AUTUMN 2015
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A VISION SPLENDID NOW our eyes are open – wide open to the future. Global construction and engineering company Laing O’Rourke, and worldrenowned architects BVN Donovan Hill, have unveiled design concepts for a bold new era at ANZ Stadium, Sydney’s Olympic stadium. More than 21 million fans have already taken a seat in history since the Stadium was purpose-built for the 2000 Olympics. They remember where they were when Cathy ran, when Aloisi scored, or when crucial State of Origin games, NRL Grand Finals and Bledisloe Cup matches were played. Iconic moments in time. 2014 brought us more unforgettable memories . . . the Blues’ Origin win after nine long years, the Waratahs’ first Super Rugby title win, Alessandro Del Piero’s emotional farewell, and the Rabbitohs’ historic premiership win after a 43-year wait. No doubt 2015 will deliver its own magic moments. Discussions with Government continue and the role Sydney’s Olympic stadium plays in the State’s future is being refined. Everyone agrees. It’s time for metamorphosis and evolution. It’s time to change the game.
WHAT’S NEXT • • • •
Design concepts for the ANZ Stadium redevelopment are being refined, in consultation with the NSW Government. The Stadium Australia Group (SAG) continues to work with key stakeholders (clubs, codes & promoters) around their strategic needs. SAG is in ongoing discussions with Government around funding options. ANZ Stadium Members, Corporate clients and the NSW sporting public will be kept informed of all developments.
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SYDNEY’S NEW THEATRE OF SPO
STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT MOVES A STEP CLOSER AS Arthur Stanley
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YDNEY’S dream of a redeveloped ANZ Stadium to meet the needs of the city for many years to come has moved a step closer following the release of detailed plans to upgrade the Stadium. Late last year the Stadium Australia Group – managers of Sydney’s Olympic stadium – announced that global construction and engineering company Laing O’Rourke had been selected to redevelop the Stadium in line with the NSW Government’s Stadia Strategy and the Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan Vision released by the NSW Government in July 2013. The NSW Government has since announced it has set aside $600 million for Stadium facilities in Sydney and is currently considering
where investment is most needed in Australia’s most dynamic city. There is a general consensus that Sydney’s sports and entertainment facilities have fallen behind those offered in other States and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. More than 21 million fans have passed through the ANZ Stadium gates since it was purpose-built for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, and the Stadium continues to host many of the nation’s biggest events and most iconic sporting moments. Detailed design options unveiled by the Stadium Australia Group and Laing O’Rourke presented a range of exciting proposals for the redevelopment, which were well received by industry, government, sporting and community groups. The Stadium Australia Group continues to work closely with the NSW Government, the five major professional sporting codes and
REDEVELOPMENT STADIUM
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See the design concepts video at anzstadium.com.au
The new event experience . . . fans closer to the field and undercover
S GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS STATE’S FUTURE NEEDS Stadium event partners to ensure the redevelopment and future configuration of ANZ Stadium meets the State’s strategic sporting and entertainment needs going forward. Central to the proposed redevelopment of ANZ Stadium are concepts that include: • BRINGING FANS CLOSER TO THE ACTION: There are several seating configuration design options being considered by the Stadium Australia Group, in consultation with Government and the major sporting codes. Laing O’Rourke has proposed moveable grandstands at both ends of the Stadium that bring fans as close as 5m to the field of play. Certainly, a redevelopment priority is to create a perfect rectangle for Rugby League, Rugby Union and Football and to bring fans as close to the action as possible. Under design options being considered, fans will be as close and in some instances closer to the
action behind the goals than they are at Allianz Stadium, Suncorp Stadium and the iconic Emirates and Wembley Stadiums in London; • KEEPING THE FANS DRY: With fans moving closer to the action, there will be a requirement to extend the current Stadium roof to ensure spectator comfort all-year round. Laing O’Rourke has proposed a retractable roof that would provide the Stadium with a fullyenclosed arena if required. It would open and close in 20 minutes and would weather-proof all events. Other roofing design options are also under consideration; • IMPROVING ATMOSPHERE: Sydney needs a major events stadium and capacity will be maintained at or near 80,000 under the redevelopment, but new design features will also allow the Stadium to be presented in “Intimate Mode” – a unique London OlympicsContinued Page 6
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STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT See the design concepts video at anzstadium.com.au
Outdoor spaces . . . along with proposal for a fitness centre and indoor pool
SYDNEY’S NEW THEATRE OF SPORT A STEP CLOSER
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From Page 5 style LED solution – that gives the Stadium the ability to configure appropriately for small, medium and large events; • LIVELY STADIUM PRECINCT: Laing O’Rourke has presented an exciting proposal for a dynamic entertainment zone that wraps around the Stadium and brings life, colour and energy to the precinct 365 days a year. As part of the redevelopment, new bars, cafes and restaurants are planned for both inside and out, creating a vibrant event destination; • BETTER TRANSPORT: The Stadium redevelopment will coincide with the construction of the WestConnex motorway, which will cut travelling time from the CBD to ANZ Stadium in half. The NSW Government is also considering a proposal for a Light Rail corridor between Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park; • TECHNOLOGICAL SUPERDOME: Home-team theming will be at the heart of the transformation to ensure that from the moment fans first see the Stadium on game days to when they are sitting in their seats, there will be no doubt that ANZ Stadium is their team’s home ground. Connected Stadium innovations inside the Stadium will deliver a Next Generation interactive experience for sports and entertainment fans. Laing O’Rourke was chosen from shortlisted bidders in a process where companies were invited to express interest in redeveloping ANZ Stadium as well as designing a concept for the precinct surrounding the Stadium. The proposed investment in the Stadium is designed to ensure the Sydney Olympics showpiece remains the iconic venue it was built to be, and enable NSW to continue to secure major events in the face of competition from international and interstate rivals.
Laing O’Rourke continues to work on design options, gauging costs of the proposed scope of works, as well as construction methodology and a full timing schedule for the construction process. Subject to an agreement between Government and private enterprise on a funding model, and gaining the necessary development approvals, it is hoped construction works inside the Stadium can begin immediately after the 2016 NRL Grand Final. Many of Sydney’s leading athletes, including superstars Israel Folau, Greg Inglis and Kieren Jack, are supporting the redevelopment. Wallabies and Waratahs star Folau said: “We played the Super Rugby Final this year in front of 61,000 fans at ANZ Stadium and the atmosphere was as good as any I have played in front of. I’ve seen the redevelopment plans and get excited thinking about what’s to come.” ANZ Stadium Managing Director, Mr Daryl Kerry, said: “Sydney’s sporting infrastructure has fallen behind other states and major cities in the Asia-Pacific region. While ANZ Stadium has served Sydney well, it must undergo a significant redevelopment to ensure it continues to attract major events for Sydney and NSW and meet the expectations of today’s players and fans. “The planned redevelopment of the Stadium will substantially increase the already significant economic benefits delivered to NSW through the staging of major events. This Stadium generates millions of dollars for Sydney and for NSW each year. So an investment in the Stadium is, in effect, an investment in NSW. “Our aim with the redevelopment is to dial out the design compromises that were necessary for Sydney to host the best ever Olympic Games, and ensure the Stadium meets the needs of Sydney and NSW well into the future.”
THE FANS WHY FANS OVERWHELMINGLY BACK ANZ STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT AN independent research survey conducted by respected market research company Galaxy in November 2014 showed that threequarters (76%) of the Sydney population support a proposed redevelopment of ANZ Stadium, and nearly half of all Sydneysiders (45%) believe that upgrading the city’s Olympic stadium should be a higher priority than upgrading Allianz Stadium (29%) or Parramatta Stadium (25%). The extensive Galaxy survey also showed that the majority of Sydneysiders rate ANZ Stadium as an iconic venue of national significance and as the preferred venue and location to view major events. Most people also rate ANZ Stadium the best located in terms of providing easy access to major events for the majority of people throughout the Greater Sydney area. ANZ Stadium Managing Director, Mr Daryl Kerry, said the Galaxy Research Survey was compelling evidence that the people of Sydney value their Olympic stadium and see it as the city’s premier major events venue. “As the Government considers a long overdue investment in Sydney’s sporting infrastructure, it is clear Sydneysiders do value their Olympic stadium and believe it is centrally located and convenient for the majority of the community,” he said. “The research findings in this survey are overwhelmingly in favour of the option of redeveloping ANZ Stadium, to again make it a truly world-class stadium. “When the research is broken down to measure the level of support for ANZ Stadium from Western Sydney, where most of the population live, the numbers are off the Richter scale.” Mr Kerry said the NSW Government should be congratulated for setting aside significant funding for the upgrading of Sydney stadiums, and for recognising the potential of Greater Western Sydney. “There is a golden opportunity to adopt a strategy whereby ANZ Stadium and Sydney Olympic Park are positioned complementary to the city of Parramatta. The proposal to link Sydney Olympic Park and Parramatta by Light Rail is a fantastic initiative that has widespread support,” he said. “There is an opportunity to enhance Parramatta Stadium and increase its capacity, as well as enabling the ANZ Stadium redevelopment to take place, the option that clearly has the support Full report Pages 12-13 of the majority of Sydney population.”
THE VALUE
STADIUM’S HUGE CONTRIBUTION A PricewaterhouseCoopers report calculates that since opening in 1999, the Stadium has contributed $5 billion to the NSW economy, from approximately 600 sporting and entertainment events attended by over 21 million spectators. Based on the Stadium’s forecasts of events and attendance, the PricewaterhouseCoopers report estimates that ANZ Stadium’s annual contribution to the NSW economy is $301 million. With the proposed redevelopment, this is expected to increase by $173m to $474m per annum, delivering gross economic contribution to the NSW economy of $8.3 billion (not discounted) from the completion of the redevelopment in 2018 until the proposed Stadium Lease expiry date of 2061. The PricewaterhouseCoopers report also found that the Stadium employs 2200 people with more than two thirds of these from Western Sydney.
