SUMMER 2017/18
DOUBLE DERBY CHRISTMAS CRACKER. . . AND A HUGE YEAR OF EVENTS COMING IN 2018!
IRON JACK is a miD-strength, contemporary Australian lager brewed with our hot, rugged climate in mind. Give it a whiff and you’ll pick up a hint of hop aroma – give it a gulp and you’ll see the bitterness has been kept low so you get maximum refreshment,
TO CRUSH YOUR THIRST.
STADIUM NEWS
2018 A YEAR OF SUPER EVENTS THE MAJORS • • • • • • • • • • •
HISTORIC SYDNEY DERBY DOUBLE-HEADER FOO FIGHTERS CONCRETE & GOLD WORLD TOUR INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE DOUBLE-HEADER ED SHEERAN WORLD TOUR (3 CONCERTS) NRL ROUND 3 DOUBLE-HEADER EASTER NRL FOOTYFEST STAND-ALONE SUNDAY STATE OF ORIGIN II BLEDISLOE CUP TEST NRL FINALS NRL GRAND FINAL MONSTER JAM
Arthur Stanley
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YDNEY is in for a sport and entertainment bonanza this summer and throughout 2018, with a host of spectacular major events ready to roll at ANZ Stadium. A historic Sydney Derby Double-Header featuring the Western Sydney Wanderers’ A-League and W-League teams against cross-city rivals Sydney FC on Saturday 9 December will be a highlight of the 2017/18 football season. The FFA believes this match has the potential to set new attendance benchmarks for the Hyundai A-League and the Westfield W-League – surpassing the all-time A-League crowd record of 61,880 set for Wanderers v Sydney FC last October at ANZ Stadium. The Sydney Derby will be one of five A-League matches the Wanderers will host at ANZ Stadium in 2017/18 – three of which will be double-headers with the W-League team playing on the same day. Legendary rockers Foo Fighters are returning to ANZ Stadium on Saturday 27 January with their Concrete & Gold World Tour. The 11time Grammy-winning band will be joined by American alt-rockers Weezer and Sydney favourites The Preatures for an unforgettable concert experience. British rugby league giants Wigan Warriors and Hull FC will play the first-ever Super League game outside of the UK when they line up at WIN Stadium, Wollongong, on Saturday 10 February. Seven days later they take part in a spectacular International Double-Header at ANZ Stadium, with St George Illawarra Dragons
playing Hull FC from late afternoon followed by Wigan Warriors against South Sydney Rabbitohs. Global superstar Ed Sheeran will play three back-to-back concerts from 15-17 March, with more than 200,000 patrons passing through the ANZ Stadium turnstiles. The NRL season will kick off on the weekend of 8-10 March with a Round 3 double-header at ANZ Stadium featuring South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and Parramatta Eels v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks an early-season highlight. The NRL double-header will coincide with opening weekend of the 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show – ensuring a massive crowd at Sydney Olympic Park and a major event atmosphere. That will roll in to the traditional Easter FootyFest matches featuring Rabbitohs v Bulldogs on Good Friday 30 March and Tigers v Eels Easter Monday 2 April. And then there’s this . . . Sydney will host the crucial State of Origin II match on Sunday 24 June – a stand-alone weekend for one of the biggest footy games of the year! Sydney Olympic Park will become a sea of blue from early afternoon with a massive pre-Origin party leading in to the 7.45pm Sunday kick-off at the Blues’ spiritual home. The opening Bledisloe Cup Test of 2018 will be played at ANZ Stadium in August, with the Wallabies determined to match strides with the All Blacks. Read Iain Payten’s exclusive Bledisloe Cup story on Pages 14-15. Following Bledisloe Cup, we roll in to footy finals in September and the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final on Sunday 30 September. Standby also for further announcements involving world-class events that will have the Excitement-O-Meter rising across the nation. Of course, ANZ Stadium Members will be entitled to premium seating at all sporting events in 2018, and will have an exclusive pre-purchase window to all other events. The Members’ experience for sporting events includes access to Members' facilities including bars and lounges. Members are also spoilt for choice with a mouth-watering array of restaurants and cafes offering fine dining to footy fare. If you are a Corporate Client, you can impress and indulge your guests with ANZ Stadium’s Official Hospitality offerings for all of these events. You can choose between a Private Suite, Zone Box or glassfronted dining room overlooking the arena to entertain your most important business contacts. Without a doubt, 2018 promises to be a year of sport and entertainment blockbusters.
