New South Wales Sports Minister Stuart Ayres is standing by his Government’s controversial $1.5 billion upgrade plan.

This comes as Victoria dedicates $225 million in an upgrade deal to keep the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne.

The Minister says it’s a valid investment, with Sydney’s stadiums years behind those of other major capital cities.

“All the states have done a lot of work on infrastructure.

“You get big long gaps between significant investments and in NSW its fair to say the gap is now the longest gap of any of the major capital cities.

“The stadiums, if anything, have been sending patrons back to their couches so they can watch it on TV.”

As for whether the new Allianz Stadium will be built with a roof, the Sports Minister says “it’s definitely something we will be looking at as we get to the final designs.”

Mr Ayres also comments on the Commonwealth Games embarrassing Closing Ceremony.

“There’s no doubt it was a catastrophic mistake not to have the athletes front and centre in the closing ceremony.”

Listen to the full interview below