New-look Stadium . . . and green spaces in a redeveloped precinct
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STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT THE STARS We played the Super Rugby Grand Final this year in front of over 61,000 fans at ANZ Stadium and the atmosphere was as good as any I have played in front of, including Rugby League Grand Finals, State of Origin and big AFL games. I’ve seen the redevelopment plans and get excited just thinking about what’s to come – it will surpass what I’ve experienced as a player and fan anywhere in the world. – ISRAEL FOLAU RUGBY UNION-WARATAHS/WALLABIES I’m excited for Sydney, not just rugby league. Sydney is known for hosting major events and it deserves the best facilities and a great Stadium. I can’t wait to see a State of Origin game or a Grand Final played in the new-look Stadium. – GREG INGLIS RUGBY LEAGUE-RABBITOHS
People always talk about the Sydney Olympic Games, which they should because it was such a massive success for this country. But there have been so many memorable sporting moments at ANZ Stadium since the year 2000. Like most Sydneysiders, I have my own special memories. It has hosted the biggest AFL crowd outside of Victoria, but most importantly, has helped open up a new market for the AFL in Sydney, which is a great thing for the growth of AFL as our national sport. I’m pleased for NSW that there are such exciting plans to redevelop the Olympic precinct and look forward to being a big part of it, not just as a player but as a huge sports fan. – KIEREN JACK AFL-SYDNEY SWANS
THE CONSORTIUM
LAING O’ROURKE’S STADIUM JOURNEY
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AING O’Rourke Managing Director, Cathal O’Rourke, said his company was delighted to have been selected as the construction partner to redevelop Sydney’s Olympic stadium – one of the world’s greatest stadiums when it was purpose-built for the 2000 Games. “Laing O’Rourke, as Australia’s largest privately owned engineering and construction company – is thrilled to be part of this important project,” he said. “As program managers for the London 2012 Olympics and the construction delivery team behind premier projects like Ascot Racecourse in London, Etihad Stadium for Manchester City in the UK, and the Brisbane and Darwin Convention Centres – we look forward to now helping Stadium Australia Group turn an exciting entertainment concept for Sydney into stunning reality. “Laing O’Rourke has engaged world-class architectural practice BVN Donovan Hill and global engineering consultancy Arup, bringing additional design and delivery experience in stadia and precinct master-planning from projects across the globe. “We are a team focused on engineering excellence, and will deploy all our global resources to get the best result for Sydney. “This landmark project will be centred around a memorable experience for the greater Sydney community, and all ANZ Stadium visitors, workers, top-tier entertainers and, of course, on-field athletes of all codes and disciplines.”
GENIUS BEHIND THE DESIGN
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HE man who will lead the Stadium Redevelopment Project is one of the world’s foremost structural engineers with a long history in Stadium design, development and construction. Polish-born Ed Obiala is Project Director at Laing O’Rourke and was head of the venues and technical delivery for the London 2012 Olympics and for Sydney’s Olympic Stadium in 2000. In 2010-2011 he led the design and approval process for the Third Millennium Stadium Project in Abu Dhabi and most recently ran the winning bid for the reconstruction of the Sydney Opera House. He was project director for Chelsea Stadium, Everton Stadium and Wembley Stadium, and Senior Site Engineer for Parramatta Stadium and the SFS. “The redevelopment of ANZ Stadium will allow us to dial out some of the design compromises necessary for the Sydney Olympics. It’s a beautiful stadium and with the proposed changes, new building materials and IT technologies, it will evolve into one of the world’s great modern stadiums for an exciting new era of sport and entertainment in NSW,” he said.
THE BUILDER
REDEVELOPMENT STADIUM
FANS CLOSER TO THE ACTION Arthur Stanley
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ANS will move dramatically closer to the on-field action for Rugby League, Rugby Union and Football under the exciting Stadium redevelopment plans currently under consideration. One of the great challenges for Olympic stadiums around the world is for them to adapt to the needs of professional sports going forward. Sydney’s ANZ Stadium has been more successful than most, with moveable stands east and west part of a reconfiguration plan implemented after the Sydney Olympics, the costs of that redevelopment part of the original Stadium investment. Of the $690 million invested in Sydney’s Olympic stadium, the NSW Government committed about $100 million, with private enterprise financing most of the project. Sydney’s Olympic stadium has operated at no cost to the NSW tax-paying public since the Sydney Games. In fact, the State of NSW makes money from the Stadium as it pays around $2 million in State taxes every year, plus there are enormous economic benefits. A PricewaterhouseCoopers report estimates that ANZ Stadium’s annual
contribution to the NSW economy is $301 million, while the Stadium also employs 2200 people, most from Western Sydney. While Sydney’s Olympic stadium has served the city well, it needs a substantial reinvestment to ensure it meets the needs of NSW and the professional sporting codes well into the future. A key platform for the redevelopment is to
‘IT’S AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY OF THE PROJECT’ bring as many spectators as possible closer to the on-field action for the major sports played on a rectangular field. Plans released recently by the Stadium Australia Group and construction consortium Laing O’Rourke feature unique moveable grandstands at the northern and southern ends of ANZ Stadium, which bring fans as close as 5m to the action to create an amazing “behind-the-goals” fan experience. Almost 25,000 fans seated in the northern and southern general public areas would be in the thick of the behind-goals action as a result of the revolutionary new end stands
that would pivot and slide from oval mode to form a perfect rectangle. Other seating configurations are also under consideration – with the absolute priority of getting as many fans as possible closer to the action. The popular behind-the-goals seating areas have famously hosted some of the biggest supporter groups in Australian sport – the wig-wearing Blatchy’s Blues for State of Origin rugby league, the Green & Gold Army of the Socceroos, The Gold Brigade of the Australian Wallabies rugby team, and The Burrow (South Sydney Rabbitohs) and The Kennel (Canterbury Bulldogs) in NRL. The final design for the new seating configuration will offer vastly improved viewing, as the stands will be significantly steeper than the current seating at the Stadium. The state-of-the-art solutions will allow the grandstands to be positioned as close to the sideline or boundary as allowed under the laws of the respective sports. New food courts and family entertainment areas will be created as a result of the additional space created when the stands move forward. Project Director Ed Obiala believes the revolutionary new stands will transform the viewing experience at ANZ Stadium, setting it up for an exciting new era.
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STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT See the design concepts video at anzstadium.com.au
VERTICAL VILLAGE THE FUTURE MEMBERS’ EXPERIENCE
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NZ Stadium Members will indulge in a Vertical Village of integrated Members’ areas across multiple levels in the western grandstand as part of a proposed major upgrade of exclusive Members’ facilities. The Stadium Redevelopment Project will dramatically improve the event experience across all seating categories, and ANZ Stadium Members and Corporate guests will be spoilt for choice with exclusive pre, during and post-match entertainment options. Stadium Members will enjoy elegant new lounges, open-air terraces, café-style eateries, and a premium boutique restaurant – and there will be exclusive Member access to a planned state-of-the-art Health and Fitness Centre, with a direct link to the Stadium and car parking. Pending final design specifications and agreement between Government and private enterprise on a funding model for the redevelopment, the ANZ Stadium Members’ Vertical Village will offer a score of exclusive Members’experiences across multiple levels. The Laing O’Rourke designs for the Stadium present exciting
Members’ offerings on every level, with integrated external and internal spaces, and greater freedom to move within the Stadium, while at the same time protecting Members’ exclusivity. The Members’ Vertical Village will extend across every level starting with a Level 1 VIP Members’ entrance with café and concierge, right through to Level 6. Technological innovation will ensure unprecedented connectivity and fan engagement throughout. ANZ Stadium’s General Manager Marketing and Membership, Melinda Madigan, said: “The designs for the Stadium have been developed with the understanding that our Members play a vital role in the Stadium’s future vision, and ensure a significantly improved end-to-end experience. “From the moment our Members arrive at the Stadium there will be an elevated sense of occasion and celebration. The array of exclusive new Member hospitality zones will ensure all tastes are satisfied – from casual cafe style to formal pre-match dining. “Not only will the event-day experience be significantly enhanced, but access to a premium health club seven days a week will provide further value and lifestyle choices to Stadium Members.”
Dining in style . . . new outdoor Members’ terrace
Grand entrance . . . and colour, life and action around the Stadium
Stairway to heaven . . . an intergrated multi-level Members’ area
CORPORATE GAME DAY - WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO
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HE corporate experience at the Stadium will reach new heights, with the redeveloped ANZ Stadium to be one of the most technologically and environmentally advanced buildings in the world of sport and entertainment. With more than 25,000 sq/m of unparalleled event space, featuring premium hospitality options and distinct experiences, corporate clients will be able to entertain in a five-star fashion. “There are plans for new and exclusive corporate suites, including a VVIP suite on halfway, and a refurbishment of the 110 existing private suites, including opening many glass-fronted suites to the arena atmosphere,” says Shane Stoddard, ANZ Stadium’s General Manager Sales and Sponsorship. “One of the most exciting innovations will be the establishment of field-level hospitality suites, where passionate fans will be able to get up close and personal to the on-field gladiators and be treated to five-star luxury while in the heat of the on-field action. The Stadium’s home teams will be able to market this groundlevel experience as a “Field Club”, or a similarly exclusive corporate offering. Whatever they call it, their guests will be able to smell the liniment and feel the hits.” Red-carpet hospitality, premium parking passes, premium concierge services and Centreline Seats lounge access are planned as part of the corporate experience in Sydney’s new-look Olympic stadium.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR MEMBERS • A new Level 1 VIP Members’ entrance with designated meet and greet areas • A new Level 3 Members’ Lounge & Bar • An open-air terrace bar on Level 4 • New mezzanine restaurants on Level 5 to provide more fine- dining spaces and amenities for Members seated on Level 6 • A new five-star boutique restaurant specialising in premium seasonal food and wine experiences • An increased number of overall Members’ dining options and making exisitng dining areas more intimate • Access to a state-of-the-art Health and Fitness Centre in the developed north-west quadrant of the Stadium, with direct access to Stadium and P1 carpark
THE CORPORATE EXPERIENCE • • • •
New and refurbished corporate suites A new centralised VVIP suite on halfway Sliding glass-fronted suites that open to game-day atmosphere Field-level hospitality suites and lounge that bring players and their corporate supporters closer than ever before • Premium concierge services *Concepts under consideration • Premium parking passes
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STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT
SYDNEYSIDERS VOTE 1 FOR ANZ STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT A new Galaxy survey* of more than 1000 Sydney voters has revealed fans overwhelmingly support the proposed ANZ Stadium redevelopment at Sydney Olympic Park, with a clear majority preferring the ANZ Stadium redevelopment over upgrade plans at Allianz Stadium at Moore Park and Pirtek Stadium at Parramatta. This follows the announcement that the NSW Government will set aside $600 million for upgrades to Sydney sporting stadiums.
KEY FINDINGS PARRAMATTA STADIUM ANZ STADIUM
ALLIANZ STADIUM
Nearly half of all Sydneysiders (45%) believe that upgrading ANZ Stadium should be a higher priority for the NSW State Government than upgrading Allianz Stadium (29%) or Parramatta Stadium (25%).
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76% SAY YES Around three-quarters of the Sydney population (76%) support the redevelopment of ANZ Stadium, and a significant 44% of Sydneysiders “strongly support” the redevelopment.
Nine in 10 Sydneysiders (90%) agree that it is important for Sydney and NSW to continue to have a large stadium that can hold 80,000-plus spectators.
