Opposition from local interest groups saw them attempt to prevent or slow the demolition via legal action before the 2019 New South Wales state election.

After a short court-ordered delay just prior to the election, the existing Government was returned and the demolition of the old stadium continued through to completion on 18 December 2019 at a cost of $40 million.

[16] This is a premium gym and wellness centre including gymnasiums, squash courts, pools, sauna and spas.

[18] The election was won by the incumbent government and the Sydney Football Stadium rebuild continued post-election.

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres was quizzed over how the contract for construction could be awarded, because development consent had not been secured for stage two.

On 26 July 2019, Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans John Sidoti, announced Lendlease would not be constructing the new stadium because it was unable to complete the $729 million project within budget.

At this stage demolition was mostly complete and it appeared the original contract was a fixed price option for the construction phase.