ANZ STADIUM magazine by ANZ Stadium

WINTER 2014

TOP DOG 44 PAGES OF SPORT, NEWS AND PHOTOS

BLEDISLOE CUP COUNTDOWN NRL GRAND FINAL BOOKINGS SWANS’ FINALS DRIVE BRING ON JUVENTUS

STADIUM NEWS

GRAND DESIGNS

YOUR Olympic stadium was built to make history as the home of the 2000 Sydney Games, widely accepted as the best Summer Olympics ever held. With a current capacity of 83,996 (82,500 in oval mode), the Stadium is made for the big occasions – and the big occasions have continued to roll out over the past 15 years. However, for ANZ Stadium to remain competitive in retaining existing and securing new national and international blockbusters for Sydney, it must undergo a significant redevelopment. In this edition of STADIUM, we bring you the latest in the process that has commenced to determine the scope and cost of the proposed upgrades to the Stadium and surrounding precinct. We also bring you a sports special, with interviews and feature stories across all four footy codes as we begin the countdown to the big end-of-season games. We have exclusive and revealing interviews with new ANZ Stadium ambassadors Josh Reynolds and Luke Brooks, and an inside look at mighty Italian football club Juventus by Socceroos legend Brett Emerton. The Juventus visit, Bledisloe Cup, a Swans AFL classic, and six key NRL games will make for an awesome August. Exciting times indeed . . . at your Olympic stadium. A stadium for Sydney and Australia. - Arthur Stanley (Editor)

Publisher/Marketing – Melinda Madigan Managing Editor – Jennifer Dowd Editor – Arthur Stanley Art Director – Chloe Xuereb Staff Writers – Joel Moss, Nikkie Beltran Contributors – Greg Growden, Dave Lewis, Greg Prichard, Carlos Fernandes. Corporate Hospitality – Shane Stoddard Advertising – Tiffany Hunter, Chris Silver

ANZ Stadium Managing Director – Daryl Kerry Chief Financial Officer – Steve Heytman Event and Business Development – Greg Sleigh

ANZ Stadium Contact Details Telephone 02 8765 2000 Website: www.anzstadium.com.au Official Hospitality: 1300 13 40 10 Postal Address: Locked Bag 1999, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, 2127

Exciting plans to reconfigur

TIME TO REDEVELO Daryl Kerry Managing Director

T was 15 years ago that Sydney celebrated the official opening of its Olympic Stadium in the countdown to the 2000 Games. The opening event on March 6 1999 was the historic NRL double-header – and a world-record rugby league crowd of 104,583 packed the Stadium to watch the action unfold and to experience what was then the grandest Olympic stadium ever built. Fast forward 15 years and ANZ Stadium now hosts 40 to 50 events each year and, through the gravitational force of more than 13 million visitors per annum to

Sydney Olympic Park, expands the city’s consciousness beyond the ocean fringes and to the geographical centre of Sydney. As NSW looks to develop its sporting infrastructure for the future, there is a real opportunity to build on the legacy that the Olympics passed on to the city of Sydney. Sydney has an Olympic Stadium that generates millions of dollars each year for NSW, attracting many thousands of people to the city each year – a boon for business throughout the city and indeed the State. A recent example was the five back-to-back sellout events last year – two State of Origin games, the deciding Wallabies v British & Irish Lions Test, the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier against Iraq and the Manchester United v A-League All Stars game. These huge

re and further develop ANZ Stadium will take even massive events like State of Origin (pictured) to a new level. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

OP YOUR OLYMPIC STADIUM events attracted almost 500,000 people, an incredible 60,000 who were from interstate or overseas, and were worth $100 million to the State economy. However, for the Stadium and indeed Sydney to continue to secure major events like these, we need to compete with everimproving Stadium infrastructure offered by international and interstate rivals. To ensure the Stadium remains competitive, we are working with a range of stakeholders on the redevelopment to ensure our Sydney Olympics showpiece remains the iconic venue it was built to be. Sydney is the world’s most unique sporting city with five professional sporting codes – four footy codes plus cricket – competing for the hearts and minds of the sporting public.

We believe the world’s most diverse sporting city deserves the world’s best multisport Stadium. We are currently working closely with the five sporting codes that regularly stage events at ANZ Stadium to refine the masterplan, and with private enterprise and Government on options as to how the upgrade can be funded. An investment in the Stadium is, in effect, an investment in Sydney and NSW. Key improvements under consideration include a fully retractable roof and providing each of rugby league, rugby union, football, AFL and cricket with the optimum playing field dimensions, while ensuring spectators are located as close to the on-field action as possible. The latter will be achieved through reconfiguring the seating bowl

to form a perfect rectangle for the rugby codes and football and a more tradional oval for AFL and cricket. This will improve the atmosphere and deliver the best possible spectator experience for small, medium and large crowds. Because it is Australia’s Olympic stadium, a focus of the redevelopment will be on upgrading public areas, plus adding bars, cafes and restaurants both inside and outside the Stadium to give fans a better experience before, during and after games. Our valued Stadium Members and corporate clients will enjoy improved and expanded facilities. Indeed, some of the best Members and corporate spaces in world sport. What it will mean for our Members and corporate guests: Pages 28 - 29

STADIUM NRL

BULLDOG FOR LIFE THE INTERVIEW: JOSH REYNOLDS

E grew up in Belmore and has become one of the Bulldogs’ favourite sons – as well as a key member of the NSW Blues’ Origin squad. He’s also a new sporting ambassador at ANZ Stadium, the arena where he has played most of his biggest games. JOSH REYNOLDS spoke openly about his burgeoning career to STADIUM editor Arthur Stanley.

STADIUM: STADIUM: Congratulations on your State of Origin selection and helping to bring home the State of Origin shield to NSW. Has playing Origin footy for the Blues been all you imagined it to be? JOSH: It has surpassed my expectations to be honest. Playing in a Blues team that finally won back the Origin shield after eight years, in front of 83,421 fans at ANZ Stadium, was just the greatest experience. The speed, adrenalin and emotion of that night were on another level to anything I have experienced before. To do it in front of our home fans at the Stadium made it even more special. What’s it like running out on to ANZ Stadium in front of 80,000-plus fans? JOSH: Hard to put into words actually. I’ve played most of my biggest games at ANZ Stadium but, again, Origin is on another level. Just the height of those stands with every seat in the Stadium filled. I’ll also always remember the 2012 Preliminary Final we played against the Rabbitohs. It was a near capacity crowd that night, with one half of the Stadium blue and white and the other red and green, and running out on to that field after all the build-up was just amazing. It was my first full year in first grade and I have to admit, it was a pretty daunting. It was almost bigger than the Grand Final we played against the Storm the week after. Origin games at ANZ Stadium have become an event, not just a footy game. It must be special for the Blues to know they have such great hometown support? JOSH: It really is and Laurie (Daley) has spoken about that to us. The fans have been part of the Blues’ Origin journey as we have slowly turned the tide against a very powerful Queensland squad. ANZ Stadium is the home of the Blues – as well as the Bulldogs. You’ve come on board as an ANZ Stadium ambassador. Does the role sit well with you? JOSH: I’m pretty stoked to be honest. I love the Stadium. It’s the Bulldogs’ home ground, where all the really big games in NSW are held, and I love the fact I get to meet people who are passionate about sport and to talk about sport, and not just about rugby league. You are part of the furniture at Belmore, having grown up in the area and then progressed to NRL level with the Bulldogs. Do you see yourself as a one-club man? JOSH: I would love to think I’ll be a one-club man at the Bulldogs. I don’t see myself playing anywhere else. Like you said, I grew up in Belmore and my family all still live in the area, and I never take it for granted when I run out underneath the giant Bulldog for every home game we play at ANZ Stadium. What is it about the Bulldogs that makes the club so special to players and fans alike? JOSH: There’s just such a great culture at Canterbury. It’s always been a well-run club, it embraces the local community and the community embraces the Bulldogs. It’s such a multicultural area and everyone is accepted; it doesn’t matter whether you are from Australia, Tonga, Indonesia, Lebanon, wherever. I love living in the Belmore area, you get to meet so many

‘IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A DREAM OF MINE TO PLAY ORIGIN’ people from so many different backgrounds, and all with these fantastic life stories to tell. It really does inspire you. Are the Bulldogs’ fans among the most passionate in the game? JOSH: For sure. Grand Final week in 2012 showed that. The scenes around Belmore were legendary. The Bulldogs Members and fans turn out in force at all our games and we always know The Kennel will be in full voice. As players, we love the way the fans embrace the club. When we’re out and about in Sydney, we’ll often have fans coming up to us and it makes you feel special and part of the community. There have been suggestions that you might make a perfect future Bulldogs captain. Would that be a privilege? JOSH: I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but it would be an honour if that ever happened. I’ve still got a lot of things I need to work on with my game but, yeah, if I was ever offered the job down the track, I would be honoured. The Bulldogs have been very consistent this year. The feeling must be good in the club as we look toward the big end-ofseason games? JOSH: There’s a real good feeling at the club. We are a tight-knit bunch and we have a coach who could not be more committed to the cause in Des (Hasler). The fans can be sure we’ll be giving it everything.

JOSH REYNOLDS Born: 13 April 1989 Age: 25 Marital status: Single Lives: Belmore Schooling: Clemton Park Public School; Marist College Kogarah Club: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Junior Club: St George Dragons JRLFC Position: Five-eighth Height: 180cm Weight: 90kg First-grade debut: Bulldogs v Raiders, Canberra Stadium, 20/5/2011 (Round 11) Played: 68 NRL games Origins: 3 games for NSW Tests: Nil. PM’s XIII (2013) Grand Finals: 1 (2012)

STADIUM NRL GRAND FINAL

MAGNIFICENT

SEVEN Greg Prichard

THE GREATEST NRL GRAND FINALS

NZ Stadium has hosted many memorable rugby league contests, including every NRL Grand Final since 1999. Here, with the 2014 finals within sight, we look at the best deciders of the past 15 years, and what made them great. Call them the magnificent seven, because that’s what they were – memorable for being great battles, providing hugely significant individual moments, marking breakthroughs, breaking records and proving the ability of teams to bounce back from major disappointments.