“A CLEAR MAJORITY OF SYDNEYSIDERS SEE ANZ STADIUM – THE CITY’S OLYMPIC STADIUM – AS AN ICONIC VENUE OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE, A GREAT PLACE TO BE WHEN THERE IS A BIG EVENT, AND IN A GOOD CENTRAL LOCATION THAT IS EASY FOR EVERYONE IN THE GREATER SYDNEY AREA TO GET TO.” – GALAXY SURVEY FINDING
BRISBANE PERTH
SYDNEY
SYDNEY
ADELAIDE
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK
69% Significantly, Sydneysiders are more than twice as likely to be proud of ANZ Stadium (52%) than they are of Allianz Stadium, and 56% of Sydneysiders believe Sydney Olympic Park is a good location that is easy for most people in Sydney to get to.
MELBOURNE
Allowing Sydney to compete with other cities for major events is the most important perceived benefit of the ANZ Stadium redevelopment, with 69% of Sydneysiders believing it is “extremely important” or “very important”.
*Galaxy Research Survey “Community attitudes towards the redevelopment of ANZ Stadium” November 2014. Galaxy researchers said the findings were representative of the Sydney population in term of age and gender with a 95% confidence level that it was an accurate reflection of the views of all Sydneysiders.
REASONS FOR SUPPORTING THE REDEVELOPMENT OF ANZ STADIUM INCLUDE:
• THE POTENTIAL BOOST FOR EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS, ESPECIALLY IN WESTERN SYDNEY. • THE MOVE TO BRING FANS CLOSER TO THE ACTION AND CREATE A PERFECT RECTANGLE FOR RUGBY LEAGUE, RUGBY UNION AND FOOTBALL. • THE GOAL TO AGAIN MAKE THE CITY’S OLYMPIC STADIUM A TRULY WORLD-CLASS VENUE.
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STADIUM NEWS STADIUM OF THE FUTURE THIS is the stadium redevelopment that Sydney deserves. A city that lives and breathes sport and loves world-class entertainment needs and deserves a major-events stadium in the geographical heart of the metropolis. In this autumn edition of the magazine, we outline the exciting vision for ANZ Stadium. #YourOlympicStadium will again become one of the world’s most cutting-edge sporting venues under a design transformation devised by internationally-renowned construction consortium, Laing O’Rourke. In conjunction with Laing O’Rourke, the Stadium Australia Group – the company that operates ANZ Stadium – has released some of the dynamic images that promise to take the sporting experience in Australia to an entirely new level. Discussions continue with the NSW Government as it defines the exciting role Sydney’s Olympic stadium will play in the city’s future. After 50 events and 1.6 million fans through the gates last year, the big events of 2015 have already started to roll out at the Stadium, with a smashing autumn ahead of us. September 2015 will mark 15 years since the event that will forever define the Stadium – the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Strap yourself in. Here we go again.
- Arthur Stanley (Editor)
STADIUM Editor-In-Chief Arthur Stanley Art Director Chloe Xuereb Managing Editor Jennifer Dowd Digital Editor Daniel Farrar Features Editor Crystelle Cordero Sports Writer Joel Moss Special Guest Writers Dean Ritchie, Greg Growden, David Lewis, Martin Cavill
Marketing & Membership Melinda Madigan Corporate Hospitality Shane Stoddard Advertising Tiffany Hunter, Chris Silver
ANZ Stadium Managing Director Daryl Kerry Chief Financial Officer Steve Heytman Event & Business Development Greg Sleigh
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ANZ Stadium Contact Details T: 02 8765 2000 W: anzstadium.com.au Postal Address: Locked Bag 1999, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, 2127
AMAZING
2015 Arthur Stanley
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THREE-DAY Easter footy fest, the crucial first State of Origin game, the opening Bledisloe Cup clash, a Super Rugby Grand Final rematch between the Waratahs and Crusaders, 26 NRL games, three key Swans fixtures, Finals and the NRL Grand Final . . . it’s a footy season for the ages ahead at ANZ Stadium. It really does promise to be #Amazing2015, with two of the biggest concerts in Australia this year top-and-tailing a packed football season on the ANZ Stadium Event Calendar. Legendary rock group Foo Fighters will light up the Stadium just a fortnight out from the opening NRL fixtures of 2015, while pop queen Taylor Swift will bring her 1989 World Tour show to the Stadium in late November. 2015 exploded into action with the biggest football tournament ever staged in this country – the AFC Asian Cup – watched by more than 1.6 billion football fans. All seven games, including the semi-final on Australia Day and the Final on 31 January were played at Sydney’s Olympic stadium. The Rabbitohs returned to the scene of their Grand Final triumph for the annual Charity Shield fixture on 7 February – an appetiser for the 26 NRL games, which kick off with a dynamic double in March, as arch-western Sydney rivals the Bulldogs and the Eels meet on Friday 13 March and the Rabbitohs play the Roosters in Sunday afternoon footy on 15 March. The Rabbitohs will feature in back-to-back Sunday afternoon March fixtures, with the premiers also hosting Wests Tigers on Sunday 22 March. Then all sporting eyes will be on ANZ Stadium for the #EasterFootyFest – three days of spectacular NRL and AFL action across the Easter period. 2014 NRL Grand Final combatants the Bulldogs and the Rabbitohs will meet for the first time since last year’s decider on Good Friday 3 April, the Sydney Swans will kick off their 2015 campaign on Easter Saturday against Essendon, while the Eels will host the Tigers again on Easter Monday. Upwards of 140,000 fans are expected through the gates of ANZ Stadium across the three days of Easter. Reigning Super Rugby champions the Waratahs will play a historic ANZAC Day match against Melbourne Rebels at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 25 April – the Tahs’ first game back at the venue that hosted their unforgettable title win last year. The Tahs will then line up against their Grand Final rivals, the NZ Crusaders, on Saturday 23 May. Should the Waratahs again qualify to host the Super Rugby Final, that match is scheduled for ANZ Stadium on Saturday 4 July. With 2015 a Rugby World Cup year, the Wallabies will be striving to break a 13-year Bledisloe Cup drought when they take on the mighty All Blacks on Saturday 8 August. Last year the Wallabies at least prevented the All Blacks from recording a world-record 18th Test win with a gritty 12-all draw in heavy rain at ANZ Stadium. While the Swans will open their season at Easter at Sydney Olympic Park, they will also play key home fixtures against Geelong on Saturday 16 May and against 2014 Grand Final rivals Hawthorn on Saturday 18 July. The Swans boast a remarkable 8-1 home finals record at ANZ Stadium and they will again play their Finals at the Olympic venue in 2015, while the NRL finals series will culminate with one of the biggest events on the Sydney sporting landscape, the NRL Grand Final, on Sunday 4 October. It’s a dynamic year unfolding here at the Stadium. Make sure you join us for the ride.
#EASTERFOOTYFEST
THE CONCERTS
Good Friday 3 April: Bulldogs v Rabbitohs Easter Saturday 4 April: Swans v Bombers Easter Monday 6 April: Eels v Tigers
Foo Fighters – Thursday 26 February Taylor Swift – Saturday 28 November
THE MAJORS State of Origin I – Wednesday 27 May: NSW v Queensland
PLAY IT AGAIN (Grand Final rematches)
NRL – Good Friday 3 April: Bulldogs v Rabbitohs Super Rugby – Saturday 23 May: Waratahs v Crusaders AFL – Saturday 18 July: Swans v Hawks
Bledisloe Cup – Saturday 8 August: Wallabies v All Blacks Super Rugby Final – Saturday 4 July
*Subject to qualification
NRL Grand Final – Sunday 4 October
*FULL 2015 ANZ STADIUM EVENT CALENDAR – PAGE 46
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STADIUM CROWDS
Records . . . Super Rugby Final and (inset) Sydney Thunder
CROWDED HOUSE SYDNEY’S HOME OF MAJOR EVENTS Joel Moss
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RECORD crowd for a domestic NSW cricket game at the Thunder v Sixers Big Bash League fixture was the latest in a series of crowd records established at ANZ Stadium, Sydney’s Olympic stadium. The 32,823 who turned out to watch the Sixers beat the Thunder on Saturday 27 December surpassed the previous mark for a domestic cricket game in NSW – the 1934 Sheffield Shield match at the SCG that featured the one-and-only Sir Donald Bradman. It was also the highest BBL crowd ever recorded in Sydney – beating the 31,262 that turned up at ANZ Stadium for the 2012 January Sydney Smash between the Thunder and Sixers. It’s the second NSW cricket record to fall in recent years at ANZ Stadium, with the 59,659 fans that turned out for the Australia v India T20 International on 1 February 2012 the highest international cricket crowd ever recorded in NSW.
THE LONG LIST OF SIGNIFICANT CROWD RECORDS ESTABLISHED AT ANZ STADIUM INCLUDES: • • •
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Bledisloe Cup match between Australia and New Zealand; WORLD record rugby league crowd – 107,558 for the 1999 NRL Grand Final between the Melbourne Storm and St George Illawarra Dragons; • AUSTRALIAN record football crowd – 104,012 for the 2000 Olympic Men’s Final; • AUSTRALIAN record State of Origin crowd – 88,336 set in 1999; • LARGEST NRL crowd post ANZ Stadium ground reconfiguration – 83,833 for the 2014 NRL Grand Final between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and CanterburyBankstown Bulldogs; • HIGHEST AFL crowd outside Victoria – 72,393 for Swans v Collingwood in 2003; • AUSTRALIAN record aggregate concert crowd – 213,045 for three AC/DC shows in 2010; • SUPER Rugby record crowd – 61,823 for the 2014 Super Rugby Final between the NSW Waratahs and NZ Crusaders; • LARGEST international cricket crowd ever recorded in NSW – 59,659 for the Australia v India T20 International in 2012; • HIGHEST domestic cricket crowd ever recorded in NSW – 32,823 for the Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers T20 BBL match, 2014. With another blockbuster line-up announced for 2015 at ANZ Stadium, the records may continue to tumble in coming months. •
LARGEST Olympic crowd ever – 114,714 for the 2000 Sydney Olympics Closing Ceremony on 1 October, 2000; OLYMPIC record for a single session of track and field – 112,524 to see Cathy Freeman race for gold on 25 Sept, 2000; WORLD record rugby union crowd – 109,874 for the 2000
15 YEARS SINCE CATHY ENRICHED OUR LIVES
SAVE THE DATE: 15 SEPTEMBER 2015
Picture: Daily Telegraph
OLYMPICS STADIUM
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HERE were you on the evening of 15 September 2000? When our golden girl Cathy Freeman lit the flame for a Sydney Olympics that were destined to become “the best ever” Games. Were you at the Sydney Olympic Stadium that night? Or one of the 3.7 billion TV viewers around the world who tuned in to the momentous events unfolding in Sydney? It’s 15 years this year since we welcomed the world here at ANZ Stadium – 15 years since the exceptional Sydney Games became a turning point for our great city. The 2000 Sydney Games were a true celebration of Olympic values and sporting excellence, but they were also a point in history – a fortnight that bonded Sydneysiders like never before and showed the world what an amazing city we live in. One of the extraordinary characteristics of the Sydney Olympics was the number of volunteers – all 46,967 of them, which had grown from an original number of 500 as Sydneysiders embraced the Games. The Sydney Olympics featured 199 competing countries and 10,651 athletes who marched in the parade of nations at the Olympic Stadium. The Opening Ceremony was a stunning tribute to Australian culture, history and identity – highlighted by golden girl Freeman lighting the Olympic torch, igniting the flame in the cauldron within a circle of fire. The emotional moment helped symbolise the desire to reconcile with the Aboriginal populations of Australia. Ten days later, in front of 112,524 fans, then the largest attendance for any sport in Olympics history, Cathy raced to gold in the women’s 400m. Today, ANZ Stadium stands as a magnificent legacy of the Sydney Games, with 21 million fans having passed through the Stadium turnstiles to watch some of Australia’s most iconic sporting moments and biggest entertainment events. Cathy Freeman Park – located just outside the eastern gates of the Stadium – is a tribute to our golden girl’s 2000 heroics. The original Olympic cauldron, with its distinct water fountain, can be found in Cathy Freeman Park, while parts of the athletics track Cathy raced on is still in use at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre, connected by tunnel to ANZ Stadium. Many of the original Olympics venues are today used successfully to host sports, cultural and entertainment events. Sydney Olympic Park is arguably the most successful post-Olympics precinct in history. – AS
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STADIUM STATE OF ORIGIN
Picture: Gregg Porteous/Daily Telegraph
BACK-TO-BACK
ORIGIN I AT ANZ STADIUM CRUCIAL TO BLUES’ TITLE HOPES LAURIE Daley pulled off a sporting miracle in 2014 by finally extracting the State of Origin shield from Queensland after a gut-wrenching eight-year wait. Daley says he will forever cherish the memories of that famous night at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday 18 June, when the Blues won the series. He’s back in charge this year, plotting backto-back title wins. In the countdown to Wednesday 27 May and the crucial opening game of the 2015 State of Origin series, DEAN RITCHIE, The Daily Telegraph’s senior rugby league writer, caught up with the Blues coach for this exclusive interview for STADIUM magazine.