FOO FIGHTERS
ED SHEERAN
NRL GRAND FINAL
A-LEAGUE DERBY
BLEDISLOE CUP
STATE OF ORIGIN 5
STADIUM STATE OF ORIGIN II
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SUNDAY ORIGIN
Picture: Brendon Thorne
Arthur Stanley
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YDNEY’S home of major events ANZ Stadium will host a historic first stand-alone Holden State of Origin match next year . . . a Sunday blockbuster that promises to be one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. Desperate to end the Queensland Maroons’ Origin dynasty, the NSW Blues will get the chance to play in front of their parochial home fans in the crucial State of Origin Game II on Sunday 24 June. The match will kick off at a fan-friendly 7.45pm after a huge pregame party in Sydney Olympic Park. With NRL CEO Todd Greenberg confirming that the Sydney Origin game will stand alone – without any other NRL matches that weekend – this is a must-see event on the Australian sporting calendar in 2018. ANZ Stadium Members will be able to access this historic State of Origin Match as part of their 2018 Membership. Melbourne will host the opening game of the 2018 State of Origin series on Wednesday June 6. Game III will be played in Brisbane on Wednesday 11 July. Origin has not been held on a Sunday night since the 2001 series — the only time the games were played on a Sunday. There will be no NRL matches played around the Sunday Origin match, with the regular season reduced from 26 to 25 rounds. General public tickets for 2018 Holden State of Origin Game II will go on sale later this year. 2014 was the last time NSW won the State of Origin series, with Game II in Sydney proving to be the decisive match . . . setting in train a celebration to remember. The reality is the Blues were just three minutes from winning the 2017 series after Queensland came from behind to snatch victory
at ANZ Stadium after NSW had trounced the Maroons in Game I in Brisbane. With a solid nucleus of new-generation stars – players like 2017 Brad Fittler Medallist David Klemmer, Aaron Woods, Jake Trbojevic, Boyd Cordner, Josh Jackson, Wade Graham, Jack Bird, Tyson Frizell, James Tedesco and Tom Trbojevic – many good judges believe the Blues are on the cusp of an Origin dynasty. The Blues have won 5 of the last 9 games on home turf at ANZ Stadium, with the passionate Blues crowd making the difference. Origin fans will be celebrating before the game even starts with the traditional pre-game party lighting up the Sydney Olympic Park precinct on the day, with a host of food, activities and entertainment. Once the gates open, ANZ Stadium will turn into a glowing sea of blue with up to 15,000 Blatchys Blues fans to pack the northern end of the Stadium. Meanwhile, work is progressing on the NSWRL Centre of Excellence directly across from ANZ Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park. The new $20 million centre will feature a full-sized training field, a state-ofthe-art gymnasium, hydrotherapy and rehabilitation rooms, and other specialised support facilities. The training field will be up and running by mid-to-late 2018. HOLDEN STATE OF ORIGIN GAME II ANZ STADIUM SUNDAY 24 JUNE 2018 NSW v Queensland Kick-off: 7.45pm ANZ Stadium Member bookings open February
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STADIUM RUGBY LEAGUE
RUGBY LEAGUE'S DOUBLE VISION AND A SUPER LEAGUE GAME FOR THE 'GONG
Arthur Stanley
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HE South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Parramatta Eels will be host clubs in a spectacular all-Sydney NRL Double-Header at ANZ Stadium in Round 3 next season. In an exciting initiative for footy fans, the NRL announced that Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles and Eels v Sharks will go back-to-back at Sydney’s home of major events on Saturday 24 March. The all-Sydney blockbusters will coincide with opening weekend at the 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show – ensuring a large crowd and a festive atmosphere at Sydney Olympic Park. Return transport to and from Olympic Park will be included in all match-day tickets and memberships. The full NRL draw for season 2018 is available at nrl.com.au. The NRL season will kick off at ANZ Stadium in spectacular style, with an International Double-Header confirmed for Saturday 17 February. British Super League clubs Wigan and Hull will play the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the St George Illawarra Dragons respectively in a classic pre-season double-header. The ANZ Stadium matches will follow a historic first-ever Super League game outside of Europe – with Wigan bringing their Round 2 fixture against Hull to WIN Stadium, Wollongong, on Saturday 10 February. The events have been secured by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, in partnership with Wigan Rugby League Football Club and Destination Wollongong. St George Illawarra Dragons v Hull FC will kick off the big day at ANZ Stadium late afternoon, with South Sydney Rabbitohs v Wigan Warriors from early evening. Both the NRL Round 3 double-header and the pre-season International Double-Header will be included in the 2018 ANZ Stadium Membership package. The NRL Round 3 double-header will precede the traditional
EasterFest NRL matches on Good Friday 30 March and Easter Monday 2 April – traditional matches that consistently produce two of Sydney’s biggest NRL crowds of the season. The NRL has announced that an unprecedented four double headers will be staged across four major cities in Australia and New Zealand as part of the 2018 NRL Telstra Premiership. It will be the first time in the history of the NRL that four doubleheaders have been a part of the schedule and it will be the first regular-season double-header at ANZ Stadium since 2008. NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said the double-headers would create an exciting element of next season’s schedule. “We will have double-headers in four major cities – three in Australia and one in New Zealand,” Mr Greenberg said. “This is a huge step for the game and I’d like to thank the clubs involved for their efforts to embrace the concept and ensure the matches eventuated.” Announcing the exclusive NSW tour by the British Super League clubs, Minister for Tourism & Major Events Adam Marshall said: “It’s a no brainer that the first ever Australian played Super League match will be held in the country’s No.1 state for major events, and I am thrilled that the NSW Government has secured these exclusive matches for Wollongong and Sydney.” With NSW venues ANZ Stadium and WIN Stadium to host the events, Venues NSW Chairman Christine McLaughlin said: “The NSW Government must be congratulated on securing these exciting rugby league games, which will showcase its stadium network. “This Tour will deliver a historic Super League game to WIN Stadium, Wollongong, and a fantastic double-header to the major events venue of ANZ Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park. “This is a perfect example of the Venues NSW network of stadiums working together to host the right content at the right venues.” Tickets and travel packages for the pre-season games are now on sale, with more than 5000 UK fans expected to travel to NSW with the teams.
INTERNATIONAL DOUBLE-HEADER RABBITOHS v WIGAN WARRIORS DRAGONS v HULL FC Saturday 17 February
Tickets avaiable at ticketek.com.au Official Hospitality call 1300 13 40 10 Member bookings open now.
NRL ROUND 3 DOUBLE-HEADER RABBITOHS v SEA EAGLES PARRAMATTA EELS V SHARKS Saturday 24 March
Official Hospitality call 1300 13 40 10
SUPER LEAGUE IN WOLLONGONG Wigan Warriors v Hull FC Saturday 10 February Tickets avaiable at ticketek.com.au
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STADIUM FOOTBALL
DOUBLE DERBY A-LEAGUE & W-LEAGUE DERBIES KICK OFF SUMMER OF FOOTBALL Julian Keith
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ECORDS fell and history was made when the Wanderers stepped out for the first-ever Sydney Derby at ANZ Stadium last year . . . and now the books will be rewritten again, with the Wanderers to host the first-ever Hyundai A-League/Westfield W-League Sydney Derby double-header this December. The historic double-header is being tipped to smash the all-time A-League crowd record with the current benchmark set by the 61,880 fans who packed ANZ Stadium to see Wanderers v Sydney FC in October 2016. The Double Derby is the showpiece in three A-League/W-League double-headers being hosted at ANZ Stadium this season with a further two to be played in January. Wanderers’ hero Brendon Santalab is no stranger to the magic of the Sydney Derby – twice scoring the winner in Derbies past – and knows how special the day will be. “The atmosphere and the overall spectacle of a Sydney Derby at ANZ Stadium is something else,” Santalab told STADIUM Magazine.