1. 1999 MELBOURNE STORM 20 d ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 18 The first Grand Final at ANZ Stadium had been great already, but then came the final act: A bomb from Storm halfback Brett Kimmorley, an attempt to field it by teammate Craig Smith and a high tackle by Dragons winger Jamie Ainscough that knocked the ball loose from Smith’s grasp. There were three minutes to go, and the Dragons led 18-14. Referee Bill Harrigan sent it up to video referee Chris Ward for a decision, and he ruled a penalty try. The try had been scored out wide, but because it was a penalty try the conversion attempt was taken from in front. Five-eighth Mark Geyer landed it to clinch what was the Storm’s maiden Grand Final win.

Pictures: Dan Himbrechts

2. 2013 SYDNEY ROOSTERS 26 d MANLY SEA EAGLES 18

The most recent and one of the truly great Grand Finals, as the Roosters, under rookie NRL coach Trent Robinson, went from also-rans the previous season to premiers. But only after emerging from an intense battle with a Sea Eagles outfit that appeared headed for glory when they led 18-8 early in the second half. Roosters superstar Sonny Bill Williams had a quiet first half but returned after the break to justify his status with a couple of massive plays. The game was only decided inside the last 10 minutes, when the Roosters scored to extend a two-point lead to eight points and held on to win.

3. 2004 BULLDOGS 16 d SYDNEY ROOSTERS 13

Andrew Ryan captained the Bulldogs for the first time in this match, taking over from Steve Price who was heartbreakingly ruled out with a knee injury. And with the Bulldogs winning, Ryan became the first player to lead a team to a Grand Final win in his first game as captain since Ray Stehr with Eastern Suburbs in 1935. The Roosters led for most of the game, but could never get away from the Bulldogs and, eventually, the Bulldogs came to get them. The win came 12 months after the Bulldogs club was heavily penalised for cheating the salary cap.

4. 2005 WESTS TIGERS 30 d NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 18

The Benji flick pass. Who will ever forget it? It was 6-6 nearing halftime when 20-yearold five-eighth Marshall took off down the left wing and, when Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen loomed in defence about 40m out, produced a magical flick pass to put winger Pat Richards back on the inside and away for a try. The Tigers went on with the job from there to claim the joint venture club’s maiden premiership.

5. 2003 PENRITH PANTHERS 18 d SYDNEY ROOSTERS 6

This was all about THAT tackle – by Panthers lock Scott Sattler on Roosters winger Todd “Skinny” Byrne. Unfortunately

2014 NRL Grand Final Sunday 5 October Member bookings close 22 August. See page 22 for Member dining options and Paying Guest prices.

for Byrne, he wasn’t skinny enough to slip out of Sattler’s grasp when the key moment of the match arrived. It was 6-6 in the 55th minute when Roosters five-eighth Brad Fittler collected an opposition grubber kick and, reacting quickly as always, whipped a pass out to Byrne, who looked certain to run 80 metres and score. But Sattler set off in pursuit across-field and in one of the classic moments of cover defence wrapped Byrne up and put him into touch. The Panthers were inspired to go on and win.

6. 2012 MELBOURNE STORM 14 d CANTERBURY 4 Two years after being stripped of two

premierships for cheating the salary cap, and having to rebuild the club administration and shed players, the Storm came all the way back to the top. Their determined win over the Bulldogs showed the character of the club and the spirit of the players. The game also made headlines for a biting allegation against Bulldogs prop James Graham, on Storm superstar Billy Slater.

7. 2008 MANLY SEA EAGLES 40 d MELBOURNE STORM 0

In the 2007 Grand Final, the Sea Eagles were crushed, 34-8, by the Storm. Twelve months later, the two teams returned to do it all over again and this time the Sea Eagles

crushed the Storm 40-0. It was the biggest win in Grand Final history, eclipsing the 38-0 win by Easts over St George in 1975. The Storm were without their inspirational captain Cameron Smith due to suspension, but still, and as Storm coach Craig Bellamy put it: “We certainly didn’t see that coming.” So there you have the seven great Grand Finals of the last 15 years, since Sydney’s Olympic stadium became the home of our greatest game. Who will it be on Sunday 5 October 2014 ? *Greg Prichard is a former SMH journalist now working across mutliple media platforms.

STADIUM NRL

LIVING MY TIGERS DREAM I

GREW up following the mighty Tigers and I am living my dream playing in the No.7 for the club in the NRL this season. I’ve always been in the gold and black, even right through my junior football with Holy Cross College Ryde and Leichhardt Wanderers. Now I’m with Wests Tigers, who have signed a long-term agreement to play their major games at ANZ Stadium. That’s why being offered the opportunity to join ANZ Stadium’s team of elite sporting ambassadors has been such an honour. It just

seems a natural fit for me, having grown up in western Sydney and with the Tigers playing at least four big games each season at the Stadium from 2014 forward. Like most Sydneysiders, I have witnessed some of the country’s greatest events at the Stadium. I was pretty young at the time, but I was watching from the stands in 2005 when Benji Marshall’s miracle flick pass set the Tigers up for an unforgettable premiership victory. I’ve also watched a few State of Origin games at ANZ Stadium, and one that I

remember clearly was the match Brett Finch kicked a pressure field goal in the 78th minute to win Game I of the 2006 series. Clearly, the biggest game I have played in my life to this point was the Easter Monday Tigers v Eels blockbuster at the Stadium this year. Naturally enough, people still ask me about that field goal I kicked that day. I actually hadn’t kicked many field goals in previous matches before Easter Monday when I called for the kick that day. Sure, I practice a lot at training, but it was just

Picture: Brendon Thorne

Exclusive by LUKE BROOKS

‘I’LL NEVER FORGET EASTER MONDAY BLOCKBUSTER’ something Braith (Anasta) and I worked out on the day. My first job as ANZ Stadium ambassador was to attend the annual Members’ Dinner in May. There I was, sitting next to GI (Greg Inglis) and Izzy (Israel Folau), among the other sporting stars.

These guys have been my heroes, so to be suddenly sitting alongside them as an NRL player and part of the Stadium ambassadors team was pretty weird, to be honest. (Also among the Stadium ambassadors are NSW and Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds, Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack, Australian cricket’s most exciting playerDave Warner and the third most capped player in Socceroos history, Brett Emerton). It’s a real honour to be among this group and I can only hope to match their achievements in sport.

I’m excited to be working with such a great organisation. I’ve seen the plans for the ANZ Stadium redevelopment and the future is certainly very exciting for Sydney. I look forward to catching up with the ANZ Stadium Members and corporate guests, and I am especially looking forward to helping the Stadium give back to the community, with their major charity support for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Northcott Disability Services. See you at the Stadium sometime soon. Regards, Luke.

STADIUM RUGBY

Picture: Dan Himbrechts

TALES OF BLEDI Greg Growden

T’S the game the Wallabies cherish the most. It’s the Test that involves the tallest stories, and every Wallaby or All Black who has tussled for the Bledisloe Cup invariably has a wild tale to tell about this special life experience. One of Australia’s most famous and funniest of warriors – who just adored everything about the Bledisloe Cup – was Dave Brockhoff, an eccentric Wallabies backrower who later become one of Australia’s most out-there Test coaches. He reveled in telling how tough the Trans-Tasman games were, and that it required resilient characters, such as his 1949 Wallabies Bledisloe Cup-winning forward colleague “Tarakan’’ Jack Baxter.

The legendary Brock recalled in the book Wallaby Gold how once the New Zealanders, “Hit Baxter with everything . . . and his eyebrow came off. It was twitching on the ground, the whole eyebrow; you’ve never seen anything so ugly.” “Of course I vomited out of sheer disgust,” bellowed Brock. “But he smacks me on the jaw, this tough guy who’d been through the war in the Navy, and says: ‘Listen you, put it back on or you’re off.’ So I’ve grabbed the eyebrow and slapped it back on his face and went down in the next scrum sick with fright and terror. That was Baxter.” Peter FitzSimons wasn’t in the same Wallabies forward category as Baxter, but he also knew the mood of an All Black whenever they had their sights firmly on the Bledisloe Cup. His recollections of a 1990 Cup battle in Christchurch goes like this: “There you are, just minding your own business during the Test match, trying to keep out of everyone’s way, when, just for the pure hell of it, you decide to dive on a loose ball. Next thing you know a maul has formed over you and you have to watch helplessly as a couple of men

ISLOE in black use their steel-studded leather boots to write their initials all over your lily-white legs. That is what playing the All Blacks in a Test match is like. Hard. Occasionally brutal. Damaging. And not just on your legs. There is also your back to worry about. In All Black games, it is also fairly standard procedure for your own scrum to collapse when theirs does not and then you will swear, I mean you will positively swear, that a giant black centipede has just danced a jig on your back.” So the Cup comes at an enormous price. It is now among the most prized sporting tournaments in the world. But it wasn’t always that way. In the 1960s it disappeared, finally found hidden away in a back cupboard at the New Zealand Tourist Bureau in Melbourne. And even the Wallabies momentarily forgot it after winning it at Eden Park in 1986 – only the fourth time a touring team had beaten the All Blacks in a Test series at home. That night, the Wallabies had their traditional happy hour function at an Auckland club, which the small core of Australian journalists covering that Test were invited to.

