Paceway negotiations allow Panthers to stay home in 2023

The Penrith Panthers have confirmed they will continue to play home matches at Bluebet Stadium in 2023.

Negotiations have commenced for the NSW Government to acquire the nearby Penrith Paceway site to facilitate a new stadium for the club, leaving the area's existing premier rugby league venue available to host NRL games next season.

The government said the timing of construction for a new stadium would be confirmed once the acquisition process was complete and the scope for the new stadium determined, which has been expected to happen by the end of 2022.

Panthers Group chief executive, Brian Fletcher said the club was “delighted” to remain at Bluebet Stadium next season.

“To continue to play home fixtures at BlueBet Stadium is a great result for the Penrith community,” he said.

“It provides certainty to members and fans, corporate partners and all stakeholders of Panthers.”

Previous plans expected the Panthers to play home games at Commbank Stadium for two years before returning to a new 25,000-seat boutique stadium on the BlueBet Stadium site in 2025.

The $300 million redevelopment was to be the first of several new NRL venues in suburban Sydney in a major cash splurge from the government.