“To now be playing two derbies on the day will be very special – it’s an honour to be part of these big games and I’m sure the women’s team all feel the same way. “How great will it be if we see more records fall as both the men’s and women’s games continue to grow in this country every year.” The Wanderers W-League outfit will share the billing with the A-League side on two more occasions at ANZ Stadium this season – New Year’s Day against Melbourne City and then again on 19 January against Melbourne Victory. The three double-headers make up a spectacular summer of football at ANZ Stadium that will feature two other stand-alone Wanderers A-League fixtures. Now in their second season at Sydney Olympic Park, the Wanderers will be eager to build on their strong finish to last year’s campaign that included the dramatic, 1-0 win that ended Sydney FC’s undefeated season in the second Sydney Derby at ANZ Stadium. And with double the Derby at ANZ Stadium this December there’s bound to be double the drama in a can’t-miss day for Australian football fans.
SUMMER 2017/18
DOUBLE DERBY
Cover photo & picture right: Mark Evans.
CHRISTMAS CRACKER. . . AND A HUGE YEAR OF EVENTS COMING IN 2018!
WANDERERS AT ANZ STADIUM IN 2017/18 SEASON 'THE ATMOSPHERE AND THE OVERALL SPECTACLE OF A SYDNEY DERBY AT ANZ STADIUM IS SOMETHING ELSE'
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A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V SYDNEY FC SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER*
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W-LEAGUE WANDERERS V SYDNEY FC SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER*
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A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V MELBOURNE CITY MONDAY 1 JANUARY*
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W-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V MELBOURNE CITY MONDAY 1 JANUARY*
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A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V ADELAIDE UNITED WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY
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A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V MELBOURNE VICTORY FRIDAY 19 JANUARY*
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W-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V MELBOURNE VICTORY FRIDAY 19 JANUARY*
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A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V BRISBANE ROAR SATURDAY 7 APRIL
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A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V ADELAIDE UNITED SUNDAY 15 APRIL
*denotes A-League/W-League double-header
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STADIUM FOOTBALL
SHE’S A KEEPER
J
ADA WHYMAN IS THE SHOOTING STAR OF THE WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS’ W-LEAGUE SQUAD, A SUPER-TALENTED TEENAGER WHO IS ALSO NOW FIRST-CHOICE GOALKEEPER FOR THE YOUNG MATILDAS. LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, JADA CAN’T WAIT TO BE PART OF THE BIG DOUBLE DERBY AT ANZ STADIUM THIS SEASON. CRYSTELLE CORDERO REPORTS . . .
STADIUM: What age did you start playing football and how did you get involved? Jada: I was nine when I first took up the sport. At the time I also played softball and AFL. My Pop suggested giving football a go, because in AFL you could only play up to under 12s at the time. My Pop and I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea trying another sport that I could continue further with. STADIUM: You grew up in Wagga Wagga and your family would drive you to Sydney each weekend to play . . . where did you find that kind of commitment at the age of 13? Jada: The reason for travelling to Sydney was to help out an old coach of mine. His goalkeeper was injured, and as a young country girl I thought the chance to play in Sydney was awesome. It was a big ask for my family. My Mum and Step Dad would take turns driving me up to Sydney while the other stayed home with my three little siblings. Some weekends the whole family would come, even my Nan and Pop. But the support from family has always been amazing. All I had to do was play, the real commitment came from them. STADIUM: You were selected to take part in a Matildas’ preselection camp, what was it like training with the girls you look up to? Jada: It was a dream come true! Training alongside players like Kyah Simons and Lydia Williams – two indigenous athletes that I've looked up to since I was 11 – was amazing. To be in a Matildas camp with the best players in Australia was awesome; seeing what the next level was like and what it takes to be a top player. STADIUM: What’s the best part about playing for the Wanderers?
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Jada: The club has such a family vibe. And they’ve been a big part of my development, for example, being able to train with their Youth League boys on a daily basis even in the off-season. The Wanderers have achieved so much in their short history and I'm honoured to be part of their women’s squad. STADIUM: You'll be a part of the W-League / A-League Sydney Derby double header on Saturday 9 December. What are you most looking forward to about this clash? Jada: With the A-League playing after our W-League game, I'm hoping to see a lot of fans at both games with support from both the RBB and The Cove. Being at the A-League Derby clashes in the past, the atmosphere has always been amazing! To even imagine playing in front of a crowd like that gives me goosebumps. STADIUM: Matildas’ star striker Kyah Simon was recently interviewed and said it’s fabulous to see you – a young indigenous player with so much raw talent – pursue the dream of playing for Australia. How does that make you feel? Jada: Wow, for someone like Kyah Simon to see that in me is amazing. She’s one of the people who inspired me to chase my dream. Seeing what she has done for women’s football and for young indigenous girls still inspires me to this day. STADIUM: Tell us about your indigenous background and what it’s like to be a role model for other young indigenous girls? Jada: I’m from two different Aboriginal tribes, one being Wiradjuri and the other Yorta Yorta. I am a very proud Aboriginal woman and I hope that what I'm pursuing with my football will help to inspire other young indigenous players to follow their dreams just as Kyah and Lydia inspired me. STADIUM: How do you juggle school and training? Jada: It’s pretty full-on, especially as I’m completing my HSC this year. Westfields Sports High is very supportive and helps me to balance my school work and football. With my training load from school and club combined, I train 10 - 15 hours a week. STADIUM: Any tips for kids who are hoping to improve their goalkeeping skills? Jada: Keep a soccer ball in your hands as much as you can in your free time.
FAST FACTS
Picture: Mark Evans
Full name: Jada Mathyssen-Whyman Age: 17 Nickname: Jadagirl Favourite food: Lasagna Favourite movie: Bridget Jones’s Diary - all 3 of them Superstitions: For bad luck: new shoes placed on a table. For good luck: I always have to double knot my shoe laces on my boots. Favourite quote: “I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart” - Vincent van Gogh Favourite Australian sporting moment: My favourite is one I wasn't present for, but still gives me goosebumps. Cathy Freeman in the 400m Final at the 2000 Olympics. Something most people don’t know about you: On the way to our Sydney Derby clash last season we went over the Harbour Bridge and that was my first time travelling over it. If I wasn't playing football I’d be: Still playing AFL or Softball.