Bledisloe Cup Saturday 16 August Member bookings close 4 July. See page 22 for Member dining options and Paying Guest prices. After the usual drinks and speeches, it was time to move to another room for the official dinner. The players were close to exhaustion. As we left the room, the Wallabies looked wearily at the Cup, which was sitting in a corner, and confessed they did not have the energy to pick it up and carry it to the function. Soon the room was empty, leaving prop Gregg Burrow to carry the wooden base, and since there was no one else, me to carry the Cup. It was an eerie moment – walking through the main bar of the club, cheered on by hundreds of New Zealanders when the Cup came into view. No one had any idea who I was. But that did not stop them. I shook the Cup vigorously above my head, yelling: “Eureka. Eureka.” The crowd responded as I disappeared. I put the Cup down and kept very quiet for the rest of the evening. Life has been on a downward spiral ever since. *Greg Growden, a former Sydney Morning Herald journalist, is one of Australia’s foremost rugby writers and commentators.

The View

PEOPLE, PARTIES, FUN & GLAMOUR WITH CHLOE & TIFF Chloe Xuereb is Graphic Designer & Tiffany Hunter is Marketing Manager at ANZ Stadium

JOSH IS FRONT AND CENTRE

TATE of Origin selection for the Blues was an obvious highlight for Canterbury Bulldogs star Josh Reynolds, but we’re also naming him Best On Ground for being a general good sort at the official opening of the plush ANZ Stadium Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge. Josh, seriously cute, single and 25, was extremely generous with his time, mingling with the 600 sports fans and corporate guests who packed in to the new lounge for the Swans v Hawks AFL blockbuster on 9 May. “I enjoy talking to people about sport and watching all sporting events, so it’s an easy job to be part of something like this,” summed up Josh, who is one of ANZ Stadium’s elite team of sporting ambassadors. Unlike most guests who took advantage of the eight craft beers on tap and nine premium wines, Josh did not imbibe, knowing he had a Mother’s Day NRL derby against old rivals St George Illawarra the following Sunday.

Main pictures: Brendon Thorne

AMONG the other celebrities who attended the opening of the Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge was Jesinta Campbell, the former Miss Universe Australia and partner of Swans superstar Buddy Franklin. Jesinta may yet prove to be the Swans’ secret weapon after her dramatic late arrival at ANZ Stadium coincided with a sensational form turnaround by her superstar boyfriend. Meanwhile, Campbell caught up with gal pals including Kieren Jack’s partner Charlotte Goodlet as glamour outshone brawn in the new lounge. The lounge was designed by Surry Hills-based SJB Interiors, who also styled the interiors of Establishment Hotel, Dee Why Hotel and Ravesi’s Drift Bar. With an eclectic mix of ex-and-current footy stars, celebrities and corporate types, there was as much action off the field as there was on it.

SO GLAM OUR EYES HURT A

VID AFL footy fan Charlotte Goodlet was probably always destined to run in to Swans co-captain Kieren Jack. Perth-raised model Charlotte is Assistant Chief of Staff at Network 10 in Sydney with a big media future in front of her, and after a random interview with the Swans champion and some social media chat, one thing led to another. They certainly looked a perfect match at the 4th annual ANZ Stadium Members’ Dinner on 14 May when Kieren was one of the special guest speakers on the night. Charlotte couldn’t believe her luck getting to enjoy pre-dinner cocktails out on the arena – the field that has played host to some of Kieren’s most memorable footy moments. “It’s pretty special having a drink out on the arena before the Members’ Dinner,” said Charlotte on the night. “It must be an amazing feeling running out here in front of a massive crowd.” Charlotte left the Members’ Dinner early . . . she was doing an overnight media shift at TEN.

OUR CHANGE ROOMS HAVE NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD USUALLY our change rooms are frequented by brawny men about to do battle on the sporting arena (not that we’d ever say that’s a bad thing). So it caught a few of us off guard when the glams from Sassy Entertainment popped in for a photo shoot and took up residence in the change rooms . Sassy Entertainment is an Australian model, promotions and entertainment company. Their spiel is: “Whether you are looking for entertainers, hosts/hostesses, models or presenters, Sassy Models & Promotions is the “One Stop Shop.” They certainly turned a few heads here at the Stadium.

SWANNING AROUND IN THE ELEVATOR YOU never know who you might bump into the lifts here at the Stadium on event days. There we were, minding our own business, when Cyggy the Swans mascot popped in to say, G’day. Well, not quite. We love Cyggy but we couldn’t get him to utter a word (maybe it’s because Swans don’t talk?). We did take a good sticky beak, however, and we can exclusively reveal that it is a boy underneath all those feathers . . . we think. Matching up to Cyggy on game day was the Hawthorn Hawks’ own feathered friend, Hawker. The good news for Cyggy was that the Swans proved too strong on the night.

STADIUM FOOTBALL FOXTEL A-LEAGUE ALL STARS V JUVENTUS

KINGS OF ITALY DEL PIERO’S CAPTAINCY TRIBUTE AGAINST FORMER CLUB

EXCLUSIVE BRETT EMERTON

WELVE months ago it was Manchester United . . . now bring on Italian champions Juventus. How good is it that Australian football fans are getting the opportunity to see some of the world’s biggest clubs live and some of the finest players the game has ever seen. These are exciting times in Australian football, with the Socceroos eyeing the upcoming Asian Cup that Australia is hosting from 9-31 January – and Juve on their way Down Under to play the A-League All Stars at ANZ Stadium on Sunday 10 August. I’ve been fortunate enough to play against many of the current Juve stars, and I can guarantee this is a squad of immense football talent. Australians will get to see Juve at a time when they are on top of their game too, as they come off a tremendous season in Europe where they were crowned Serie A champions for a record 29th time. Their captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, 36, has played at the highest levels of world football for as long as I can remember. I’ve also played quite a bit against key forward Carlos Tevez, who was at Manchester United and Manchester City while I was at Blackburn Rovers – he’s a great player and a real excitement machine. You can be sure Juve will use this game to showcase their skills, much like Manchester United did when they played the A-League All Stars at ANZ Stadium in front of 83,127 fans last August. That night will forever be among the highlights of my career. To captain the inaugural A-League All Stars team against Man United – a club I grew up supporting – in front of a capacity crowd, including friends and family, at the Olympic stadium in Sydney was very special indeed. Adding to the occasion, of course, was the fact my son Zach, who was six at the time, carried the match ball on to the pitch as the

capacity crowd cheered. The A-League All Stars concept is a fantastic initiative, with the fans having input into the team. From a player’s perspective, I can vouch for the fact it is a very special to be chosen by the fans to play for the All Stars. Manchester United turned on a masterclass against us last year, and you can be sure Juventus will look to play similarly enterprising football. Add to the fact Juve have declared they will engage the Australianbased Italian community – and the wider football family – and bring the energy and atmosphere that their games in Europe generate. It promises to be an amazing spectacle at ANZ Stadium, with a lot of passion both on the pitch and in the stands. Then, of course, there is the Alessandro Del Piero factor. Here we have one of the true superstars of world sport playing his final football game in Australia against the club where he is an absolute legend. Alessandro played in the famous black and white for Juventus for 19 years (11 years as captain) and holds the club records for goals (290) and appearances (705). I don’t think there is a sports fan in Australia who has not been mesmerised by Ale’s skills and captured by his charisma during his stint in Australia with Sydney FC. To have Alessandro Del Piero lining up as captain of the A-League All Stars against Juventus will be a very big football moment in this country . . . and I invite sports fans throughout Australia to be at ANZ Stadium to witness it. Juve live in Sydney – it’s a football fan’s dream. *Brett Emerton is the third most capped player in Socceroos history and was captain of the A-League All Stars against Manchester United in 2013.

Foxtel A-League All Stars v Juventus Sunday 10 August ANZ Stadium

Bring on Juve . . . superstars, Fabio Quagliarella, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal are all expected to travel Down Under to take on Alessandro Del Piero and the A-League All Stars at ANZ Stadium on Sunday 10 August.

FORZA JUVE. LA PARTITA CONTRO LA NOSTRA LEGGENDA ALE DEL PIERO.

STADIUM FOOTBALL

THE ASIAN DREAM BEYOND WORLD CUP BRAZIL LIES AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL’S NEXT BIG GOAL – THE AFC ASIAN CUP, TO BE PLAYED IN AUSTRALIA THIS JANUARY. DAVE LEWIS reports

AFC ASIAN CUP 2015

9 - 31 JANUARY

All Sydney games at ANZ Stadium. Uzbekistan v Korea DPR - Sat 10 Jan 6pm Australia v Oman - Tues 13 Jan 8pm Qatar v Iran - Thurs 15 Jan 8pm Qatar v Bahrain - Mon 19 Jan 8pm Quarter Final - Fri 23 Jan Semi -Final - Mon 26 Jan Final - Sat 31 Jan Group A: Australia, Korea Republic, Kuwait & Oman. Group B: China PR, Korea DPR, Saudi Arabia & Uzbekistan. Group C: Bahrain, Iran, Qatar & UAE. Group D: Iraq, Japan, Jordan & Palestine.

Tickets: ticketek.com.au or call 13 28 49.