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Dean Ritchie: Can we dare to dream of back-to-back wins, Laurie? Laurie Daley: We are under no illusions. This coming series will be harder than last year. Look at game three in 2014, Queensland dominated. We know we have to work harder and be better this season. If we think we can just turn up and win then we are kidding ourselves. DR: No doubt Queensland will be desperate after their series loss? LD: They will be hurt and stung. I know what guys like Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk, Sam Thaiday, Matt Scott, Cam Smith and Billy Slater are like. They are winners and they will be dirty at losing. They will come back harder this year. I know one thing . . . they won’t be going away. They won’t take losing lying down. We fully expect them to be harder this year than last year. And we will have to be better this year than last year. DR: No Jarryd Hayne either. LD: Jarryd has moved in another direction and we all wish him the very best. He was amazing in the 2014 series; his game one effort in Brisbane was one of the greatest in Origin history. DR: Can the Hayne Plane be replaced? LD: Everyone can be replaced. It won’t be easy but players have been replacing others since the game started here back in 1908. There are a string of leading contenders for Jarryd’s position. Matt Moylan was picked in the Kangaroos’ Four Nations squad, Will Hopoate will more than likely take Hayne’s place at Parramatta, and Will played for NSW in 2014. Brett Stewart is an experienced fullback who has performed at the highest level for years. He has played Origin, for Australia and in a number of grand finals for Manly. Josh Dugan is well in the frame, he played for NSW last year. There’s also Kurt Gidley. We have a number of options. DR: How did you spend the off-season? LD: Origin never really stops. We have been busy preparing for the 2015 series, a lot of logistical work. We have to stay ahead and keep working. I guarantee we won’t be standing still. Continued Page 20
State of Origin I Wednesday 27 May Member bookings close 10 April. See Page 25 for Member dining options and paying guest prices.
Picture: Tony Harrington
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STADIUM STATE OF ORIGIN
Picture: Dan Himbrechts
A COMBINATION OF JUBILATION, EXCITEMENT AND RELIEF. ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE WHEN FULLTIME SOUNDED. THE PLAYERS AND CROWD WENT BERSERK. TEARS FLOWED. DON’T FORGET WE HADN’T WON FOR EIGHT YEARS SO IT WAS EIGHT YEARS OF EXCITEMENT THAT HAD BUILT UP INSIDE EVERYONE. THE SMILES ON THE PLAYERS’ FACES, IT WAS SOMETHING I WILL NEVER FORGET. - LAURIE DALEY
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From Page 18 DR: What do you recall of last year’s game at ANZ Stadium? LD: The atmosphere was amazing. More than 83,000 fans crammed into ANZ Stadium that night – it was a truly special occasion. There was blue everywhere – jumpers, wigs, shirts, painted faces – the whole stadium was blue. We all had goose bumps. DR: And on the field? LD: It was tight and tense until Trent Hodkinson put us ahead late in the game. I think we had about 10 minutes to defend before fulltime. I rode every tackle and hit-up. DR: And at fulltime? LD: A combination of jubilation, excitement and relief. All hell broke loose when fulltime sounded. The players and crowd went berserk. Tears flowed. Don’t forget we hadn’t won for eight years so it was eight years of excitement that had built up inside everyone. The smiles on the players’ faces, it was something I will never forget. DR: None of us will forget those emotional images of you hugging skipper Paul Gallen in the middle of ANZ Stadium. LD: It was a special moment. ‘Gal’ had been through a lot at Cronulla and also for NSW through the years. He hadn’t won a series before last year. I ran over to him to thank him for all his efforts and for his
leadership and amazing tenacity. He has an incredible will-to-win. DR: Game three was a bit of a let-down? LD: We tried really hard that night but, no excuses, Queensland came out ready to play and beat us. They were too strong on the night. They were hurting and wanted to salvage some pride, which they did. DR: What about Game I of this year’s series . . . ANZ Stadium on Wednesday 27 May. LD: How big will that be? The joint will be rocking again. The fans are so important to us. We turn to them in the big moments. I know the players look for the crowd to lift them during tough moments of a game. I am sure the passionate Blatchy’s Blues fans and everyone else will be out in force again at ANZ Stadium. DR: Origin is also off to Melbourne this year with Game II at the MCG. LD: Melbourne is a wonderful sporting city and we hope to attract a crowd of around 75,000 to 80,000. TV ratings for Origin in Melbourne are huge. Origin is more than just a game of football. It is an event, probably the biggest sporting event in Australia. DR: Good luck, Laurie. LD: You can be sure the Blues will be giving it their all in 2015. We won’t be resting on our laurels.
CANETO D MISERY BLUES FANS NOW AUSTRALIA’S MOST PASSIONATE SUPPORTERS Picture: Tony Harrington
DEAN RITCHIE THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
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AM sick of reading it and fed-up hearing it. Each year, insecure Queenslanders feel the need to make it known that they have more passion for State of Origin than we do here in NSW. What absolute garbage. Anyone who has been to a State of Origin game at ANZ Stadium in recent years will debunk that false theory instantly.
The Blues’ faithful have become the most inspiring and dedicated supporters in Australian sport. Origin night at ANZ Stadium is electric. Nothing beats it when it comes to atmosphere, anticipation and tension. I have also been lucky enough to cover Origin matches at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for nearly 20 years. Yes, Suncorp Stadium is abuzz, but nothing can rival the deafening roar when NSW players enter the ANZ Stadium tunnel. The scenes we witnessed last year at ANZ
Stadium will forever be etched in Origin folklore; NSW snapping Queensland’s dominance with a famous and historic victory. And the players shared every euphoric second with 83,421 rabid Blues fans, give or take a few Queenslanders. After last season’s epic win in Sydney, which gave NSW the Origin shield, surely the “Brisbane is best” theory is dead and buried. Don’t let the Canetoads sway you. Blues fans at ANZ Stadium now rule State of Origin. Where else would you find 20,000 fans in blue wigs? Bring on Wednesday 27 May.
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Picture: Brendon Thorne
MEMBERS’ CENTRAL 5TH ANNUAL MEMBERS’ DINNER
WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 - BOOK NOW
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN . . . JOHN CLARKE, CHAIRMAN STADIUM AUSTRALIA CLUB
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WELCOME ANZ Stadium Members to the 2015 football season after an entertaining summer of T20 cricket and the AFC Asian Cup. As a committed sports fan, your investment in an ANZ Stadium Membership is a wise one. Whether you attend each event or pass on your Membership to a friend using the transferability option, the assurance of a guaranteed seat and the additional benefits and offers available to ANZ Stadium Members is unrivalled. In 2015 ANZ Stadium is set to host a blockbuster line-up of events and Member bookings for events and dining are now open for State of Origin I, two massive Waratahs matches including a rematch of the 2014 Super Rugby Final against the Crusaders,
three Sydney Swans blockbusters against Essendon, Geelong and Hawthorn, with Bledisloe Cup opening soon. For full details see Page 25. The NRL season is almost upon us and in 2015 we welcome back premiers the Rabbitohs who will play nine games at ANZ Stadium. Grand Finalists the Bulldogs also return with 10 games. These along with the biggest matches featuring Wests Tigers, St George-Illawarra Dragons and the Parramatta Eels will see 26 regular-season NRL matches (including 22 Sydney derbies), played at the Stadium in 2015. Once again, Members can
secure guest access to these regular-season games by purchasing the exclusive 2015 Members’ Fan Pass which is now on sale. (see Page 24) It’s also that time of the year again to register for your complimentary Easter Show ticket for 31 March or 5 April (see Page 24 for details). For those of you who like rugby, the bonus two-game Waratahs Membership is back in 2015 offering you a choice of any two regular Waratahs games at Allianz Stadium this year. Finally, I recommend you book now for the 5th Annual Members’ Dinner on Wednesday 13 May. An evening of fine food and entertainment with sporting superstars awaits you. Bookings are open and the evening is guaranteed to sell out. I look forward to seeing you in the Members’ Stand and at the Members’ Dinner this year!
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.
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.
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
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MEMBERS’ CENTRAL
WHAT’S NEW FOR YOU PREMIUM WINE EXPERIENCE
MEMBERS’ EVENT-DAY CONCIERGE
MEMBERS’ FOOTY TIPPING
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NHANCE your game-day dining experience with some indulgence and flair with our new Premium Wine Experience. Choose from a selection of premium wines from Penfolds and Tyrrell’s that will be served by our wine waiter from a Riedel crystal wine decanter, specifically engineered for the variety of wine you have chosen. Pre-order your Premium Wine Experience by calling the ANZ Stadium dining department on 02 8765 3104 or request it on the day of dining. For full details visit the Members’ Dining section of our website anzstadium.com.au/members. Stay tuned for further Member benefits and improvements to your Members’ experience coming soon. We are pleased to announce a new level of service for Members and their guests with a dedicated event day Members’ Concierge. Located in the Level 4 Members’ Lounge at Aisle 434, the Concierge will provide Members with a point of contact for information and assistance and will be able to facilitate general Member Services such as event and dining booking. Members will also be able to purchase team merchandise, food and beverage cards and additional Memberships from this location. The Members’ Concierge will be open at all Members’ events and is scheduled to launch March 2015. Look out for it on Level 4. ARE you up to the challenge? We are excited to announce the first ANZ Stadium Members’ Footy Tipping competition for the 2015 NRL season. Compete against other Members throughout the season to win major and weekly prizes. You’ve got to be in it to win it and it’s free to enter. For full details visit the Members’ Concierge online at anzstadium.com.au/members.