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STADIUM BLEDISLOE CUP
GOLD LINING
WHY THE FUTURE IS NOT IAIN PAYTEN
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OP quiz, ANZ Stadium-style: what's the difference between the Greatest Test Ever played in 2000 and the Sydney slaughter in 2017? If you said "one point", well done. Move onto the next round. You'd remember both games no doubt. Or at least find them hard to forget. Jonah Lomu scoring the winning try in a world-famous All Blacks victory in 2000, in front of 109,874 people. And the barely-believable disaster unfolding in front of our eyes in the last Bledisloe Cup clash in Sydney, where the Kiwis rattled up a record 40 points in the first half alone. And that "one point"? Take a look at how many points the Wallabies scored on both nights. In 2000, the Kiwis won 39-35 and in 2017 the scoreline was 54-34. It was understandably lost in the scale of the Kiwis' score and victory, but it turns out Michael Cheika's side scored the equal second most-points EVER by a Wallabies team against the All Blacks in the very same match. Only Rod Macqueen's team 17 years earlier had scored more - also in a loss. The highest score ever by an Australian team in a victory against New Zealand was also 34. It too happened at ANZ Stadium in 2008 when Robbie Deans coached his first ever Bledisloe Cup game and the future began to look gloriously bright when "Dingo" and his men won 34-19.
Deans would go onto to win two from the next 19 Bledisloe games, but hey, it was good while it lasted. (One week, to be precise. New Zealand 39-10 a week later in Auckland). But we digress. And right about now you're saying, who cares how many points you score in a defeat? It's still a defeat. That's true. But what the 34 points in Sydney in 2017 - and another 29 scored in Dunedin a week later - provided was a glimpse of something Australian rugby fans are desperately seeking: genuine potential. The second-half in Sydney saw the All Blacks take the score to 54-6 before the Wallabies drew a line in the sand (better late than never, right?) and begin a fightback. They scored 28 unanswered points and kept themselves, mostly, out of the record books for worst this and most that. It was argued the All Blacks took their foot off the pedal. But then came Dunedin a week later, when the Wallabies picked up where they left off and scored points in a post-kickoff flurry. At one point, the All Blacks had conceded 45 unanswered points across both games and stats keepers can't find record of that happening before. Of course, the Kiwis fought back. They scored tries and as they do so often, they used Aussie optimism to floss their teeth. They won the game in the final minute. At the time of deadline for this magazine, there was still a third Bledisloe Cup game to be played in Brisbane but on the basis of those first two games, one thing is for sure: 2018's series will be genuinely enthralling.
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T ALL BLACK New Zealand will go in as favourites, naturally. But the Wallabies proved in 2017 that they're never down and out. Ever. At 54-6, you should be down and out. And even a week after getting pumped 54-34, you should be down and out. On both occasions, however, the Wallabies kept fighting. They believed in themselves and the way they play, and they kept fighting. That belief cannot be faked and it is the bedrock of any Test success. If that can be genuinely built upon with better skills, more experience and a winning culture, the Wallabies' run into the 2019 World Cup can be a source of hope for long-suffering fans. In the last decade, New Zealand have been, in my opinion, one of the best sporting sides to ever play ANY sport in any era. Take a look at the 90-plus win percentage. But they are not unbeatable. On the right night, New Zealand look like mortals again. It took the best of four Test nations to do in 2017, and having built up arguably false confidence by not playing them for four years, the English believe they're the team most likely to knock off the Kiwis at the end of 2018. Perhaps they will. But look first towards Australia, in August. The Sydney game has a habit of being memorable. Or at least hard to forget. Iain Payten is Chief Rugby Writer for The Daily Telegraph, Sydney, and one of the most respected voices in the game.
Picture: Michael Frogley
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STADIUM CROWDS
ADELE
ARSENAL
STATE OF ORIGIN
STATS AMAZING
FANS FLOCK TO WITNESS SYDNEY’S MAJOR EVENTS Arthur Stanley
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LMOST 100,000 fans filled ANZ Stadium on successive nights when global superstar Adele came to Sydney in March, more than 160,000 fans turned out to see Arsenal’s blockbusters in July, and there were massive crowds also to witness State of Origin, NRL Grand Final and a host of other major events. The value of ANZ Stadium as Sydney’s home of major events was clear to all in 2017, with more than 1.6 million fans expected through the turnstiles by year’s end. The Stadium has hosted more than 50,000 fans on 10 separate occasions so far in 2017 - and with more blockbusters still to come. Global superstar Adele’s two sold-out performances in March drew the biggest attendances of the year – a phenomenal 98,364 for Concert 2 on Saturday 11 March after 96,470 on Friday 10 March. As football fans flocked to witness Arsenal’s first visit to Australia in 40 years, a total of 163,652 fans attended the Arsenal v Sydney FC
(80,432) game and Arsenal v Western Sydney Wanderers (83,221). The monster Arsenal In Sydney crowds came on the back of a bumper 82,259 for State of Origin II in June, 72,892 for Liverpool v Sydney FC in May, and 44,843 for the Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC A-League Derby earlier in the year. More than 26 million fans have now passed through the turnstiles of Sydney’s Olympic stadium since it opened in 1999 in the lead-up to the Games. The highest annual event attendance at ANZ Stadium since the 2000 Olympics was the 1.634 million that was posted in 2013 during a year that featured a British & Irish Lions Rugby Test, two State of Origin games, a Socceroos World Cup qualifier, and a visit by English Premier League giants Manchester United. Of course, this aggregate crowd figure is just for the Olympic stadium on its own. The Sydney Olympic Park precinct will have welcomed almost 15 million visitors and hosted more than 6000 events by year's end.