Official Hospitality: 1300 13 40 10

OCCEROOS attacking weapon Dario Vidosic believes the AFC Asian Cup could be a coming of age tournament for Australia’s Generation Next. Coach Ange Posetcoglou’s young ones went in to the World Cup in Brazil on a steep learning curve with expectations doused by the enormity of mixing it with the planet’s pedigree teams in a group of death featuring world champion Spain, Netherlands and Chile. But facing South Korea, Oman and Kuwait in their own backyard in the Group stage of the Asian Cup is significantly less daunting – even for a nation in the midst of shedding the old and beckoning in a new breed of talent. Vidosic – almost a sage old hand now at the age of 27, as he plies his trade in Switzerland with FC Sion, knows the pressure is on Australia to deliver as it hosts the tournament for the first time. “Our goal will be nothing less than to win our first major tournament as a nation – and that’s what the expectation of the whole country will be,” he told STADIUM magazine. “There’s going to be a huge buzz around the country and it’s vital we live up to the hype that will be around us – and that means we will need the younger boys to step up. And I think they will. Asia, as a region, has come on in leaps and bounds and we have seen that in some of the close World Cup qualifying games between teams from around the Middle East and beyond in recent years. “You don’t get many blow-out scores in world football these days. The margins are getting tighter and tighter but we need to back ourselves to go all the way on home turf.” Sydney’s ANZ Stadium will feature heavily as a tournament venue – and will host Australia’s second Group game against Oman on Tuesday 13 January. The Stadium will also be the venue for three other Group games, a quarter-final, a semi-final on Australia Day, and the AFC Asian Cup Final itself on Saturday 31 January. The Socceroos will face Kuwait in the opening match on Friday 9 January in Melbourne and, on paper at least, their toughest Group fixture will be against south-east Asian powerhouse South Korea in Brisbane on 17 January. “We’re in a demanding Group but that will only make us battle hardened for the next stage of the tournament,” added Vidosic. “I see it working in our favour, so long as we do all the right things.” With Socceroos legends Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill, Brett Emerton and Harry Kewell and stalwarts like Brett Holman departing the international stage, a new breed is emerging with rookies in Curtis Good, Massimo Luongo, Jason Davidson and playmaker Tom Rogic under the arc lights. “We have a good crop coming through and they have been knocking on the door for a while. For me, Australian football has no concerns about the calibre of the younger boys,” said Vidosic. “They have lots of potential and will surprise a few people. Our coach Ange Postecoglou is a specialist at honing and giving young talent the chance to shine. “His track record tells you that at club football – and it’s just the same at the national level. “Everything is geared for the young players to prove their worth.” *Dave Lewis is an SBS football correspondent who will cover the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia.

STADIUM FOOTBALL

World Cup Farewell Match ANZ Stadium, Monday 26 May, 2014 Australia 1 South Africa 1 Crowd: 50,439

Pictures: Brendon Thorne

ROOVOLUTION NEW-LOOK SOCCEROOS EYEING BIG JANUARY CUP Carlos Fernandes

T will be January when the Socceroos return to ANZ Stadium – to take on the best of Asia in the AFC Asian Cup, the biggest football tournament ever held in this country. But 50,439 fans gave them a rousing farewell to their Cups odyssey when they lined up against Bafana Bafana, the pride of South Africa, in late May. In their final outing before the FIFA World Cup and with the Asian Cup their 2015 Everest, the Socceroos were cheered on by a gold army in the stands, although this game lacked the late drama that had been a feature of previous Socceroos games at the Olympic stadium. Superstar Tim Cahill at least made sure Australia went unbeaten in their farewell match heading into the World Cup with a trademark header in the 1-1 draw with South Africa. Captain for the night in place of the rested Mile Jedinak, Cahill pounced in the first half to cancel out Ayanda Patosi’s opener for South Africa. After an intense opening period, the Socceroos fell away as they toiled to break down a stubborn opponent on what proved a night of some frustration. It was South Africa, with their first attack,

who took a shock 13th minute lead with Tokelo Rantie rampaging down Australia’s right after midfielder James Holland had conceded possession just inside his own half. His shot was blocked but 21-year-old Belgium-based striker Patosi was the first to react as he guided the rebound past keeper Mat Ryan. South Africa’s joy was shortlived though with Cahill - Australia’s perennial saviour down the years - making sure the lead didn’t last long. Rising high to meet an angled Davidson cross from near the corner flag, a leaping Cahill rose above the defenders to head home the equaliser within 60 seconds of Australia falling behind. Socceroos legend Brett Emerton, watching from the Chairman’s Suite at ANZ Stadium, said of the goal: “Tim had no right to win that (header). That was just sheer determination.” A weakened - but willing - South Africa had not come to ANZ Stadium to simply roll over and they broke with pace and precision to test the Australian defence. There was an emotional tribute at halftime to Emerton and fellow former Socceroos Mark Schwarzer and Jason Culina. The Golden Generation has passed. Now a new breed of Socceroos steps up for the Asian Cup.

MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

Picture: Brendon Thorne

A LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN John Clarke Stadium Australia Club WELCOME to Members’ Central – the dedicated Members’ section of STADIUM magazine. ANZ Stadium Members will find essential information here about booking events, Member dining, attending matches and exclusive Member offers. With the 2014 football season in full swing we have already enjoyed some great action at the Stadium this year, highlighted by the Sydney Swans’ win over 2013 AFL premiers Hawthorn and a huge Easter double round

AS an ANZ Stadium Member, your ticket to every game is included in your Membership. Want to be part of the action? Become an ANZ Stadium Member today at www.anzstadium.com.au/members or call (02) 8765 2600.

of cracking NRL featuring four of our home teams, the Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, Eels and Tigers, which attracted over 90,000 fans. We also had the first look at the newly selected Socceroos when they met South Africa in a friendly farewell match before they headed to Brazil. And then there was State of Origin II! The second half of the year is set to be just as thrilling. Members can look forward to a number of upcoming events, including Juventus v A-League All Stars; Bledisloe Cup; and the NRL Grand Final. Plus there is the added bonus of NRL and AFL finals (should our home teams qualify).

It was my great pleasure to meet many of you at the 4th Annual Members Dinner in May. It was once again a great night! The dinner sold out in record time and was a huge success. You can read more about the Members’ Dinner in the Members’ Confidential section on Page 26. Keep an eye out for details of next year’s dinner. I hope to see you there. Along with my fellow Directors, I look forward to continuing to deliver Australia’s best and most diverse calendar of events along with outstanding services and value to Members. We are constantly looking to improve the Member experience at the Stadium and encourage you to provide any Member related feedback, directly to the Member Services Department (see details below). I look forward to seeing you at the Stadium.

Membership Renewals Pay your annual subscription 24 hours a day www.anzstadium.com.au/members Option 3

Mail ANZ Stadium Member Services Locked Bag 1999, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, 2127

Member Services For all other membership enquiries www.anzstadium.com.au/members Email: membership@anzstadium.com.au Option 2 Fax: +61 2 8765 2999

Member Services Contact Hours Non Event Days: Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays) 9am to 5.30pm. Reserved Event Days: By telephone 2 hours prior to gate opening. Box office opens 30 minutes prior to gate opening time.

Membership Sales Call our sales team today on 02 8765 2600

General Admission Event Days Box Office M/N only, 30 minutes prior to gate opening time.

MEMBER SERVICES CONTACTS Member Services Online www.anzstadium.com.au/members ANZ Stadium Members’ Information Line 1300 136 006 Members’ Box Office Event booking and all ticketing enquiries. Book online at: www.anzstadium.com.au/members Option 1 Members’ Dining To book your dining, book online at: www.anzstadium.com.au/members Option 1

MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

MEMBERS' BOOKING GUIDE BOOKING CLOSE DATE

PAYING GUEST TICKET PRICE

ARENA

MEMBERS’ RESTAURANT

MEMBERS’ BRASSERIE

PLATINUM CAFÉ

MEMBER TERRACES

Waitlist Now

All tickets $172.50

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Five courses - $150^

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Five courses - $135^

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Buffet - $110^ or $85

(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bistro-style meals $6.50 - $15

(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Meals, bar and snacks

Swans v Richmond* 29 - 31 August

29 August or from Members’ Box Office M/N on match day

Adult $70 / Junior $31

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) 3 Course $118^ 2 Course $92^

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Buffet $100^ or $74

(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bistro-style meals $6.50 - $15

(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Meals, bar and snacks

Bledisloe Cup 16 August

4 July

All tickets $159

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Five courses - $150^

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Five courses - $135^

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Buffet - $110^ or $85

(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bistro-style meals $6.50 - $15

(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Meals, bar and snacks

22 August

All tickets $330

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Five courses - $150^

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Five courses - $135^

(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Meals, bar and snacks

No booking required

Adult $30 / Junior $15

STADIUM CAFE (NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bistro-style meals $7.50- $29

(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bistro-style meals $6.50 - $15

EVENT

A-League All Stars v Juventus 10 August

NRL Grand Final 5 October 2014 NRL Season Club Home Games

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Buffet - $110^ or $85 Two Sittings

*Sydney Swans v Richmond will open for booking once the date of the event is confirmed.

ARENA

MEMBERS’ BRASSERIE

MEMBER TERRACES

The ultimate Members’ dining experience located on Level 5. Platinum Member priority. A magnificent menu of enticing, immaculately prepared cuisine, matched with outstanding wine and exemplary service.

Sumptuous hot and cold buffet featuring our chef’s specialities from seafood to carved roasts, a range of desserts and cheeses. Available to all Members and their guests. Beverage package optional.

The Member Sin Bin and Cauldron Terraces offer fast gourmet meals with great views of the field of play. Access from the Level 1 concourse. Full range of fast food and snacks.

PLATINUM CAFÉ

STADIUM CAFÉ

Outstanding pre-match dining featuring a seasonally designed set menu incorporating the finest Australian produce. Available to all Members and their guests.

The southern end of the Lounge is exclusive to Platinum Members to enjoy a café meal or drink from the Platinum Bar. Quick and relaxed, bistro-style meals.

Quick and relaxed pre-match dining with a view of the field. Serving bistro favourites complemented by an extensive range of premium beer and wine.

MEMBERS’ RESTAURANT

^ Beverage package included, featuring premium wines and beer.

(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bar and snacks

Members’ dining bookings, cancellations and amendments terms and conditions. A 100% cancellation fee will be incurred if a reservation is not cancelled or amended 5 full working days prior to the event. For example, for an event held on Sunday 5 October, cancellations or amendments must be made in writing by 5pm, Friday 26 September. This will also apply if you do not attend to dine on the day of the event.

MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

FINALS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER A

S a Member you will have access to any NRL, AFL or Super Rugby finals that are scheduled at the Stadium, and given the current performance of the Stadium’s home teams – Swans, Waratahs, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs, Eels and Tigers – it is a high probability that one or more finals will be held in coming months. Given the short notice for confirmation of finals matches, any finals held at the Stadium will operate as either General Admission events or First To Book events. Should ANZ Stadium be confirmed as the host venue for any finals, be sure to check Members’ eNews and our website. We will confirm Member access (General Admission or First To Book), which seating sections of the Members’ Reserve will be open, the price and availability of guest tickets, and what dining and facilities will be available. Please note that this information is unlikely to be available any

earlier than the week before any potential matches. NRL: Keep cheering for Sydney teams as all finals hosted by Sydney teams in any week of the Finals series will be played at either ANZ Stadium or the Sydney Football Stadium. AFL: Should the Sydney Swans qualify to host any home finals they will be played at ANZ Stadium. Super Rugby: Should the NSW Waratahs qualify to host the Super Rugby final, that game will be played at ANZ Stadium. It should be noted that as the NRL and AFL finals run concurrently, there is the possibility that the NRL and the AFL will seek to schedule finals matches on the same date. Stadium management will do everything possible to ensure that such clashes are avoided to maximise the number of finals played at ANZ Stadium. The Members’ Fan Pass is not valid for NRL finals matches.

MEMBERS’ FAN PASS STILL AMAZING VALUE Enjoying the season of NRL? Share the Members’ experience with a friend with a Members’ Fan Pass. This pass is valid for all remaining season NRL matches held at ANZ Stadium in 2014. ADULT CHILD

1 Pass $105.00 1 Pass $60.00

2 Passes $185.00 2 Passes $105.00

3 Passes $255.00 3 Passes $150.00

All bearers of the Members' Fan Pass also receive the Member discount upon presentation at our retail food and beverage outlets. CALL 1300 136 006 (OPTION 2) OR PURCHASE AT THE BOX OFFICE.

SS FAN PA R - 2014

JUNIO

FAN PASS 2014

027462 0274

*Exclusive to ANZ Stadium Members. Each Members’ Fan Pass acts as a Paying Guest ticket for the events for which it’s valid. 3 guests may access each event per the number of rights a Member holds. Not valid for any finals matches.

MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

UPHOLDING THE STADIUM MEMBERS’ STANDARDS

RECIPROCAL RIGHTS

E would like to take this opportunity to offer a friendly reminder about the Members’ Code. Please be aware that all Members and their guests must be appropriately attired in smart casual wear when utilising the exclusive Member facilities. It is also important to be mindful and considerate to other Members, guests and children in the Members’ areas so that all enjoy the event. If you have provided your Member Card or Member Tickets to a guest to attend an event in your absence, please remember that you remain responsible for their adherence to the Members’ Code. Full details of our dress regulations and behaviour policy can be found on the Member Information page of our website at www.anzstadium.com.au/members.

MINIMUM DRESS STANDARD The minimum standard is smart casual to gain access to the Level 4 and 5 Members’ lounges. Discretion will be used in the case of young children. Jerseys of the participating teams are allowed provided they are in a neat state. Rubber of foam thongs, singlets, ripped jeans, tracksuits, stubbie-style shorts/skirts are not permitted.

BEHAVIOUR STANDARDS

Whilst we encourage you to be passionate and cheer on your team, please remember to mind your language (yes, even at a footy match) in the Members’ Reserve and respect others near you. Bad language, racist, sexist or violent remarks are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Please remember you are always responsible for your guests’ behaviour, even if you are not in attendance. NOT ACCEPTABLE

ACCEPTABLE

CATCH winter footy or racing at a different venue. ANZ Stadium Members enjoy Reciprocal Rights at sporting venues across the country and in New Zealand. Review our extensive list of partners below: • Australian Racing Driver’s Club (Sydney Motorsport Park) • Australian Turf Club (Royal Randwick, Canterbury Park, Warwick Farm and Rosehill Gardens) • Brisbane Cricket Ground (The ‘Gabba) • Cricket Tasmania (Bellerive Oval) • Eden Park, Auckland • Melbourne Cricket Club • South Australian Cricket Association (Adelaide Oval) • Western Australian Cricket Association (The WACA) • Westpac Stadium, Wellington Be sure to read and understand the available information from each Reciprocal Partner entirely as they differ greatly from the ANZ Stadium Membership. If you wish to utilise Reciprocal Rights, we always recommend you contact our Reciprocal Partners well in advance of your trip to confirm details and your booking. Full details at anzstadium.com.au/members/benefits-offers.

AUSTRALIAN RACING DRIVERS’ CLUB AT SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK ANZ Stadium Members can now enjoy the perks of a Pit Crew Membership at Sydney Motorsport Park thanks to a recent Recipricol partnership with the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club. This includes complimentary General Admission access to the amazing motorsport events* and first-class facilities of the Park. ANZ Stadium Members must register online for the Pit Crew Membership. For full terms and conditions and to register, go to the Benefits and Offers page after logging in to your Members’ Concierge. anzstadium.com.au/members. *Not valid for Ferrari racing days.

NEWS STADIUM

Picture: Tony Harrington

ANZ EXTENDS STADIUM NAMING RIGHTS SPONSORSHIP THROUGH TO END OF 2017 Arthur Stanley

NE of Australasia’s most recognisable sporting sponsorships will endure after banking group ANZ extended its naming rights sponsorship of Sydney’s former Olympic stadium. The ANZ Stadium naming rights sponsorship commenced in 2008 and the partnership will reach at least 10 years following the decision to extend the deal through to the end of 2017. ANZ Stadium Managing Director, Daryl Kerry, said he was grateful to ANZ for its decision to commit to a decade of sporting sponsorship at Sydney Olympic Park on the back of the most successful year at the Stadium since the 2000 Sydney Olympics. “In 2013, ANZ Stadium welcomed 1.6 million fans to more than 50 events, including an extraordinary run of five sellout events (State of Origin I & III, FIFA World Cup qualifier, the deciding British & Irish Lions Test, Manchester United visit) that drew upwards of 60,000 visitors to NSW and was worth more than $100 million to the NSW economy,” Mr Kerry said. “Australians are passionate about their sport and this partnership signifies ANZ’s continuing support to all levels of sport in NSW and Australia. ANZ’s decision to extend its naming rights sponsorship also comes at a time when the Stadium Australia Group is working closely with Governments and the five sporting codes to advance plans to redevelop the Stadium and the surrounding precinct. “We fully expect that, by 2017, ANZ Stadium will be well on the way to becoming the world’s leading multi-purpose Stadium – a venue able to continue to attract major international events.” ANZ Managing Director Products and Marketing, Matt Boss, said the

sponsorship was in line with the group’s continuing commitment to both NSW and sport in Australia. “We are very pleased to be continuing our support of ANZ Stadium and this agreement will take the sponsorship into its tenth year,” Mr Boss said. “ANZ Stadium is one of Australia’s iconic stadiums with more than 20 million spectators passing through the turnstiles since the venue opened to host the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.” A 2013 Repucom report ranked ANZ Stadium as the most valuable naming rights property of all major Australian stadia, with a total reach of 48.3 million people. The ANZ Stadium naming rights deal is Australia’s biggest Stadium sponsorship arrangement. Looking to the future, sports fans are going to be among the great beneficiaries of the WestConnex motorway project – Australia’s largest transport project – which will revolutionise road access to ANZ Stadium and Sydney Olympic Park from anywhere in the Sydney metropolitan area. Work will commence early 2015 on the $3.5 billion Stage 1 of WestConnex, which will link the CBD (via the City West Link at Haberfield) to Parramatta in a continuous, traffic-light-free motorway. Mr Kerry said: “The WestConnex motorway will be a game-changing piece of infrastructure for Sydney, connecting east and west, and road access to ANZ Stadium and the Sydney Olympic Park precinct will be greatly improved for all Sydneysiders. “Importantly, travelling times to and from the city will be cut substantially. It will just be faster and easier to get to the Stadium and Sydney Olympic Park.”

STADIUM 2014 MEMBERS’ DINNER

SPORT’S GOLDEN EVENING I

T’S not every night you get to rub shoulders with the greats of Australian sport and hear first-hand their insights into the big issues affecting their codes, clubs and personal careers. But more than 700 ANZ Stadium Members and their guests received that opportunity when they attended the 4th Annual Members’ Dinner – now a signature date on the Australian sporting calendar. Australian and Rabbitohs rugby league superstar Greg Inglis, rugby’s biggest star Israel Folau, Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack, the third most capped Socceroos player in history Brett Emerton and new ANZ Stadium ambassadors Josh Reynolds and Luke Brooks mingled with Members as they enjoyed pre-dinner drinks on the hallowed ANZ Stadium turf. Then it was upstairs to the ANZ Stadium Gold Members’ Dining Room for a sumptuous three-course meal and premium beverages. “It’s always a pleasure to meet with the Members at ANZ Stadium,” said Inglis. “They love their sport and I know the ambassadors enjoy the annual Members’ Dinner almost as much as the Members themselves.” MC Ryan Phelan, of Channel 7, introduced Stadium Australia Group chairman John Clarke for a Members’ welcome before Stadium Managing Director Daryl Kerry briefed Members on the latest news surrounding the Redevelopment Project. Rising rugby league champions Reynolds and Brooks spoke of their hopes and dreams before former Socceroos Emerton and Jason Culina were joined on stage by Football Federation Australia boss David Gallop for a FIFA World Cup/Asia Cup forum and analysis. Sydney sport’s golden achievers, Inglis (league), Folau (rugby) and Jack (AFL), later gave a remarkable insight into the decisions that shaped their footy careers and answered a series of Members’ questions openly and honestly. ANZ Stadium is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of young Australians and has a charity partnership with The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. About $33,000 was raised on the night. – Arthur Stanley

MEMBERS’ CONFIDENTIAL

Pictures: Brendon Thorne

“IT’S ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO MEET WITH THE MEMBERS AT ANZ STADIUM”

