WAGGA City Council is looking at potential upgrades to the Equex Centre after a triumphant return of NRL last month.
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The clash between the Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers was the first NRL game the city had hosted in 21 years, with over 10,000 people attending.
The council has reviewed its feedback, coming up with seven proposed changes to the site for future events.
Wagga councillors are set to discuss the $1,775,000 worth of upgrades at a meeting on Monday night, including a Kooringal Road exit, an additional parking area, a pedestrian bridge and expansion of the southern hill - all of which have been identified within the Exhibition Centre Master Plan.
The remaining changes are more seating and pathways around the boundary, improved wheelchair access, building improvements and storage and event logistics.
Wagga's Tony Scutti, who attended the match last month, said the suggested upgrades could make a great event even better when it returns next year.
"More seating would be a great addition because many people were standing for the entire game, which was hard. The Canberra grounds have seating right around the boundary," he said.
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"It was a freezing cold day this year, and perhaps trees on the top of the hill could stop the wind break.
"And a exit on Kooringal Road would be a great improvement because currently there is only one gate where people enter and exit. Another exit point is a great way to improve traffic flow."
The May 4 weekend brought people to the city for not only the NRL game, but the Wagga Gold Cup. This caused the average accommodation occupancy rate to rise from Thursday to Friday, according to a council report.
Wagga's International Hotel owner Joel Berrigan said the occupancy rate certainly benefited from the two big events in one weekend.
"There are a variety of local accommodations options in the city that were most definitely equipped for these large numbers coming through Wagga," he said.
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Because the accommodation industry is driven by the private sector, Mr Berrigan said there was not much the council could do to help support the businesses deal with an influx of visitors.
However, the council has approved two accommodation businesses, which he said could alleviate any strain that comes with large-scale events.
"The council's focus, however, should be at the Equex Centre itself and improving parking and traffic flow," he said. "But, our infrastructure is not in a dire state and it will evolve in due time.
"Rather than looking for problems, the community needs to be appreciative. Wagga will cope, shine and compliment each other."
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