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MEMBERS’ CENTRAL
MEMBERS’ DAY AT THE SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW!
WARATAHS’ BONUS MEMBERSHIP
WE are delighted to once again be working with our reciprocal partner the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW to offer ALL ANZ Stadium Members COMPLIMENTARY entry* to the 2015 Sydney Royal Easter Show! DATE: Tuesday 31 March or Easter Sunday 5 April 2015 REGISTER FOR YOUR TICKET! To claim your ticket, you must pre-register online. Login to your Members’ Concierge and visit the Benefits and Offers page for full details anzstadium.com.au/members. Offer closes strictly on Friday 20 March 2015. * Exclusive to ANZ Stadium Members. One ticket per Membership right valid for either Tuesday 31 March OR Sunday 5 April 2015 only. Ticket does not include parking at Sydney Olympic Park. This offer from our reciprocal partner is an additional benefit over and above the Membership privileges as outlined in the Stadium Australia Club constitution.
SPOTLIGHT ON RECIPROCAL RIGHTS ANZ Stadium Members now have the opportunity to experience great sporting and live music action at Wembley Stadium, including the FA Cup, Foo Fighters, Ed Sheeran and more as a Reciprocal Rights guest. Register your interest to attend today. ANZ Stadium Members’ are also entitled to Reciprocal Rights at numerous other venues in Australia and New Zealand. Full details are on Members’ Benefits and Offers page at anzstadium.com.au/members.
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SS FAN PA 2015
FAN PASS
JUNIO
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THERE’S still time to claim your complimentary* NSW Waratahs 2-Game Flexi Membership, which complements the two Waratahs home games that will be played in 2015 at ANZ Stadium against the Rebels and the Crusaders. ANZ Stadium Members may also choose to attend two of the Waratah’s other games that will be played at Allianz Stadium (Sydney Football Stadium) against the Force, Brumbies, Blues, Stormers, Sharks and Reds. For full details visit the Members’ Benefits and Offers page at anzstadium.com.au/members. *$10 transaction fee applies per 2-Game Flexi Membership claimed. Booking close dates apply. Excludes finals.
BRING A GUEST FOR LESS
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EXCLUSIVE to ANZ Stadium Members, the Members’ Fan Pass is a great way to share the Members’ experience with your guests. The Fan Pass is valid for all regular-season NRL matches held at ANZ Stadium. Members can purchase up to three passes per Membership Right and the more you purchase, the more you save.
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ADULT 1 Pass $110.00 2 Passes $195.00 CHILD 1 Pass $65.00 2 Passes $110.00
3 Passes $270.00 3 Passes $160.00
The 2015 NRL season is finally here, so now is the perfect time to buy. Purchase online anzstadium.com.au/members or call 1300 136 006 (Option 2).
* Exclusive to ANZ Stadium Members. Each Members’ Fan Pass acts as a Paying guest ticket for the events for which it’s valid. Three guests may access each event per the number of rights a member holds. Not valid for any finals matches.
MEMBERS’ CENTRAL
MEMBERS' BOOKING GUIDE EVENT
Swans v Essendon 4 April 4.35pm
Waratahs v Rebels 25 April 7.30pm
Swans v Geelong 16 May 7.20pm
Waratahs v Crusaders 23 May 7.30pm State of Origin I 27 May 8.00pm Swans v Hawthorn 18 July 7.20pm Bledisloe Cup 8 August 8.00pm 2015 NRL Season Club Home Games
BOOKING CLOSE DATE
PAYING GUEST TICKET PRICE
ARENA
MEMBERS’ RESTAURANT
MEMBERS’ BRASSERIE
PLATINUM CAFÉ
MEMBER TERRACES
2 April or Members' Box Office M/N on match day
Adult $68.00 / Junior $30.50
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Three-courses - $124^ Two-courses - $97^
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) High Tea - $39
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Buffet - $105^ or $76
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bistro-style meals $7.40 - $18.50
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Meals, bar and snacks
24 April or fMembers' Box Office M/N on match day
Adult $69.00 / Junior $40.00
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Three-courses - $124^ Two-courses - $97^
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Buffet - $105^ or $76
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bistro-style meals $7.40 - $18.50
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Meals, bar and snacks
15 May or Members’ Box Office M/N on match day
Adult $68.00 / Junior $30.50
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Three-courses - $124^ Two-courses - $97^
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Buffet - $105^ or $76
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bistro-style meals $7.40 - $18.50
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Meals, bar and snacks
22 May or Members’ Box Office M/N on match day
Adult $69.00 / Junior $40.00
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Three-courses - $124^ Two-courses - $97^
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Buffet - $105^ or $76
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bistro-style meals $7.40 - $18.50
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Meals, bar and snacks
10 April
All tickets $220
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Five-courses - $157^
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Buffet - $116^ or $87
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bistro-style meals $7.40 - $18.50
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Meals, bar and snacks
17 July or Members’ Box Office M/N on match day
Adult $68.00 / Junior $30.50
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Three-courses - $124^ Two-courses - $97^
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Buffet - $105^ or $76
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bistro-style meals $7.40 - $18.50
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Meals, bar and snacks
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Buffet - $116^ or $87
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bistro-style meals $7.40 - $18.50
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Meals, bar and snacks
BOOKING DETAILS AVAILABLE SOON
No booking required
Adult $30.00 / Junior $15.00
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Five-courses - $157^
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Three-courses - $124^
(BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Three-courses - $124^
STADIUM CAFE (NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bistro-style meals $7.50- $29
(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED) Bar and snacks
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. Members’ dining bookings, cancellations and amendments - Bookings for Members’ dining close five working days before the event, unless fully booked. Once fully booked, Members may waitlist for dining. Platinum Members are given first priority for Arena, but are required to book before the applicable event’s Booking Close Date. A 100 per cent cancellation fee will be incurred if a reservation is not cancelled or amended five full working days prior to the event. For example, for an event held on Saturday 8 August, cancellations or amendments must be made in writing by 5pm, Friday 31 July. This will also apply if you do not attend to dine on the day of the event.
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STADIUM RUGBY
THE LEGEND OF B GREG GROWDEN
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PIKE Milligan is on a long list of those overwhelmed by that All Black magic. Renowned as the anarchic godfather of modern comedy, the late Milligan was also a committed rugby fan, treating New Zealand rugby players with reverence. That’s when he was sober. One time after a New Zealand-Ireland Test at Lansdowne Road, Milligan sighted the massive All Blacks forward and captain Ian Kirkpatrick in a Dublin bar. “I drunkenly charged the great man,” Milligan said, “but with my pathetic attempt at a crash tackle was concussed for about four months. “Kirkpatrick just went on drinking his Guinness before enquiring about my health. What a man! Granite. “No wonder the All Blacks never lose.”
It is a sentiment held by many Australians, who this year hold grim hope that after a decade of despair, the Bledisloe Cup may at last stay put on this side of the Tasman for more than a few hours. For so many Wallabies, overwhelming New Zealand at rugby is a psychological hurdle. The All Blacks are made out as if they are of mythical god status – and that is not hard to understand when you hear of what one of their players did to ensure he wore New Zealand’s favoured cloth. In a recent Australia-New Zealand Test program, one of the advertisements read: “Some people would give their right arm to play for the All Blacks. Red Conway just cut off a finger.” Crazy, but true. In 1960 Conway was given a choice: lop off the finger and he could go on the All Blacks tour of South Africa, keep the finger and probably never play football again. Apart from being a forward, Conway was a softball catcher, and he had damaged the third finger of his right hand trying to catch a foul ball. The break was extensive and as Ron Palenski describes in his book The Jersey, when it mended the finger had a permanent kink. Conway was told by a specialist that if he kept playing football the
Picture: Brendon Thorne
BLEDISLOE finger would repeatedly break, and have to be set again and again. So, to overcome the problem, between the final selection trial and going to South Africa, Conway had it amputated. He played on for eight more years. But the Wallabies had their tough ones as well. In the 1934 Test series, several All Blacks forwards pinned their Australian counterpart Weary Dunlop to the ground, while another elbowed him in the face. According to Dunlop’s biographer, Sue Ebury, in the dressing rooms after the match Dunlop had “set his freshly re-broken nose by inserting a toothbrush up each nostril, after draining the usual two bottles of beer awaiting him on top of his locker to act as an anaesthetic.” Wallabies prop Chris Handy also earned a reputation as a warrior, after he was photographed during the 1980 Sydney Bledisloe Cup Test leaving the ground with his face splattered with blood. But Handy, who had been hit by a right-hander from All Black enforcer Andy Haden, readily admitted that reality was somewhat different. In the book Well I’ll Be Ruggered, Handy explained: “I might have
Bledisloe Cup Saturday 8 August Member bookings opening soon. See Page 25 for Member dining options.
won something of a reputation as a hitman, but the real story was that I couldn’t fight. I got belted all the time. I was the beltee, not the belter.” The next day, every Sydney newspaper carried the graphic photograph. “The legend of the toughness and fighting abilities of Buddha Handy were created. It was all ridiculous. The blood all over my face attested to the fact that, yes, I could certainly step forward, but I was more stupid than capable as a pugilist,” Handy said. Others have also needed convincing as to whether Australians are as in awe of their rugby players as their counterparts across the Tasman. When Australian fullback Matthew Burke damaged his shoulder in the 1998 Sydney Bledisloe Cup Test, he was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital. He heard the following conversation. Orderly 1: “They’re bringing in a Wallaby.” Orderly 2: “Why don’t they take it to a vet?” *Greg Growden, a former Sydney Morning Herald journalist, is one of Australia’s foremost rugby writers and commentators.