– GREG INGLIS

@ANZSTADIUM #ANZSTADIUM

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STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT

BUILDING A STADIUM OF THE FUTURE

EXCITING TIMES FOR ANZ STADIUM MEMBERS SPECIAL REPORT Arthur Stanley Editor

FULLY covered arena with a retractable roof, a reconfigured lower seating bowl that brings fans closer to the action, and new bars, cafes and restaurants both inside and outside the Stadium. The planned ANZ Stadium Redevelopment Project will provide the best possible conditions for players and spectators alike. It will ensure perfect playing-field dimensions for all codes, and provide fans with a world-class experience and superior levels of comfort and quality. The plans include development of the Stadium precinct to create a vibrant and exciting pre-and-post-event destination that encourages earlier arrival and later departure from Stadium events. While much of the focus of the proposed redevelopment has been on concepts to dramatically upgrade the general public areas of the Stadium, there are also a host of exciting proposals under consideration that will benefit greatly ANZ Stadium Members and Corporate clients. From a Member’s perspective, the key objective is to significantly improve your all-round experience at the Stadium. This will be achieved by heightening the overall quality of the Member facilities and introducing some amazing and innovative facilities. “In developing the Masterplan, Stadium management recognises the fact our Members and Corporate clients are incredibly important, and the brief provided to the building consortiums bidding for the right to redevelop the Stadium has included proposals to significantly improve the Members and Corporate areas,” said ANZ Stadium Managing Director, Daryl Kerry. A state-of-the-art health club and gymnasium, exclusive new

THE VISION FOR YOUR OLYMPIC PRECINCT A retractable roof made of lightweight material that will weather-proof major sport & entertainment events; Moveable northern and southern stands that will transform the lower seating bowl into a perfect rectangle for the rugby codes and football, brining fans closer to the action; Tweaking of the eastern and western stands to provide longer straight-hit boundaries for cricket and a more traditional oval shape for AFL; New enclosed viewing terraces featuring bars & eateries; New bars, cafes & restaurants both inside and outside the Stadium. Members’ bars and dining areas and access to cutting-edge connected stadium technology are some of the plans under consideration to enhance the Member and Corporate experience. As a valued Member or Corporate client, your feedback on what you would like to see at a new and redeveloped ANZ Stadium is welcome (see below). Certainly, we need our Members and Corporate guests behind us as we strive to bring the Stadium Redevelopment Project to reality. Already, we have seen key improvements, including the outdoor practice facility on the western side of the Stadium, and the new Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge on Level 2 – a snapshot of what the future holds in terms of providing our Members and Corporate clients with more intimate, modern destinations within the Stadium. Other key improvements under consideration are: • A dramatically improved Level 1 concourse with meet and greet areas, exciting new eateries and bar facilities, and an exclusive Members’ area that will play an important role at major events. This space would feed into the Level 2 Member Terraces. Craft beers on tap, fine wines and boutique eateries and coffee stops are all proposed as part of this iniative on the lower levels;

• A concept to improve facilities on Level 6 of the western stand to provide additional exclusive Member areas; • Further dining options and standards for Stadium Members throughout the western stand which are the equivalent of or better than the best stadiums in the world; • Increasing the number of overall Members’ dining options and altering existing dining spaces, making them generally more intimate and inviting; • A grand and welcoming Members’ entrance; • A high-quality health and fitness centre, which will be accessible to Members each and every day. Members will also have access to the world’s most advanced Stadium technological infrastructure, enabling them to experience live sport and entertainment like never before. The Members’ areas will be kitted out with infrastructure, including HD televisions and cameras, that will effectively enable fans to optimise their own smartphone or tablet technology capabilities – ensuring they will always be ahead of the game. “With the technology that we will have available, we will have the ability to let our Members choose their own experience at the game,” says Melinda Madigan, ANZ Stadium’s General Manager Marketing and Membership. “This is about making sure we create a completely new experience and ensuring Members enjoy their sport and entertainment at the Stadium in different ways using the very latest technologies. The Stadium event experience is about to move to a whole new level – and our Stadium Members will have easy access and, at times, exclusive access to all the innovative features.” THE CORPORATE EXPERIENCE When the Stadium opened in 1999, the Stadium’s corporate hospitality facilities set new industry benchmarks for service and comfort. Since that time, standards and expectations have changed considerably and the Stadium is intending to again take the corporate

experience to levels commensurate with an Olympic facility. Among a number of key initiatives planned to further improve the corporate experience at the Stadium are additional corporate hospitality facilities and refurbishment of existing Private Suites, with Private Suite holders invited to modify the internal design of their suite to reflect their own branding and style, and also make use of these facilities on non-event days. GROWING OUR HIRERS’ BUSINESS The redevelopment will provide the sporting clubs and codes that regularly hold events at the Stadium, plus promoters, with a venue that will deliver the best possible financial returns from enhanced facilities and increased event attendance. It will also support their ambitions to grow their respective sports in the most competitive sporting city in the world. STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT COMPLEMENTS GROWTH OF GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY The ANZ Stadium redevelopment will work in tandem with a series of major infrastructure initiatives in western Sydney already announced by the NSW and Federal Governments. Work on the new $11.5 billion WestConnex motorway is due to begin early 2015, with estimates that the average driving time from the city to Sydney Olympic Park could be cut in half. Stage 1 of WestConnex will feature a $3.5 billion super highway to Sydney Olympic Park and ANZ Stadium, and continuing to Parramatta. Just as exiting are the proposed Urban Activation Zones planned for Sydney Olympic Park, which will generate atmosphere and provide additional facilities around the Stadium. ANZ Stadium welcomes feedback from its Members and Corporate clients. What improvements would you like to see carried out as part of the Stadium Redevelopment Project? Please write to: masterplan@anzstadium.com.au

STADIUM EVENT EXPERIENCE

LIVE IT UP LIVE . . . BETTER TRANSPOR TAKE ME TO THE GAME

ICKETS to every NRL Premiership game at ANZ Stadium in season 2014 includes train travel in one of the biggest sporting transport initiatives announced in this country. And in further great news for fans, there is a minimum of two direct rail services between Central Station and Sydney Olympic Park before and after each match at the Stadium. The train travel applies to the entire Sydney Trains network and the NSW TrainLink intercity network. That includes fans travelling from as far away as Bomaderry, Bathurst, the Blue Mountains and the Hunter region. Sydney Trains is also running at least two direct rail services between Central Station and Sydney Olympic Park before and after each NRL match at ANZ Stadium. Integrated ticketing that includes the cost of public transport on both trains and major event buses is frequently introduced at the

biggest events at ANZ Stadium across five professional sports – rugby league, rugby union, AFL, football and cricket. Fans know that when the Olympic transport system runs, regular direct trains (often leaving Central for Sydney Olympic Park every 8 minutes) and major event buses (on as many as 11 routes across Sydney) are easily the fastest and most convenient way to get to the game. Fans can check event details on the ANZ Stadium website (www.anzstadium.com.au) before travelling to each game to be sure of relevant and up-to-date train and bus arrangements for that event. Are we forgetting the roads? Not quite. Australia’s largest transport project – the $11.5 billion WestConnex motorway – will revolutionise how sports fans get to Sydney Olympic Park – cutting driving time between the CBD and Stadium in half. - AS Details of WestConnex can be found at: westconnex.com.au

APPY DAYS AS FREE WI-FI KICKS IN

NZ Stadium is an interactive playground this year after the Olympic venue became the first stadium in Australasia to offer a free Wi-Fi service to all fans at every event. On the back of the free Wi-Fi service, the interactive ANZ Stadium App was rolled out, significantly improving the end-to-end game-day experience for fans. Today’s sports fan wants to stay connected while attending a game. Now, they can use their smart phone to chat, send text messages or engage via social media even in capacity crowds at the Stadium. With the app, you can get directions within the Stadium and do a search based on your location. You can interact with your favourite teams at the major events via the large screen, and even chat with ANZ Stadium’s social media concierge. “There will be a progressive roll-out of Wi-Fi features and the

goal is to go well beyond the home entertainment experience and combine this exciting new digital technology with the exhilaration and camaraderie of being at the game. Nothing can beat that,” said Greg Sleigh, GM Event & Business Development at ANZ Stadium. Mr Sleigh said the connected experience now starts with fans before they even begin their journey to the Stadium and ends when they arrive home, with the Stadium providing content that advises the best transport routes to the game and any traffic delays, the best place to park, Google maps to your seats inside the Stadium, and where and how you can order food and beverages. There will be exclusive ticket offers to games available to fans who attend matches. - AS Want to #ScoreFreeWiFi? Go Settings, Wi-Fi, choose ANZS. Want to find the new ANZ Stadium App? Download it for free in the app store.

WATCH, EAT, DRINK. REPEAT.

ONE are the days when a majority of fans were content with cold pies and hot beers while sitting on a square of grass or wooden bench at the footy. Today’s sports fan expects a cutting-edge event experience, and innovations across all seating categories have lifted the standard of food and beverages on offer to fans who attend events at the connected ANZ Stadium. The opening of the new Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge is the first of many new bars and eateries planned for both inside and outside ANZ Stadium as part of the Stadium Redevelopment Project. But the new offerings are not limited to the Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge. ANZ Stadium’s John Hutchinson, Senior Manager Retail Services, said: “Our focus in 2014 has been the introduction of more choices of food and beverages in both our Members’ and retail areas because our research shows that customers want to see a higher quality product

accompanied with a more comprehensive range.” Among the new food and beverage innovations: • Premium wines from McWilliams Wines and Rothbury Estate are being poured in all Member, corporate areas and retail outlets; • Hahn Super Dry 3.5 is now the lead beer variety in all retail outlets in public areas, with the added choice of XXXX Gold; • The Members’ Terrace bars have undergone a beer revolution, with guests now able to choose from seven beer varieties including a selection of craft beers and cider on tap. • The Members’ Bars on Level 4 now have a regular changing Guest Beer, with trial new draught beers offered to Members every month. • Stadium staff are being trained as baristas. - JM Want access to the Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge while sitting in the Best Seats In The House? Keen to indulge in an Open Corporate Box or Private Suite? Official Hospitality: 1300 13 40 10.