98,364 96,470 ADELE – LIVE 2017 SAT 11 MARCH (CONCERT 2)
ADELE – LIVE 2017 FRI 10 MARCH (CONCERT 1)
83,221 82,259
ARSENAL IN SYDNEY ARSENAL V WANDERERS SAT 15 JULY
STATE OF ORIGIN II - WED 21 JUNE
80,432 79,722
ARSENAL IN SYDNEY ARSENAL V SYDNEY FC THURS 13 JULY
NRL GRAND FINAL STORM V COWBOYS SUN 1 OCT
72,892 70,166
REDS IN SYDNEY LIVERPOOL V SYDNEY FC WED 24 MAY
JUSTIN BIEBER – PURPOSE WORLD TOUR WED 15 MARCH
54,648 52,438 BLEDISLOE CUP - SAT 19 AUG
GUNS N ROSES – NOT IN THIS LIFETIME TOUR FRI 10 FEB
44,843 42,136
SYDNEY DERBY III WANDERERS V SYDNEY FC SAT 18 FEB
WORLD CUP ASIAN QUALIFIER SOCCEROOS V SYRIA TUE 10 OCT
41,287 35,984
NRL SEMI-FINAL EELS V COWBOYS SAT 16 SEPT
35,242
GUNS N ROSES – NOT IN THIS LIFETIME TOUR SAT 11 FEB
GOOD FRIDAY NRL RABBITOHS V BULLDOGS FRI 14 APRIL
30,901 NRL STAY KIND CUP TIGERS V EELS SUN 23 JULY 17
STADIUM NRL GRAND FINAL
NO EQUAL PURPLE REIGNS AS STORM CHAMPIONS DELIVER Arthur Stanley
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QUALITY? Not even close. This Melbourne Storm team was a class above the other 15 NRL teams in 2017. When rugby league fans look back on season 2017 they will remember one of the great club teams of the modern era. And certainly a team that fielded one of the greatest spines we have ever seen. The champion trio of Cameron Smith in 9, Cooper Cronk in 7 and Billy Slater in 1 guided the team all year . . . then stepped up their performances in the Telstra Premiership Grand Final. With Cronk moving on, they finish their time at the Storm with two premierships, four Grand Final wins (having had two stripped for reasons beyond their control), and having instilled a winning culture at Melbourne that is the envy of every club in the competition. NRL Grand Final Day became a talking point not just because of the footy, but because of the focus on global superstar Macklemore performing his hit song Same Love prior to kick-off, and as the nation debated marriage equality. The artist delivered a five-song performance that wowed the majority of 79,722 fans at ANZ Stadium, the 3.39 million fans watching around Australia, and millions more worldwide. But regardless of your views on Macklemore’s message, it quickly became apparent that there was no equality out on the playing field. On a perfect Sydney spring day at ANZ Stadium, Melbourne broke their five-year premiership drought in style with a 34-6 Grand Final win over the North Queensland Cowboys, confirming what we all suspected: no one could stop the Storm in 2017. Amid joyous scenes after fulltime, the Big 3 hugged one another and could barely contain their emotions. Indeed, Slater fought back tears as he was named Clive Churchill Medallist as the best player in the Grand Final, thanking his wife Nicole for helping him though two years of injury setbacks. Captain Smith played superbly, on the back of winning his second Dally M Medal earlier in the week. And then there was Cronk – the scheming, creative genius in the halfback role who was playing his final game for the Storm. When the champion trio combined to split the Cowboys through the middle and set up a second try for Josh Addo-Carr late in the game, the script had been written. But it wasn’t just the Big 3. As Smith said later: “The Storm have never been about just three or four players . . . we are always about the team, and we had 17 guys who all performed to their best in this game.”
'THE NRL GRAND FINAL WAS WATCHED BY 79,722 FANS AT THE STADIUM, 3.39 MILLION VIEWERS AROUND AUSTRALIA, AND MILLIONS MORE AROUND THE GLOBE.'
Indeed, promising second-rower Felise Kaufusi shone in attack on the Storm's right edge. Addo-Carr lit up ANZ Stadium with an amazing solo run, with he and Suliasi Vunivalu setting try-scoring records on the wings for the Storm, both finishing with 23 for the year. So now we look to the future and ponder whether the Storm will ever be as good as Cronk moves on with his life. Melbourne will shift into transition mode next year as they plan for life after Cronk, Jordan McLean, Tohu Harris and Slade Griffin. Brodie Croft and Riley Jacks will take time to settle into regular NRL action, but mastercoach Craig Bellamy – along with Smith and Slater – will continue their mentorship. The club has also locked in many of its rising stars for years to come. Croft, Brandon Smith, Jahrome Hughes, Vunivalu and Nelson Asofa-Solomona all extended their contracts, and the Storm have also secured Jessie and Kenny Bromwich, Dale Finucane, Kaufusi, Joe Stimson and Christian Welch. The Storm set a new benchmark in 2017: it’s now up to the other 15 clubs to rise to the challenge.
Pictures: Mark Evans
MELBOURNE STORM 34. J ADDO-CARR 2 (19MIN,73), F KAUFUSI (28), B SLATER (37), D FINUCANE (64), C SCOTT (67) TRIES; C SMITH 5 GOALS. NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 6. T MARTIN TRY (48MIN); E LOWE GOAL. CROWD: 79,722. STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: PENRITH PANTHERS 42 PAPUA NEW GUINEA HUNTERS 18 HOLDEN CUP: MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES 20 PARRAMATTA EELS 18
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STADIUM ENTERTAINMENT
CAN’T STOP THE
MUSIC SINGER, SONGWRITER, SUPERSTAR
CRYSTELLE CORDERO
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UST WHEN WE THOUGHT IT COULDN’T GET ANY BIGGER THAN GLOBAL PHENOMENON ADELE PERFORMING IN FRONT OF 190,000 FANS OVER TWO UNFORGETTABLE NIGHTS, ALONG COMES A SELF-CONFESSED “AWKWARD BRITISH KID” TO SELL OUT THREE BACK-TO-BACK SHOWS AT ANZ STADIUM THIS MARCH.
Two Grammy Awards, six billion YouTube views, 70 million online followers, and a firm foothold on the top of the album and single charts. Ed Sheeran needs no introduction . . . and thankfully for musicloving fans everywhere, he’s set to play three sellout shows on 15-16-17 March 2018. Touring in celebration of his record-breaking and chart-topping third studio album ÷, Sheeran will perform completely unaccompanied, joined on stage by just a guitar and effect pedals. The pull of this one-man band is unprecedented, with Sheeran smashing the Australasian record for largest number of stadium shows in a single tour – with a whopping 18 concerts locked in for Oz and New Zealand. There’s no stopping the musical phenomenon that is Ed Sheeran, and we can’t wait to be a part of the ride come March!