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STADIUM WARATAHS
SUPER TAHS WANT MORE
NSW FIRE UP FOR TITLE DEFENCE Joel Moss
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ONG-SUFFERING NSW Waratahs fans were fittingly rewarded for their support in the most incredible way as the Tahs finally captured their first ever Super Rugby title after 19 years of competition. In front of 61,823 fans at ANZ Stadium, the largest Super Rugby crowd ever recorded, the Waratahs stole a last-minute 33-32 victory before from the jaws of defeat against a courageous Crusaders team. If last season’s heart-stopping Super Rugby Final is anything to go by, Waratahs fans are in for another pulsating year with two huge blockbusters keyed for ANZ Stadium. In a first-ever, NSW will face Australian rivals Melbourne Rebels in an ANZAC Day classic on Saturday 25 April. The long-awaited Super Rugby Final rematch will also take place at ANZ Stadium. The Waratahs will have to be at their very best against a Crusaders team hell-bent on revenge. It’s the game-day circled on everyone’s calendar . . . Saturday 23 May. Regarded as the saviour of NSW rugby, head coach Michael Cheika’s expansive approach in attack has captured the hearts and minds of die-hard Waratahs fans, along with heralding a new generation of passionate supporters. Try-scoring sensation Israel Folau has been a revelation in rugby and played a key role as the Tahs celebrated their first title in only his second year in the competition. Rest assured, Folau will be on a mission to prove that it wasn’t a purple patch in cementing his legacy as one of the greatest
‘ONE THING WE HAVE LEARNED IS YOU NEED TO HAVE THAT KIND OF HUNGER TO SUCCEED’ players to ever grace the rugby fields. Captain Dave Dennis is determined to lead the Waratahs in their title defence after a season-ending injury in the opening round last season. Carrying a large target on their backs this season, the Waratahs will be boosted by the full support of NSW fans and are desperate to go back-to-back. “One thing we have learned is you need to have that kind of hunger to succeed,” Waratahs assistant coach Daryl Gibson said. “Now I think we have overcome our first hurdle, which is to know what it feels like to win. The guys now understand what’s required. “They appreciate the levels in terms of hard work and training that’s needed to be reached in order to become competitive and to consistently compete to win trophies.” Having taken so long to win their first final, you can bet your life they aren’t ready to relinquish their title. The Waratahs received a significant preseason boost when prodigious utility back Kurtley Beale committed to Australian Rugby to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, signing a oneyear extension to his contract with the ARU.
For Beale, 26, it’s the chance to add to his already impressive rugby credentials since he signed his first contract with the NSW Waratahs at age 16. The Waratahs’ insidecentre and prolific point scorer has notched up 475 Super Rugby points since he first debuted for the side in 2007, ultimately going on to achieve 86 of his 100 Super Rugby caps with the Tahs. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to pull on the sky blue jersey and play for the Waratahs for another year,” said Beale. “We will never forget that night at ANZ Stadium in front of more than 61,000 fans last season, when we won the title. “I love the Waratahs’ style of fast-paced, attacking rugby. It’s a new year and I’m excited for the season to start and to get the chance to get out there and play some great rugby again. There is nothing better to me than playing alongside my mates and in front of my family.”
ANZAC Day Classic NSW Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels Saturday 25 April Super Rugby Final Rematch NSW Waratahs v Crusaders Saturday 23 May
See Page 25 for Member dining options and paying guest prices.
Pictures: Brendon Thorne
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STADIUM NRL
Picture: Eliot Cohen
DARE TO DREAM IN SEASON 2015 Joel Moss
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AVING just enough time to catch our breath during the off-season, the NRL season returns in a big way at ANZ Stadium with an #EasterFootyFest and a much-anticipated Grand Final rematch. Five clubs – South Sydney Rabbitohs, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Parramatta Eels, Wests Tigers and St George-Illawarra Dragons – took centre stage at ANZ Stadium in 2014 with the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs playing out a historic Grand Final in front of a record 83,833 fans. All five sides will return with strong aspirations for 2015. The stage is set for an epic Grand Final rematch between the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs on Easter Friday, 3 April. A crowd of 43,255 watched Trent Hodkinson nail a late field goal for the Bulldogs to steal a thrilling 15-14 win against the Rabbitohs last year. As the most successful club in the NRL, the Rabbitohs are taking aim at another trophy after claiming their first premiership in 43 years with an emphatic 30-6 Grand Final victory over the Bulldogs.
“The bar goes to new heights every year in the NRL,” Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire said. “The boys have dived into training; there is quite a lot of excitement around the club given what happened, the euphoria, it makes you want more. But we understand we have to do the hard work to achieve those sorts of things. I don’t believe complacency is a word in our environment.” Under coach Des Hasler, the Bulldogs have reached the Grand Final in two of his three years at the helm but have been unable to clinch the decisive victory. The Rabbitohs and Bulldogs will certainly be focused on laying early premiership credentials on Good Friday before the Tigers take on fierce rivals the Eels on Easter Monday, 6 April. A bumper crowd of 50,668 fans witnessed the Tigers clinch a stirring 21-18 victory against the Eels last year. After disappointing season campaigns, the Eels and Tigers are motivated to bounce back in 2015 with the Easter Monday confrontation serving as a springboard for the rest of the season. Narrowly missing the finals last season, the surging Eels are confident in reaching the post-season despite the loss of
‘THE BAR GOES TO NEW HEIGHTS EVERY YEAR IN THE NRL’
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The four competing teams this Easter . . . Bulldogs, Rabbitohs, Eels and Tigers.
rugby league superstar Jarryd Hayne. “The expectation from me is that we will be a better team in 2015 than we were in 2014. That is what I expect,” Eels coach Brad Arthur said. “As for coaching, you might say it is a tough job, but it is a job I couldn’t wait to get my hands on.” The Tigers shape as the potential big improvers in 2015 showing strong signs of promise. Jason Taylor takes the reins of a young and gifted Tigers side ready to fulfil their talent. “We’ve assembled a team of professionals from a range of areas who we believe have the skill set and drive to bring the best out of every player in the club,” Taylor said. “The club has undergone a lot of change recently and I’m confident that our Members and supporters will see a positive effect when we take the field for round one.” The Dragons have had the benefit of a full pre-season under coach Paul McGregor and legendary playmaker Benji Marshall who is determined to reclaim his superstar status in the game. “Having a full pre-season with the team you get to do what you need to do and, for me, it has been a really good start after our finish last year,” McGregor said. “Even though we didn’t make the finals we strung some good games together but let ourselves down in a few areas and we’ve been working really hard on that.” Standby for an explosive start to the NRL season from Thursday 5 March.
MARCH WITH THE NRL How the season kicks off at ANZ Stadium Friday 13 March: Bulldogs v Eels, 7.35pm
Sunday 15 March: Rabbitohs v Roosters, 4pm Sunday 22 March: Rabbitohs v Tigers, 4pm
Friday 27 March: Tigers v Bulldogs, 7.35pm
Good Friday 3 April: Bulldogs v Rabbitohs, 4pm Easter Monday 6 April: Eels v Tigers, 3pm
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Picture: Eliot Cohen
SWAN-SHANK REDEMPTION Joel Moss
2015 FIXTURES AT ANZ STADIUM
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Sydney Swans v Essendon Bombers: 4.35pm Sat 4 April Sydney Swans v Geelong Cats: 7.20pm Sat 16 May Sydney Swans v Hawthorn Hawks: 7.20pm Sat 18 July
T was a case of close but no premiership. The Sydney Swans will be seeking revenge this season after their heartbreaking Grand Final defeat at the hands of the Hawthorn Hawks. Looking to capture their third premiership, it was a heavy blow for the historically-proud club. The Swans dominated the regular season, going undefeated for 13 weeks with 12 consecutive wins to finish as minor premiers in 2014. Winning both Finals matches at ANZ Stadium against the Fremantle Dockers and North Melbourne Kangaroos in convincing fashion, the Swans appeared to have every chance of winning their third title in a decade. But as they say, it’s all about premierships, and the Swans are motivated to rectify the disappointment of last season by claiming what they believe is rightfully theirs. While the Swans have announced they will be returning to the eastern suburbs to play home matches from 2017, the club’s 2015 premiership mission will be highlighted by three key matches at Sydney Olympic Park, including an Easter Saturday season opener against the Essendon Bombers on 4 April. On Saturday 16 May, AFL powerhouses, the Swans and Geelong Cats, meet in an epic contest at the Stadium that will test the premiership credentials of both clubs. Then it’s the rematch the Swans are waiting for – against the Hawks in Round 16 on Saturday 18 July. There will be no doubt the Swans and
See Page 25 for Member dining options and paying guest prices.
their fans will be hungry for revenge in front of a heaving home crowd. ANZ Stadium has become the Swans’ Finals Fortress as they boast an extraordinary Finals record of 8-1. The Swans have not been beaten in a Finals match at Sydney’s Olympic stadium since losing in 2003 against AFL premiers, the Brisbane Lions. Worth every cent in his debut year with the Swans, Lance “Buddy” Franklin enters the second year of his much-publicised contract and is aiming to cement his legacy as one of the greatest forwards to ever play Aussie Rules football. “I just want to play consistent football,” Buddy said. “I also think just as a footy club we need to all play consistent football throughout the season, and then play finals football – that’s what we train for at this time of the year, but we’re still a long way away from that. We just need to remain consistent and play the best football we can.” With high-profile AFL stars Franklin, Kieren Jack, Adam Goodes, Josh Kennedy, Kurt Tippert and Nick Smith, the Swans are back at ANZ Stadium in season 2015 with unfinished business.
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STADIUM FOOTBALL
BRING ON THE SYDNEY SUPER DERBY SUPPORT IS GROWING FOR AN EVENT TO RIVAL THE GREAT FOOTBALL DERBIES OF THE WORLD. DAVID LEWIS REPORTS.
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ROM Manchester to Buenos Aires, Madrid to Rio or London to Istanbul, there are few spectacles that ignite the passions of soccer fans like the tribal warfare of a derby. Sydney FC’s nascent rivalry with Western Sydney Wanderers has seen the Emerald City produce its own brand of derby magic over the past three seasons. And ANZ Stadium – no stranger to defining football moments like the Socceroos’ historic World Cup qualifying win over Uruguay in 2005 – is positioned to become the stage to take an already highlycharged fixture to even greater heights. Serious consideration is being given to a proposal for new kid on the block Western Sydney Wanderers to face down established A-League powerhouse Sydney FC in an annual Festive season crunch match at the Olympic stadium in front of an anticipated audience of 70,000. The Christmas cracker would be sandwiched between home matches for both on their traditional patches at Allianz and Parramatta Stadiums and would see the already fevered contests between the two jump into the realms of sensory nirvana for both sets of fans. Manchester has its enduring City versus United feud, Milan its InterAC Milan imbroglio, Rio its Fluminese and Flamengo blockbusters while Istanbul rocks to Fenerbahce versus Galatasaray and Madrid has its Real rivalry with Atletico. All are staged in front of seething, super-sized audiences, a template of the potential for Sydney to follow. The prospect has caught the attention of Football Federation Australia and its CEO David Gallop who in November gave a preliminary thumbs up to the notion of staging a bumper battle between the two halves of Sydney – the east/north of the Sky Blues
against the west of the Wanderers – with the two clubs splitting lucrative gate takings down the middle. Though just eight games old, the intensity of feeling already generated between the cross-city foes has been startling, especially considering the Wanderers didn’t even exist three years ago. Their first meeting of the 2014-2015 A-League season attracted a crowd 41,213 to Allianz Stadium last October and 19,138 filled the Wanderers’ boutiquesized Parramatta Stadium home to the brim in the second of the season’s three clashes the following month. Throw in a further 18,000 ANZ Stadium Members, not to mention a wider Sydney sporting public keen to sample the elixir of a Sydney derby, and expectations of turning the Olympic Stadium into a cauldron of State of Origin or World Cup qualifying proportions becomes a tangible proposition. While the Wanderers have expressed some initial reluctance to stage one of its home games on unfamiliar turf, the FFA is in preliminary discussions with all parties aimed at soothing any misgivings and opening eyes – and wallets – to the potential of what could become Sydney’s most captivating sporting rivalry. It would be the match that takes the A-League’s regular domestic season to unscaled heights. And it might just see Sydney join the planet’s great football cities where fans take for granted the atmosphere and high drama of derbies played in amphitheatres like Manchester’s Old Trafford, Milan’s San Siro, Madrid’s Bernebeu and London’s Emirates Stadium. What price Sydney’s Olympic stadium joining the list? *David Lewis is a London-based football correspondent who writes extensively for the SBS website.