RT, WI-FI, STADIUM APP & NEW BARS

STADIUM OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY

Centre OF ATTENTION

SWANKY NEW BAR & LOUNGE PROVES Arthur Stanley

T was the start of an exciting new era at ANZ Stadium as the Olympic venue opened its doors to a stylish new lounge bar that works in tandem with its premium Centreline Seats – the Best Seats In The House. Football stars, their glamorous partners, an assortment of celebrities, sports administrators and media representatives joined more than 600 corporate guests to officially launch the Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge. Designed by the same architects who brought the classy edge to some of Sydney’s hottest bars, the new Centreline Seats Lounge is the first internal stage of the planned redevelopment of ANZ Stadium. It opened for a blockbuster weekend featuring an AFL clash between the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn and the Mother’s Day NRL derby between traditional rivals the St George Illawarra Dragons and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Jazz funk band GTS Sound System provided the entertainment inside the lounge as guests were treated to pre-game canapés and complimentary beverages before the action on the field took over.

“With an emphasis on design, ambience and style, the new Centreline Seats Lounge creates an exciting new entertainment and hospitality area that represents unrivalled sporting experience and value for our customers and their guests,” said Melinda Madigan, ANZ Stadium’s General Manager Marketing and Membership. “We are focused on enhancing the Stadium experience across our entire fan base – improving the in-seat experience and pre-and-post match atmosphere for the general public, sporting club members and ANZ Stadium Members, as well as our corporate guests. “Our new Centreline Seats offer a premium live experience, with seat-holders zoomed up close and personal to the on-field action, as well as having exclusive access to one of the most exciting and fashionable bars in the sports entertainment industry.” ANZ Stadium’s Centreline Seats Lounge was designed by Surry Hillsbased SJB Interiors, who also designed the interiors of Establishment Hotel, Dee Why Hotel and Ravesi’s Drift Bar. Featuring two slick city-style bars and separate cafés, as well as polished concrete flooring and with beer taps made of 250-year-old Black Heart Sassafras wood from Tasmania, the new Centreline Seats Lounge offers eight craft beers (18 beers in total), nine premium

Picture: Brendon Thorne

1300 13 40 10

S A SMASH HIT WITH GUESTS “We are rapidly evolving the end-to-end Stadium experience.” wines and 14 new menu items. There are 12 Panasonic TVs offering full coverage of the big games, and stylish furniture to relax in. There are 1300 premium Centreline Seats at ANZ Stadium, located outside the new lounge bar on Level 2 of the western grandstand. Purchasing a Centreline Seat guarantees you the same padded seat for every live event of the year and is fully transferrable, so you can choose to share it with friends or hard-to-impress clients. Seats can be purchased individually or in quantities to suit, with some clients purchasing up to 25 Centreline Seats as their key entertainment vehicle. The Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge offers corporate account

facilities and personalised service. You can place orders from your table, or the bar, and receive delivery to your location in-lounge. In addition, VIP parking packages in the adjacent P1 carpark are available for purchase to Centreline Seats holders. ANZ Stadium is an interactive playground this season with all fans having access to free high-speed Wi-Fi and the ANZ Stadium App, the latter which can guide you to your seat as well as offering a multitude of other benefits. “We are rapidly evolving the end-to-end Stadium experience and we aim to deliver tailored event offerings to the wide and various fan segments all seeking the ultimate live sports experience,” said Melinda Madigan. “In the fast and exciting digital world we live, there is a growing demand for premium seating and a greater in-Stadium experience. “The Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge is just the start of a personalised event experience that we know our customers desire.” Get More Out Of Live. To enquire about ANZ Stadium’s Centreline Seats & access to Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge, visit: www.anzstadium.com.au/official-hospitality/centreline-seats/

STADIUM AFL

SWANS’ BRAVE NEW WORLD

HOW SYDNEY HAS ACHIEVED SUCCESS ON THE BACK OF BOLD DECISIONS Joel Moss

UPERSTAR Lance “Buddy” Franklin’s arrival at the Sydney Swans was met with a unique footy combination of cheering and jeering. But, truth-be-told, this is hardly the first time the Swans have made a decision that has caused some division among the red and white faithful. In fact, the Swans thrive on making the tough decisions other clubs are afraid to make. Sydney’s recent run of greatness, including premierships in 2005 and 2012, is testament to their ability of converting hard decisions into success, both on and off the field. Flash back to Round 1 this season and the Greater Western Sydney Giants scored a massive upset victory against the Swans that landed on the front page of Sydney’s Sunday newspaper sports sections. Many good judges believe the Giants, given time to grow and develop in western Sydney, pose a very real threat to the Swans and their pulling power throughout Sydney. The Swans made the bold decision to move a small number of their games from their eastern Sydney base of the SCG in 2002. Even though a vocal number of proponents remain critical of the strategic move, the numbers don’t lie, with the Swans continuing to draw strongly in the geographical heart of Sydney. (See stats opposite page) Co-captain Kieren Jack is an advocate, stressing that the Swans realise the strategic importance of playing games at ANZ Stadium and growing their Membership and fan base across Greater Sydney. “As a guy who grew up in western Sydney, at Cherrybrook, I am in a good position to

‘WE ARE AWARE WE TAKE THE GAME AND OUR BRAND TO A WIDER AUDIENCE WHEN WE PLAY AT SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK.’ gauge just how far the game of AFL has come over the past decade,” Jack says. “The Swans’ crowds have always been particularly healthy at ANZ Stadium and we are aware we take the game and our brand to a wider audience when we play at Sydney Olympic Park.” It’s the type of bold decision that has shaped the Swans in their AFL existence. The Sydney Swans were founded in 1982 after deciding to relocate from South Melbourne after financial disaster doomed the club. In their early years, the Swans were labelled as a flamboyant club with the colourful Warwick Capper who proudly boasted his eccentric lifestyle. Despite criticisms, the Swans made successive finals for the first time since moving to Sydney in part due to Capper’s

sensational goal-kicking abilities, which thrilled the fans. However, the Swans were cast back into financial turmoil as drama engulfed the club. For years, players steered clear of Sydney, avoiding the Swans at all costs. The club crashed to three successive wooden spoons in 1992-94 and it wasn’t until the Swans achieved a massive coup in signing St Kilda legend Tony Lockett that momentum swung. Lockett’s move to Sydney in 1995 was met with opposition due to his reputation. But the man they called “Plugger” was an instant success and became a cult-figure among fans, and he eventually led the Swans to their first AFL Grand Final in 1996. Similarly, Big Bad Barry Hall, was another player who thrived in Sydney despite his reputation preceding him. In 2005, Hall captained the Swans to their first premiership in 72 years despite then-AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou publicly declaring the Swans as boring for their unorthodox defensiveorientated play that stifled oppositions. Although challenges continue to persist, history has shown that the Swans not only survive but flourish through making bold decisions, and they seem certain to continue to grow in the hearts and minds of all Sydneysiders far and wide. “We are not the eastern Swans – we are the Sydney Swans,” Jack says. “As a club, we know we have fans north, east, south and west of the city. We have over 40,000 members and they have postcodes representing just about every Sydney suburb, and indeed our fans are spread across NSW and Australia.”

Swans on the march . . . Josh Kennedy in full flight against the Hawthorn Hawks

WHERE THE AFL FANS GO (CROWDS 1997 - 2014)

Sydney Swans v Richmond 29-31 August (TBC) Member bookings will open once the date of the event is confirmed. See page 22 for Member dining options and Paying Guest prices.

VENUE

HOME & AWAY GAMES

AVE

FINALS

AVE

ANZ STADIUM

41,446

46,933

SCG

170

26,878

37,551

MCG

802

46,314

72,479

ETIHAD STADIUM

673

33,831

36,005

STADIUM MONSTER JAM

MONSTER MAYHEM 36

MONSTER JAM

Saturday 18 October Tickets: 13 28 49; ticketek.com.au Pit Passes: Purchase the ticket + pit pass option when selecting your tickets via the Ticketek website. ANZ Stadium Members: anzstadium.com.au/members or call 1300 136 006 (Option 1)

Official Hospitality Centreline Seats Adult $80 per person Children $65 per person 1300 13 40 10 officialhospitalityinfo@anzstadium.com.au

Nikkie Beltran

HEY flipped, flew, crashed and roared, with some even ending up in flames and others in pieces as a crowd of awe-struck thousands leapt to their feet to cheer for more. It was the biggest event of 2013 – literally. And it’s back in 2014. Get ready for Monster Jam monster trucks at ANZ Stadium! Imagine a beast of a vehicle measuring up to 3m tall, weighing in at five tonnes, capable of speeds of up to 160km/h, with the ability to jump a distance of more than 38m and as high as 10m in the air. Now times that by 12 and you’ve got the most intense family entertainment experience on the planet. You’ve never seen ANZ Stadium like this before. The multi-purpose venue, renowned for its hallowed turf which plays host to some of the biggest sporting events in the country, undergoes a makeover of monster proportions. Complete with a custom-designed dirt track littered with obstacles and ramps, ANZ Stadium transforms into a giant playground for trucks

with names like Monster Mutt and Grave Digger. Every structure, trail and each individual detail is especially designed to make the series of races and freestyle smash sessions as explosive as possible. You’ll have to see it to believe it. But before the action begins there is the perfect rev-up at the official Monster Jam Pit Party. This is your chance to get up-close-and-personal with these mammoth machines and their precision drivers ahead of the rip-roaring arena action. Monster Jam – it has something for thrill seekers of all ages. Direct from the USA, Monster Jam is the most popular monster truck tour on the globe, performing to over four million people annually at the biggest stadiums worldwide. Don’t miss the ANZ Stadium spectacular on Saturday 18 October 2014. “The 2013 show, which was two years in the planning for Sydney, far exceeded expectations with more than 50,000 Monster Jam fans travelling from all over Australia to see their favourite trucks for the first time. We’re thrilled that this unique show will be with us again this October,” said Greg Sleigh, ANZ Stadium General Manager Event & Business Development.

