Stadium Australia, formerly known as ANZ Stadium and currently known as Accor Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Sydney, Australia. It is one of the largest stadiums in the country and has a rich history of hosting major sporting and entertainment events. The stadium is situated within the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, which was developed for the 2000 Summer Olympics.
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Here are some key facts about Accor Stadium:
History and Construction
Stadium Australia was originally built to serve as the main venue for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Construction began in 1996, and the stadium was completed in 1999. It was officially opened on March 6, 1999, with a rugby league match between the Bulldogs and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Architecture and Capacity
The stadium was designed by the architecture firm Bligh Lobb Sports Architecture. It features a distinctive oval-shaped roof and can accommodate various seating configurations. Its seating capacity can range from approximately 70,000 to 83,500, depending on the event.
Sporting Events
Stadium Australia has hosted a wide range of sporting events. During the 2000 Olympics, it served as the main stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the venue for track and field events and the men's and women's football finals. It has also hosted major rugby league, rugby union, Australian rules football, and football (soccer) matches, including 2023 FIFA women's world cup matches, NRL Grand Finals, State of Origin clashes, Bledisloe Cup matches, and A-League games.
Other Events
In addition to sporting events, Stadium Australia has been utilized for various non-sporting activities. It has hosted concerts by renowned artists such as U2, Adele, Taylor Swift, and AC/DC. The stadium has also been used for large-scale community events, exhibitions, and corporate functions.
Renovations and Redevelopment
Since its original construction, the stadium has undergone several renovations and redevelopments. In 2003, a retractable roof was added to provide cover during inclement weather. From 2015 to 2017, further renovations took place to convert the stadium into a rectangular configuration for rugby league and union matches, reducing the seating capacity to its current range.
In 2021, the stadium's naming rights were acquired by the Accor hotel group, resulting in a name change from ANZ Stadium to Accor Stadium.
Stadium Australia is a significant venue in Australian sporting history, hosting major events that have captivated audiences both domestically and internationally.