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC Nickname: Wanderers, WSW Founded: 2012 Head coach: Tony Popovic 2013-14: A-League 2nd Honours: Domestic • A-League Premiers (1): 2012–13 Runners-up (1): 2013–14 • A-League Finals Runners-up (2): 2013, 2014 Asian • AFC Champions League Winners (1): 2014
SYDNEY FC Nickname: Sky Blues Founded: 2004 Head coach: Graham Arnold 2013-14: A-League 5th Honours: Domestic •A-League Premiers (1): 2009–10 Runners-Up (1): 2005–06 • A-League Finals Series Champions (2): 2006, 2010 International • OFC Champions League Champions (1): 2005 • AFC Champions League Group Stage (2): 2007, 2011 • FIFA Club World Cup
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THE VIEW
PEOPLE, PARTIES, FUN & GLAMOUR WITH TIFF & CHLOE TIFFANY HUNTER IS MARKETING MANAGER & CHLOE XUEREB IS GRAPHIC DESIGNER AT ANZ STADIUM
ASIAN CUP UNITES
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HERE’S nothing quite like sport to bring people together. And we were lucky enough to witness this throughout the month of January when the AFC Asian Cup landed at ANZ Stadium. Sixteen teams competed over 23 days in the largest football tournament in Asia. And the thousands of fans who walked through our gates were proof that sports can erase all dividing lines and unite nations. The stadium was filled with a constant wave of noise, excitement and smiling faces and we couldn’t get enough of it. Behind the loud drums, painted faces and bright flags were thousands of cheerful people, young and old, all hailing from different cultures, united to celebrate football and diversity. It was a beautiful sight. We can only hope that the buzzing and joyous atmosphere translated on television to the global audience of 1.6 billion, because it was an awesome side of Australia they would have seen.
STADIUM MEETING THAT LAUNCHED AN NFL CAREER
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JARRYD Hayne will be sorely missed by all NRL fans this season but we wish him well as he chases his NFL dream in the US. The impetus for Jarryd’s sudden departure from the NRL came as a result of his meeting with legendary US NFL star Reggie Bush (right) at ANZ Stadium prior to Origin II last year. Reggie was in Sydney on a promotional visit and spent time with Hayne. Needless to say, the Detroit Lions running back was hugely impressed with the Hayne Plane and gave him the encouragement to chase his NFL dream to the max. The Eels are well prepared for Life After Hayne, with the super-talented Will Hopoate a logical replacement in the No.1 jersey this season. The Eels will again host western Sydney rivals the Tigers at ANZ Stadium in an Easter Monday (6 April) blockbuster featuring reciprocal rights for Members of both clubs. Last year’s Easter Monday derby drew 50,668 fans.
D&M WITH DAVE
#FOOEYS
T
Image supplied by Triple M
HERE’S always a lot of excitement in the office when we hear whispers of new major events being added to our calendar. But nothing could have prepared us for the announcement that the Foo Fighters (one of our all-time favourite bands) would be coming to ANZ Stadium. Naturally we started playing Fooey albums in the office immediately. We were also stoked to hear Triple M do an exclusive interview with the band. This from frontman, Dave Grohl (left). On recording Sonic Highways in eight different cities: “This whole concept started with the last Foo Fighters record which we made in my garage, so I thought rather than make the record here in our studio which is really nice and comfortable, and which we’ve used for albums before, we should go somewhere that will challenge the band to do something different, because really the environment should influence the outcome of what you’re doing.” On inspiring people through music: “You have to inspire people to be inspired – don’t just hand them something – inspire people to feel inspired, that’s when they get into music. Don’t just hand them a sound. Pose a challenge to them or do something that someone hasn’t done yet and that’s when you get inspired, the feeling of discovery or the feeling of something you haven’t heard before.” On challenging yourself: “I don’t want to get bored with my band so I want to do something that I’m not sure we can do. This whole band was a challenge – coming from playing drums in this huge band (Nirvana) and then being like ‘OK, I’m going to play guitar now and sing a song,’ everyone was like ‘Are you joking? You’re nuts.’ But I did it because I sort of felt like “Okay, I don’t know if I can do it,” and I feel like every young band should do the same thing.” On the Australian tour: “Our last Australian trip was for me, when I think of the absolute peak of this band’s success or experience, it’s that tour, because those shows were just so massive and long and they were stadium shows, you know? Every Australian tour just gets better than the one before it. It (the Sonic Highways Tour) is going to be great, I’m super psyched.”
WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS . . . GUESS who we bumped into on our end-of-season trip to Las Vegas . . . a group of guys who we had just seen walk away with the NRL premiership at the Stadium a few days prior. The South Sydney Rabbitohs tackled the Las Vegas Strip with gusto but were not the only wellknown football team in town, with the Collingwood Magpies also giving a decent account of themselves. We’d love to tell you more about what went down in Vegas, but we took the Vegas vow before we left . . . What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas. We also thought this line was kind of appropriate: “A holiday in Vegas is like retirement . . . the goal is to enjoy it to the fullest, but not so fully that you run out of money.” Glad we’ve got a few more years to learn that one.
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STADIUM CORPORATE HOSPITALITY
DINING WITH THE STARS CRYSTELLE CORDERO
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REAT YOUR CLIENTS TO THE ULTIMATE SPORTING EXPERIENCE IN 2015 WITH THE STATE OF ORIGIN, BLEDISLOE CUP AND NRL GRAND FINAL CORPORATE DINING EVENTS. GET A TASTE OF WHAT THE NIGHTS HAVE TO OFFER WITH THIS STATE OF ORIGIN DINING PREVIEW.
5.45PM I
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T’S hard not to be blown away when you walk into The Trophy Room. Located on Level 5, the grand glass-fronted room has a sweeping view of the Stadium and field, with your seating on Level 4, directly out front. Once you’ve taken in the view, a hostess shows you to your table of 10, which is decked out in Origin merchandise, ready for you to wear. With a drink in hand, it’s time to sit back and relax as the MC welcomes you and your guests. The MC is guaranteed to be a sports aficionado, with Andy Raymond from Fox Sports, Bill Baxter from Wide World of Sports and Terry Kennedy and Jimmy Smith from Sky Sports Radio, all previous MCs. The Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie is also a regular on the panel interviewing the superstars of the game. Entrees and mains are served during the next hour, making this the perfect time to casually chat and connect with your guests. “The beauty of the dining event is that you get the chance to sit across from your clients in a relaxed and fun environment, have a drink, bond over dinner and then immerse yourself in all the action on the field,” says Shane Stoddard, General Manager of Sales and Sponsorship.
7.10PM
8.55PM
With your gourmet entrée and main already enjoyed, it’s time to move on to one of the highlights of the night – the player Q&A. Players who have featured in previous corporate dining events include State of Origin captain Paul Gallen, Roosters legend Anthony Minichiello, Michael Maguire, Danny Buderus, Kurt Gidley, Tim Mannah, Luke Lewis, Matt Ballin, Wendell Sailor and Darren Lockyer, among others. “Clients always really enjoy the Q&A session as they’re hearing from the stars of league and can get a real insight into the game,” says Shane. Once the Q&A concludes, it’s time for the business card draw, where you’ll get the chance to win a bevy of first-rate prizes. Then it’s time for the main event – State of Origin I.
The half-time siren has sounded, so you can stretch your legs and wander back inside for some delicious desserts. If you haven’t already taken a selfie (or 10) with the superstars, now’s your chance. “That’s one of the major differences with the dining event compared to being in a suite, box or in Centreline Seats – at the event you get to rub shoulders with NRL, State of Origin and Grand Final players. You’re up close and personal, there’s a lot of interaction, and clients love that,” says Shane. Thanks to the MC and entertainment throughout the night, there are also plenty of talking points for you and your client to bond. With halftime over, it’s back to your seats.
9.55PM The on-field action wraps up, but that doesn’t mean the party is over. Supper, featuring your favourite footy fare (think gourmet hot pies and pizza) are served, and drinks are still flowing. The event includes a full range of premium beers, wines and ciders, including brands like Heineken, James Squire, One Fifty Lashes and 5 Seeds. As the live band kicks into life, everyone gets out on the dance floor for the next hour. “It’s perfect because you can stay up there with the band and have a few drinks while the Stadium clears,” says Shane. Then you can slip onto public transport or into your car and make an easy getaway.
BOOK FOR THE MAJORS Bookings are now open for all three major Dining events in 2015: • • •
State of Origin I, Wed 27 May Bledisloe Cup, Sat 8 August NRL Grand Final, Sat 4 October
For the first time ever, a cocktail event is being offered for Bledisloe Cup, with prices starting at $900 per head. Call 1300 13 40 10 to book your Dining experience now, or visit anzstadium.com.au/official-hospitality for more information. You’ll need to be quick though, as the NRL Grand Final dining event is almost sold out.
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footy fare THE GLOBAL FOOD TRENDS FOR 2015 ARE IN – AND WE’RE SERVING THEM HOT OFF THE GRILL FOR YOU CRYSTELLE CORDERO REPORTS.