RETURN OF THE ROCK GODS 20
Before Sheeran hits our shores, rock Gods Foo Fighters will light up
Picture: Getty Images
the New Year with their Concrete & Gold World Tour on Saturday 27 January at ANZ Stadium. Last here in 2015 for their 20th Anniversary World Tour Sonic Highways, Foo Fighters blew fans away, tearing through anthems including Something From Nothing, Best Of You and My Hero. The 11-time Grammy-winning legends will be joined by American alt-rockers Weezer.
BIEBER-MANIA
Setting the benchmark for sensational concerts at ANZ Stadium, Adele’s first ever Sydney shows in March of this year were hailed as extraordinary by fans and critics. The unique 360° in-the-round production was a first for concerts at ANZ Stadium, and whether it was the design of the stage, or her humble wit and charm, Adele’s big night out in front of 90,000+ fans each evening felt like a deeply personal conversation. In true Adele style, she kept it real, addressing her adoring fans with: “Well, I’ve never seen a crowd this f**kin’ big, that’s for sure. Never, never.”
NOT IN THIS LIFETIME
ALL HAIL THE QUEEN
A mere four days after fans were wowed by Adele, over 70,000 Beliebers packed the stands to scream, sing, cheer and cry during Justin Bieber’s Purpose World Tour. Touring in support of his fourth studio album Purpose – which debuted at No.1 in over 100 countries – lucky ticket holders sung along with smash hits Love Yourself, What Do You Mean? and Sorry live for the very first time. Rock icons Guns N’ Roses took to the stage at ANZ Stadium over two massive nights in February, bringing all the hits including Sweet Child O’ Mine, Live And Let Die, November Rain, and Paradise City, along with a surprise appearance from AC/DC legend Angus Young. The band’s long-awaited return was nothing short of epic, with fans experiencing some of the most powerful rock songs ever written, blasted out by some of the greatest rockers of all time.
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STADIUM ARSENAL IN SYDNEY
HOW SYDNEY FELL IN LO JULIAN KEITH
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WO 80,000-plus sellout crowds for back-to-back blockbusters, 20,000 fans just for a training session, two cracking games, unprecedented fan engagement, and a vow from the Arsenal Football Club not to leave it another 40 years before they return. This was a week that will live long in the memory of NSW sports fans, but especially the passionate Gunners fans in this part of the world. It was the week that the mighty Arsenal made Sydney their home. The Arsenal In Sydney Tour, a joint venture between Destination NSW – the lead government agency for the NSW tourism and major events sectors, Arsenal Football Club and VenuesLive – operator of Sydney’s ANZ Stadium, attracted more than 38,000 interstate and
regional visitors, 2600 international visitors, and injected a significant $24 million into the NSW economy. The Gunners wheeled out a squad brimming with superstars – names like Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and star signing Alexandre Lacazette. And the fans turned out in force: 80,432 to witness the Gunners against Sydney FC on Thursday 13 July, and 83,221 to see the Gunners against Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday 15 July, and with an extraordinary 20,000 fans turning out for Arsenal’s Fan Party and Open Training Session the Friday between. The sheer level of passion on display left Arsenal’s legendary Manager Arsene Wenger in awe of his club’s fervent fans. “I must say after two nights here, we had over 160,000 people at the games and I am just absolutely bewildered,” said Wenger.
Picture courtesy Getty Images and Puma
OVE WITH THE GUNNERS ARSENAL IN SYDNEY TOUR • 180,000 FANS THROUGH THE GATES • 38,000 INTERSTATE & REGIONAL VISITORS • 2600 INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
“I am a long time in the game and it was amazing. We are very, very happy to have so many fans here. “The people here in Australia are wonderful, they are very
respectful, very nice, they love the Premier League and overall Sydney is absolutely beautiful so it was a dream to stay here.” The Gunners knew what they were in for the moment they stepped off the plane when hundreds of loyal Arsenal fans gathered at 6am on a chilly winter morning to greet the team outside Sydney Airport. The players endeared themselves to the locals with a series of fan engagement opportunities around Sydney. Kids training clinics, special appearances, a spectacular joint kit launch with Sydney FC at Fort Denison and, of course, the huge Official Arsenal Fan Party and Open Training Session had fans enchanted with the stars of the club. Ask any fan and they’ll tell you it was worth the 40-year wait to see Arsenal in Sydney . . . and it’s why Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis declared the Gunners would not leave it so long to return. The BIG games: Pages 24 - 25.