STADIUM ENTERTAINMENT

THE NIGHT SYDNEY WENT

RAP CRAZY

Nikkie Beltran

T was the latest in a series of world-class acts to light up ANZ Stadium in front of a capacity crowd – and many judges rated the Rapture concert featuring Eminem among the best shows to have graced Sydney in recent years. Rap God, Slim Shady, Marshall Mathers, Eminem – he has many names and on Saturday 22 February he lived up to them all as he took more than 58,000 fans to Rapture at the Stadium. For a full 90 minutes, the lyrical genius hypnotised concert goers as he attacked his rhymes with an intensity that could be felt across a Stadium full of fans who echoed his every word with arms swinging in the air. Eminem’s set list spanned his seven solo albums. From his latest hits like Rap God and The Monster, to the classics like Kill You and The Real Slim Shady, Eminem (main picture) delivered a high-energy performance that only proved why he’s an industry heavyweight.

It wasn’t just Shady’s trademark aggression that did not disappoint, but it was also refreshing to witness glimpses of a new Marshall Mathers as he openly shared his love for Australia and his fans, while injecting humour between his hit songs. Together with his hand-picked crew featuring international superstars Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole and Action Bronson, as well as home-grown talent 360 and M-Phazes, Eminem’s game-changing Rapture tour received rave reviews from those who attended the only Sydney concert. Rapture joins the list of world-class entertainment that has recently transformed ANZ Stadium, with supergroup Bon Jovi lighting up the arena just two months earlier. Bon Jovi was the highlight of a bumper 2013 that featured Soundwave with headline act Metallica, and The Stone Music Festival including Aerosmith, Van Halen and Billy Joel. Stay tuned as the acts keep coming. Watch this space - more news to come.

Pictures: Dan Himbrechts

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US

STADIUM DINING

SUSHI SITUATION

CROSSWORD SOLUTION I

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HE standard footy fare of pie, hot chips and beer is giving way to a new quality of food and beverages in the stands. However, to find something as exotic as sushi at the football would be like having Justin Bieber open as a supporting act for AC/DC. Yet this is exactly the new-era casual dining experience that is on offer at ANZ Stadium with Sushi Arriba. Former Canterbury Bulldogs NRL star Daryl Halligan showed he can convert a business deal as well as he used to put them over for the Bulldogs when he encouraged head chef, Kyu, to bring his catering to ANZ Stadium. Halligan was a regular diner at Kyu’s Tenka Restaurant at St Ives, on Sydney’s north shore. He discussed with Kyu the possibility of having sushi at ANZ Stadium and after several months of careful consideration, the freshest sushi outlet in Australian sport was launched. Believe it or not, Sushi Arriba is a combination of Japanese sushi and Mexican burritos. This combination, as unlikely as mateship between a fish and a kangaroo, has become a fan favourite. John Hutchinson, Senior Manager Retail

Services, said: “ANZ Stadium has sold sushi in our retail outlets for many years. “However, we now have partnered with a unique supplier who produces all of their sushi fresh on site for every event. “This is not your average sushi stand – it explores the fusion of Mexican/Korean and Japanese to produce unique products. “What sushi bar have you ever seen a Sushiritto?” Sushi Arriba is available to ANZ Stadium Members and is located on Level 4, Aisle 432. Look out for it next time at the Stadium.

Joel Moss

THE Stadium celebrated its 15th birthday this year, having hosted its first event on 6 March 1999 and with the official opening in June of that same year. Ninety two dedicated staff members have been part of the Stadium journey since the start. We nickname them the 92 99ers. Twenty five members of the permanent pioneer team and 67 casuals have witnessed first-hand many of the biggest events in Australian sports and entertainment history. ANZ Stadium Managing Director, Daryl Kerry, is among this core group of staff after joining the Stadium in 1998 as Operations Manager nine months before construction of the Stadium was completed. “It would be remiss of me not to thank our wonderful staff, who really do make the greatest things happen, and also our loyal Stadium Members and corporate guests – again many of whom have been with us since we opened in 1999,” he says. “And we really need to congratulate the people of Sydney for embracing their Olympic precinct. This has really been Sydney’s journey, as much as our journey here at the Stadium.” The 25 members of the permanent pioneer team who opened the venue in ’99 and who are still with the Stadium today are: Leanne Bass, Tim Brady, Judith Cochrane, Nicole Collins, Simon Davies, David Fletcher, Wendy Frizelle, Wilma Gatley, Maria Gioffre, Jenny Gorka, Gina Guajardo, Terry Hales, Michael Herbert, Steve Heytman, Daryl Kerry, Darren Lane, Graeme Logan, Sue Max, Terry O’Brien, David Selsby, Lyn Trueman, Colin White, Carol Whittaker, Richard Williams, Alan Webster. Last year, 1.6 million fans passed through the gates to witness more than 50 events at ANZ Stadium. The Sydney Olympic Park precinct welcomed 13.2 million people and hosted more than 6000 events. As we celebrate the Stadium’s 15th birthday, the 2014 ANZ Stadium Event Calendar offers up another remarkable year of sport and entertainment. More fun and exhilaration. We hope you continue to enjoy the ride. – Arthur Stanley

Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club

Weddings

Functions

Corporate Golf

Twin Creeks Drive Luddenham NSW 2745 T: 02 9670 8888

www.twincreeksgolf.com.au

Conferences

Membership

STADIUM CROSSWORD 1

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THE BIG SPORTING CHALLENGE ACROSS

1. 2000 Olympic triple jump champion, Jonathan ... (7) 5. Reds centre who made his Bledisloe Cup debut in 2009, ... Ioane (5) 11. Flanker who scored a crucial try in the 2008 Wallaby 12-across win at ANZ Stadium, Rocky ... (5) 12. World rugby’s largest trophy, donated in 1931 by a NZ GovernorGeneral, ... Cup (9) 13. 33-across flanker, ... Messam (4) 14. Nickname of the NSW Origin second-rower in Balmain’s 1988 and 1989 Grand Final losses (5) 15. 33-across coach who lost the 12-across in 1998, John ... (4) 18. Wallaby centre in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, ... Flatley (5) 19. Station hands who rode at the Sydney 2000 Opening Ceremony (8) 23. Referee in 21 Origin games and 10 Grand Finals, including the first at ANZ Stadium, in 1999, Bill .. (8) 24. Bulldog winger who scored a 2004 Grand Final try and played one Origin game for NSW in 1987, Hazem El ... (5) 27. NSW Origin second rower in the Sea Eagles’ 1987 Grand Final victory, ... ‘Crusher’ Cleal (4) 29. Clive Churchill medallist in the 2004 Grand Final, Willie ... (5) 30. Pole who carried the Olympic flag at the Sydney 2000 Opening Ceremony, ... Walesa (4) 33. 41 times 12-across winners (3,6) 34. 33-across and Qld Origin forward in the Broncos 2000 Grand Final victory at ANZ Stadium, Brad ... (5)

35. 12-across designer, Nelson ... (5) 36. 33-across centre whose pass was intercepted by Stirlock Mortlock in the 2003 World Cup semi-final, Carlos ... (7)

DOWN

2. ‘80s NSW Origin player and 2011 NRL Grand Final winning coach at ANZ Stadium (3,6) 3. Lone horse ridden into the Olympic Stadium by Steve Jefferys, one of the 121 19-across at the Opening Ceremony (4) 4. 1988 Olympic hurdles champion who passed the torch to Cathy Freeman at Sydney 2000, ... Flintoff-King (6) 6. Wayne Bennett’s son-in-law and the youngest ever State of Origin player, Ben ... (4) 7. Qld Origin forward who traded blows with Paul Harragon in 1993, Martin ... (5) 8. Waratahs fly-half dropped after the first Bledisloe Cup of 2010, at ANZ Stadium, Kurtley ... (5) 9. 2003 ‘East vs West’ NRL Grand Final winners at ANZ Stadium (7) 10. Wallaby winger who scored a try in the 1999 World Cup final (3,4) 16. 33-across legend who ended Ken Catchpole’s career in a 1968 Bledisloe game, ... ‘Pinetree’ Meads (5) 17. 33-across captain from 2006, Richie ... (5) 20. Cathy Freeman’s rival who left Sydney before competing in 2000, ... ... Perec (5-4) SOLUTION ON PAGE 40

STADIUM SUMMER EDITION . . . OUT NOVEMBER 42

ASIAN CUP PREVIEW Full coverage of the biggest football tournament ever held in Australia.

4-CODE FOOTY WRAP Exclusive picture special featuring some of Australia’s best sports action photography.

SUMMER OF ENTERTAINMENT What to look forward to when the footy is all over.

$2 Billion Lending Pledge. Big support for new small businesses. With thousands of new small businesses already benefiting from our $1 Billion Lending Pledge in 2013, we’ve pledged an additional $2 billion. So whether you need $20,000, $200,000 or more for your new small business, go online to find your local Small Business Specialist, or to get an indication of how much you could borrow.

ANZ Lending Pledge

All applications for credit are subject to ANZ’s normal credit approval criteria. Terms and conditions, fees and charges apply. ANZ’s $2billion lending pledge applies to new small businesses, whether or not you currently bank with ANZ. ANZ’s $2billion lending pledge commenced February 2014. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. ANZ’s colour blue is a trade mark of ANZ. ASB0222