I
F the major food trend of 2015 had to be summed up in a single headline, Andreas Breitfuss, Head of Catering and Hospitality Services at ANZ Stadium, has got it down to this: Meat Is Getting Its Mojo Back. Gone are the days of tenderly cooking meat in a water bath: “This year is all about real cooking. By that I mean open flames, cooking on the grill and achieving a natural smoky flavour,” says Andreas. “We’re also seeing a lot of Japanese and Korean influences, which ties in with that flaming, smoky, charcoal-type trend. As a result, Stadium Corporate guests and Members will be seeing a lot of those flavours running through our menus this year.” You can also expect the freshest produce Australia has to offer. “In the past we’d look at a regional area and say, `This year we want Snowy Mountains trout’, so we’d purchase trout from that region all year round. We’ve changed that concept and instead are now asking, `Where is the best trout coming from this week?’ We’re contacting our suppliers on a weekly basis to find out where the finest beef, fish and lamb in the country is coming from during event week to ensure our guests enjoy the very best of what Australia has to offer.” And what if you feel like wandering to a retail outlet on the Level 1 concourse for a good old meat pie or hot dog? “You can definitely still get footy mainstays like chips, hot dogs and meat pies from our shops, we’re never going to take those menu items away. But this year we’re really stretching the boundaries with our retail stores,” says Andreas. In 2015, fast food is getting a little fancy. “We’re introducing a range of enhancements,” says Andreas. “Sure you can get a regular hotdog, but would you also like onion on it? Cheese? Gourmet sauces? And yes, you can get your bucket of chips, but would you like aioli instead of tomato sauce?” These enhancements to regular footy fare are a first for ANZ Stadium, but if fans vote with their feet, they’ll become staple extras, guarantees Andreas. Retail stores at ANZ Stadium will also be trialling a new café style menu including steak sandwiches and Wagyu beef burgers. “We’re really excited to see how it goes,” says Andreas. “We want people to walk away saying, ‘Wow, I ate great food at the Stadium’, whether it’s a fivecourse degustation or a hot dog with all the trimmings.”
Serving it up for the fans • •
•
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Members can experience the “real cooking” inspired menus by booking their dining at Arena and other Member restaurants online at anzstadium.com.au/members Corporate Guests will get a taste of the new trends in suites, boxes and Centreline Seats. For information on Corporate Hospitality, call 1300 40 10 or visit anzstadium.com.au/official-hospitality Keen to try the pimped-up footy fare? Retail outlets around ANZ Stadium will be trialling the new café menu and enhancements throughout 2015. Follow us on Twitter for exact locations each event: @ANZStadium
DINING STADIUM
Crisp & salty pork belly with chilli caramel served at ANZ Stadium Picture: Brendon Thorne
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STADIUM ENTERTAINMENT
FOO FIGHTERS THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY •
• •
Lead singer Dave Grohl was the former drummer of legendary grunge band Nirvana until their frontman Kurt Cobain died and the band broke up. The term Foo Fighters was used by World War II pilots to describe UFOs. Grohl has also played drums for Tenacious D, Nine Inch Nails and Queens of the Stone Age.
TAYLOR SWIFT SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER Name: Taylor Alison Swift D.O.B: December 13, 1989 (25) Nicknames: Tay, T-Swift, Swifty, T-Swizzle Grew up: On her family’s Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania She can play: Guitar, banjo, piano, ukulele and electric guitar Best friends: Selena Gomez & Lena Dunham Cats names: Meredith Grey & Olivia Benson
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ROCK KINGS POP QUEEN MUSIC ROYALTY AT ANZ STADIUM Crystelle Cordero
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EGENDARY rock’n’roll group Foo Fighters and pop phenomenon Taylor Swift will kick off and close out the year in serious style, with their respective Sonic Highways and 1989 world tours top-and-tailing the ANZ Stadium events calendar in February and November. Last in Australia in 2011 for a massive run of sellout stadium dates, Foo Fighters blew fans and critics away: “An epic night of stadium rock at its best,” declared Beat magazine. “Two and a half hours of pure unadulterated, legendary stadium rock by the world’s finest rock band. Foo Fighters blew everybody away and more,” roared Triple M. The Fooeys’ Sonic Highways concert at Sydney’s Olympic stadium on Thursday 26 February will see the band play many of their epic stadium anthems as well as soon-to-be classics from Sonic Highways such as lead single Something From Nothing. Produced by Butch Vig and Foo Fighters, Sonic Highways – the band’s eighth studio album and long-awaited follow-up to 2011’s quadruple-Grammy-winning, international No.1 Wasting Light – was released globally in November to critical acclaim. In the two decades since the 1995 release of Foo Fighters’ self-titled debut album, Foo Fighters have grown into arguably the last great American stadium rock band, hauled in 11 Grammy Awards, sold 25 million records worldwide and spawned countless hits including Everlong, Monkey Wrench, My Hero, Learn To Fly, All My Life, Best Of You, The Pretender, Walk and more. Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett and Pat Smear are in their finest form yet and on the Sonic Highways tour, the band and fans will ensure their ANZ Stadium takeover is an unforgettable celebration of 20 years of Foo Fighters. Come November, the world’s hottest country-turned-pop superstar, Taylor Swift, will bring her one-and-only 1989 Sydney concert to ANZ Stadium, along with special guest, Melbourne born indie-pop performer, Vance Joy. With over 30 million albums sold and seven Grammy Awards to her name, T-Swizzle (as she’s affectionately nicknamed by her fans) is the only artist in history to have three albums debut with more than a million copies sold in their first week, with 1989 joining fellow multi-platinum selling albums Speak Now (2010) and Red (2012). Her 1989 album became Australia’s fastest-selling album of 2014 in less than four days. Lead single Shake It Off and its successor Blank Space have also earned Taylor the dual achievements of being the only artist to have two No.1 singles in the HOT 100 US charts. At the 2014 American Music Awards, Taylor became the first ever recipient of the Dick Clark Award for Excellence, given to an artist who achieves a ground-breaking feat or creates a landmark work. This prestigious recognition honoured her as the only artist to ever sell over one million albums release week for her albums Speak Now, RED and 1989. Swift’s massive 1989 World Tour is guaranteed to be a Stadium pop blockbuster, as the world’s hottest pop star returns to Oz with her catchiest material yet. For the latest on the Sonic Highways and 1989 concerts visit anzstadium.com.au
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FRENCH PACIFIC PARADISE New Caledonia is Australia’s closest Pacific neighbour, making it an ideal destination for Australians looking for a holiday with a difference, without the distance. When you arrive in New Caledonia, you will find yourself amongst stunning natural wonders, including a World Heritage listed lagoon and the second largest reef in the world, all waiting to be explored and appreciated by visitors. Flying direct from Australia you can be in Noumea in just two hours from Brisbane, less than three hours from Sydney and under four hours from Melbourne; the short flying times make this Pacific island the perfect long weekend getaway.
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OOH-LA-LAH, NEW CALEDONIA!
haveitall.com.au
2015 ANZ STADIUM EVENT CALENDAR Thursday 15
Tuesday 13
Saturday 10
AFC Asian Cup - Qatar v Bahrain
AFC Asian Cup - Qatar v IR Iran
AFC Asian Cup - Oman v Australia
AFC Asian Cup - Uzbekistan v DPR Korea
Saturday 25
Friday 24
Friday 17
Monday 13
Super Rugby - NSW Waratahs v Rebels
NRL Premiership Round 8 - Bulldogs v Wests Tigers
NRL Premiership Round 7 - Bulldogs v Sea Eagles
NRL Premiership Round 6 - Rabbitohs v Cowboys
Saturday 25
Friday 24
Saturday 18
NRL Premiership Round 20 - Rabbitohs v Knights
NRL Premiership Round 20 - Wests Tigers v Roosters
AFL Premiership Round 16 - Sydney Swans v Hawthorn
JULY
Monday 19 AFC Asian Cup - Quarter Final 4
MAY
APRIL
Friday 23 AFC Asian Cup - Semi Final 1 Monday 11
JANUARY
Monday 26 AFC Asian Cup - Final
Saturday 7 Spartan Race
Charity Shield - Rabbitohs v Dragons
Wednesday 27 State of Origin I - NSW Blues v QLD Maroons
Saturday 23
Friday 22
Saturday 16
Friday 15
Super Rugby - NSW Waratahs v Crusaders
NRL Premiership Round 11 - Rabbitohs v Eels
AFL Premiership Round 7 - Sydney Swans v Geelong
NRL Premiership Round 10 - Bulldogs v Roosters
NRL Premiership Round 9 - Rabbitohs v Dragons
3-6
3-6
Saturday 8
NRL Premiership Round 26 - Bulldogs v Warriors
SEPTEMBER
20 - 24
NRL Premiership Round 26 - Dragons v Wests Tigers
NRL Premiership Round 24 - Rabbitohs v Bulldogs
Bledisloe Cup - Qantas Wallabies V New Zealand
31 July - 3 Aug NRL Premiership Round 21 - Rabbitohs v Panthers
AUGUST
Saturday 31
Sunday 15 Foo Fighters - Sonic Highways World Tour
Friday 13 NRL Premiership Round 2 - Rabbitohs v Roosters
NRL Premiership Round 2 - Bulldogs v Eels
Saturday 20
Friday 12
Monday 8
NRL Premiership Round 16 - Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles
NRL Premiership Round 15 - Bulldogs v Panthers
NRL Premiership Round 14 - Wests Tigers v Rabbitohs
NRL Premiership Round 13 - Bulldogs v Dragons
25 - 26
25 - 26
18 - 19
18 - 19
11 - 13
11 - 13
NRL Finals Series - Week 3 (subject to team qualification)
AFL Finals Series - Week 3 (subject to team qualification)
NRL Finals Series - Week 2 (subject to team qualification)
AFL Finals Series - Week 2 (subject to team qualification)
NRL Finals Series - Week 1 (subject to team qualification)
AFL Finals Series - Week 1 (subject to team qualification)
FEBRUARY
Thursday 26
Sunday 15
NRL Premiership Round 3 - Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers
Friday 26
JUNE
Sunday 22
NRL Premiership Round 4 - Wests Tigers v Bulldogs
MARCH
Friday 27
Super Rugby Final (subject to team qualification)
OCTOBER Saturday 4
NRL Premiership Round 17 - Wests Tigers v Eels
NOVEMBER
JULY NRL Premiership Round 5 - Bulldogs v Rabbitohs
Monday 6
NRL Premiership Round 18 - Bulldogs v Broncos
Saturday 28
APRIL Friday 3
AFL Premiership Round 1 - Sydney Swans v Essendon
Saturday 11
NRL Premiership Round 19 - Eels v Bulldogs
NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final
Saturday 4
NRL Premiership Round 5 - Eels v Wests Tigers
Friday 17
Sunday 4
Monday 6
NRL Premiership Round 6 - Dragons v Bulldogs
Taylor Swift ‘1989’ World Tour
Sunday 12
Please Note: Events and dates are subject to change
Keith Urban in the studio
The new Grow by ANZ app. TM
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REDEFINING THE GREAT STADIUM THE ROAR OF THE CROWD. A QUICKENING PULSE. LIVE SPORT LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE IN SYDNEY. FANS CLOSER TO THE ACTION. MORE ATMOSPHERE. MORE CAFES, BARS & RESTAURANTS. PLANNING IS WELL UNDERWAY FOR A SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT PRECINCT TO DEFINE THE GREATER SYDNEY AREA. THE NEW-LOOK ANZ STADIUM . . . IT’S GETTING CLOSER.
Artist’s impression of the new-look ANZ Stadium (front cover) and the Sydney Olympic Park precinct with future Carter St development (above)