic venue was preserved and restored for future generations,” Mr Cataldi said.

“For more than twenty years, Back to Belmore has promoted the advancement of Belmore Sports Ground as a top-class sporting facility. Seeing thousands of people return to the ground and the economic activity generated for local businesses has been immensely gratifying.”

Patron Luke Brailey said that while the precinct would not host major fixtures in 2026 due to the construction of the Centre of Excellence, the organisation remained firmly focused on the venue's long-term future.

“We proudly supported the development of the Centre of Excellence because it represents a significant investment in the future of the Belmore precinct,” Mr Brailey said.

“Once construction is completed, it will be vital that the venue continues to host meaningful local content and major sporting events so the community can continue to enjoy the facility and the economic benefits it brings. As Back to Belmore approaches its 21st anniversary next month, the organisation remains committed to advocating for the continued activation and advancement of Belmore Sports Ground as a cornerstone of community life in the Canterbury-Bankstown region.”

Construction of the Centre of Excellence is expected to be completed in 2027, with the upgraded precinct set to further enhance the venue's role as a hub for sport, community engagement and local events.