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STADIUM ARSENAL IN SYDNEY
ARSENAL V SYDNEY FC IT took mere minutes for Alexandre Lacazette to make his mark. Arsenal’s star signing of the off-season – and most expensive player in their history – nipped into the box to score a debut goal for the club at ANZ Stadium. A moment that will remain etched in the history of Sydney’s Olympic Stadium. ARSENAL 2 (MERTESACKER 4’, LACAZETTE 83’) SYDNEY FC 0 CROWD: 80,432 Pictures: Brendon Thorne
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ARSENAL V WANDERERS THE Gunners’ classy, week-long Tour came to an end with a dazzling display in front of a booming crowd at ANZ Stadium with a blitz of goals from Arsenal’s stars. ARSENAL 3 (GIROUD 33’, RAMSEY 38’, ELNENY 44’) WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS 1 (LUSTICA 57’) CROWD: 83,221
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STADIUM REDS IN SYDNEY
YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE LIVERPOOL’S WHIRLWIND TRIP TO SYDNEY WAS A NIGHT TO REMEMBER FOR ALL PASSIONATE FANS OF THE FAMOUS MERSEYSIDE CLUB. Julian Keith
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T was the day all Sydney Reds knew they’d never walk alone again . . . the day the stars of Liverpool FC lit up ANZ Stadium. A crowd of 72,892 belted out an unforgettable rendition of the club’s famous anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone, and sent shivers down the spine of every fan and player in the Stadium. Manager Jurgen Klopp knew this night was all about the fans and paid tribute to the passionate Liverpool faithful. “We wanted to be together with the Liverpool supporters here in Sydney,” Klopp said post-game. “The players enjoyed themselves and put on a show. The goals we scored were brilliant, entertaining. “I think we showed all our fans that we’re really thankful for their support.” Nothing demonstrated Liverpool’s love for their fans Down Under than the whirlwind trip that saw them finish their English Premier League campaign – qualifying for the Champions League on the last day of the season – just three days prior to facing A-League Champions Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium. With the players dedicated to their end of season cause, Australian and Liverpool legend Craig Johnston embarked on a promotional tour
of Sydney. Johnston – who paved the way for Aussies in English football and was a key member of the famous Liverpool side in the 1980s – knows Liverpool from an Australian perspective better than most and treated fans to a fascinating football insight. When the time for football came the players didn’t disappoint, playing with a ferocious elegance that had fans shouting for more as they put the A-League champions to the sword in a 3-0 win. A first-half cameo from the club’s greatest ever player Steven Gerrard, and his legendary counterpart Jamie Carragher, was icing on the cake of a night that will live long in the memory of all Sydney-based Liverpool fans. When the fulltime whistle blew, Jurgen Klopp led his men on a lap of honour in a final tribute to all the fans who packed the stands on the night Sydney was Red. LIVERPOOL V SYDNEY FC WEDNESDAY 24 MAY, ANZ STADIUM LIVERPOOL 3 (STURRIDGE 7’, MORENO 17’, FIRMINO 38’) SYDNEY FC 0 CROWD: 72,892
Pictures: Brendon Thorne
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STADIUM ROAD TO RUSSIA
TIMMY PERFECT
CAHILL LEAVES MARK ON SOCCEROOS' FAVOURITE PATCH OF TURF 28
STORY: JULIAN KEITH PICTURE SPECIAL: GREGG PORTEOUS
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N a single patch of grass, the Socceroos have defined their legacy. Time and time again they’ve delivered their biggest moments at the northern end of Stadium Australia. John Aloisi’s left boot in 2005, Josh Kennedy’s head in 2013, James Troisi’s extra-time heroics in 2015, and now add Tim Cahill’s 109thminute winner against Syria to push the Socceroos through to the next stage of World Cup Qualifying. The golden age of Australian football has seen its finest moments unfold in a 16.5x11m box at Sydney’s Olympic stadium. Fuelled by the memories of the past, the Socceroos' new generation are looking to define their own era with a feat that 20 years ago lived only in fantasy – a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup. While the new generation looks to make their mark, it’s a 37-yearold who’s seen it all who keeps delivering on the biggest stage. Tim Cahill’s dual headers on that famous square of grass on 10 October saw the Socceroos edge their way past Syria in an extra-time thriller and progress to the final stage of World Cup Qualifying. Now the Aussies will face another two-legged playoff against the fourth placed CONCACAF team, Honduras. The second leg will be played at Stadium Australia in November with the dreams of not just the team but an entire nation on the line. But with the Socceroos' lucky patch of grass in play it’s sure to be another unforgettable night at the Stadium.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS 16 NOVEMBER 2005: We’ve done it! John Aloisi penalty goal kicks Socceroos into FIFA World Cup for the first time in 30 years.
18 JUNE 2013: Jesus delivers. Josh Kennedy header takes Socceroos through to 2014 World Cup. 31 JANUARY 2015: Kings of Asia. James Troisi smashes the ball home in extra time to seal the AFC Asian Cup for the Socceroos. 10 OCTOBER 2017: That man Cahill. Tim Cahill’s second goal in final period of extra time keeps Socceroos on the Road To Russia.
WORLD CUP ASIAN QUALIFIER TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER SOCCEROOS 2 (CAHILL 13’, 109’) 1 SYRIA (AL SOMA 6’) CROWD: 42,136
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STADIUM CHARITY & COMMUNTIY
MAKING THE
GREATEST THINGS HAPPEN Crystelle Cordero
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N the past year alone, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead has treated more than 83,000 patients – enough to fill every seat at ANZ Stadium! And according to Gilly Paxton, the Director of Community Relations and Marketing at the hospital, this would not have been achievable without the support of key sponsors like ANZ Stadium and our wonderful Members who donate so generously every year. Since becoming benefactors, Sydney’s Olympic stadium has donated more than $302,000 to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. This year we continued that tradition with Venues NSW Chairman Christine McLoughlin proudly presenting the hospital with a cheque for $25,000 raised at our 2017 Members’ Dinner in May. Gilly thanked Christine, the Stadium and our Members for the difference we make in their patients’ lives. “When children leave here, instead of remembering the pain and suffering they went through . . . instead of remembering the operations and drugs. . . they often go home talking about the time they got to go to Monster Jam or to see their favourite football team run on to the field,” Gilly explained. “ANZ Stadium and the contribution of your Members helps to ensure these kids have a positive experience in hospital, and for that we can’t thank you enough.” ANZ Stadium is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of every Australian. As a key player in Australia’s major events calendar, ANZ Stadium as an organisation understands and embraces the opportunity it has to make a positive difference in the community. To this end, the Stadium is proud to partner with a number of official charities which share our vision for a fit, healthy and socially-inclusive Australia. The Stadium works with its Sporting Ambassadors to support community and charity programs. If we can help, we’ll be there. ANZ Stadium’s community and charity commitment: “ANZ Stadium and its stakeholders cherish the health and wellbeing of Australians and their families. “We recognise sport and recreation help to build communities through social inclusion and a sense of connection. They also bind families through shared experiences and achievements, where being a member of a sports team or a member of a fan club becomes a common point of connection. “Through participation, sport and community events help address anti-social behaviour and become an important part of education and defining values. “As a commitment to social responsibility, ANZ Stadium supports charitable organisations devoted to promoting the health and wellbeing of Australians.”
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OUR MISSION TO MAKE THE GREATEST THINGS HAPPEN FOR OUR CUSTOMERS AND PARTNERS, OUR PEOPLE AND OUR COMMUNITY.
OUR CORE VALUES COLLABORATION EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE EFFICIENCY
Making a difference . . . (Main image, from left) NSW Minister for Tourism & Major Events Adam Marshall, Savanna Greenwood (Football NSW Institute athlete), Jada Whyman (Young Matildas & WS Wanderers), Venues NSW Chairman Christine McLoughlin, NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres, Kezie Apps (NSW Rugby League), Ellie Carpenter (Matildas & Canberra United) and Rachael Haynes (Australian women’s cricket captain) at the NRL Grand Final.
(Photos, right) NRL stars Paul Gallen and Robbie Farah present young Mark Smith, who has battled cancer, with a Blues jersey; Mark with Corey Parker and Israel Folau at the ANZ Stadium Members’ Dinner; and Christine McLoughlin presents Gilly Paxton at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead with a cheque for $25,000.
Picture: Mark Evans
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STADIUM MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
CELEBRATE
THE SEASON
TREAT YOUR STAFF AND CLIENTS TO A CHRISTMAS PARTY LIKE NO OTHER THIS FESTIVE SEASON. CRYSTELLE CORDERO REPORTS.
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OOKING for an iconic venue to host a Christmas party with a classy edge? Well, we’ve got the end-of-year gift that you and your office deserve. “A Christmas party at ANZ Stadium is your opportunity to do something a little out of the ordinary – a unique experience your staff will be talking about for years to come,” says Dave Greselin, Meetings & Special Events Manager at ANZ Stadium. “Whether it’s taking your team down to the change rooms, enjoying cocktails and canapes on the hallowed ANZ Stadium turf, or playing interactive games on the big screens, we offer some really luxe and different options for your party.” With several fantastic function rooms available – all boasting views of the field – you can customise your event to suit everyone in the team. “Whether your guests want to sit back and relax in the sophisticated and stylish Centreline Bar & Lounge, or hit the dancefloor out on one of our open air terraces, we have the perfect mix of versatile function rooms to create your unique experience.” ANZ Stadium offers three customisable function packages which include everything you need for a memorable party. “We’ve also got a great rewards system too,” says Greselin. “If you spend over a certain amount, not only are you getting this great event experience, you also receive awesome perks such as a Flight Centre Travel Gift Card from $300 - $750 as well as Centreline Seats or Corporate Boxes and Suites to NRL and A-League games held at the Stadium.” So whether you’re after a BBQ on the terrace with a dancefloor and DJ, a movie night on the field with bean bags and popcorn, or a formal dining event in one of our gala ballrooms, we have you covered. For more information on Christmas packages and inclusions, get in touch with the ANZ Stadium Meetings & Special Events team on (02) 8765 3032. Bonus: ANZ Stadium Members receive a discount on all packages.
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MEMBERS’ CENTRAL
Jennifer Dowd Membership Manager
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T'S hard to believe that the winter season is behind us. It has certainly been a thrilling few months, the highlight of course being the momentous NRL Grand Final. Stadium Members have also been treated to the spectacle of the exclusive Arsenal in Sydney tour, an action-packed close to the NRL season, two FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and, of course, the big favourites State of Origin and Bledisloe Cup. We’re sure you’ll agree it has been quite a year and it’s not over yet with a double header A-League weekend scheduled for December. With the full ANZ Stadium schedule for 2018 being announced shortly, we can confirm that the new year literally kicks off
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 anzstadium.com.au/membership or call (02) 8765 2600.
on New Year’s Day with a Western Sydney Wanderers clash against Melbourne City. Members will be treated to a further three Wanderers home games over summer/ autumn and finals should they qualify to host. We herald the return of NRL in 2018 and welcome back our home teams the Bulldogs, Rabbitohs, Tigers and Parramatta. Prior to that Members will have the privilege of witnessing an Internation DoubleHeader featuring South Sydney Rabbitohs v Wigan Warriors, and St George Illawarra
Dragons v Hull FC on Saturday 17 February. And of course Members will have access to our blockbuster events, State of Origin II, Bledisloe Cup and the NRL Grand Final. The value doesn’t stop there – we are delighted to confirm partnerships with the NSW Waratahs, Sydney Thunder, Sydney Swans, the Wanderers and GWS Giants to offer ANZ Stadium Members access to a selection of additional events across Sydney in 2018. Members will be kept up-to-date with event announcements and details on how to take advantage of additional Member benefits via email. We encourage Gold Members to renew their Membership for 2018 by Friday 15 December to take advantage of the Early Bird discount. We look forward to seeing you in the Members’ Stand soon.
MEMBER SERVICES CONTACTS Member Services Online anzstadium.com.au/members ANZ Stadium Members’ Information Line 1300 136 006 Members’ Ticketing Event booking and all ticketing enquiries. Book online at: anzstadium.com.au/members Option 1 Members’ Dining To book your dining, book online at: anzstadium.com.au/members Option 1
Membership Renewals Pay your annual subscription 24 hours a day 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 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. Major Event Days: By telephone 2 hours prior to gate opening. Box office opens 30 minutes prior to gate opening time. General Admission Event Days Box Office M/N only, 30 minutes prior to gate opening time.
Membership Sales To purchase new Memberships, call our sales team on 02 8765 2600
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MEMBERS’ CONFIDENTIAL ARSENAL IN SYDNEY, BLEDISLOE CUP, THE 2017 NRL GRAND FINAL AND THE SOCCEROOS' WORLD CUP QUALIFIER . . . MORE THAN 122,000 MEMBERS AND GUESTS HAVE PASSED THROUGH THE MEMBERS' GATES IN 2017. WE CAPTURED SOME SPECIAL MEMBERS' MOMENTS ACROSS THE SEASON.
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MEMBERS’ CENTRAL
MEMBERS’ EXPERIENCE TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP, WE SAT DOWN WITH ANZ STADIUM MEMBERSHIP MANAGER, JENNIFER DOWD, TO UNCOVER THE ADDITIONAL PERKS ON OFFER, HOW THE SEATING ROTATION WORKS AND LOTS MORE! In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a Member? “The fact that you’ve got a guaranteed seat to every regular sporting event held at ANZ Stadium, which includes blockbusters like State of Origin, Bledisloe Cup and the NRL Grand Final. This year our Members also saw English Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool in Sydney as part of their Membership. The 47 events held at the Stadium in 2017 represented over $2600 worth of tickets, which Members enjoyed for just $766. Members also have access to exclusive facilities, dining and bars, entertainment and special offers.” Can you help us answer some of the most common questions the Membership team receives? “Absolutely! 1. ‘Can I bring guests?’: Members can purchase up to three Paying Guest tickets per Membership right. This is a great way for your friends to experience all the perks of being a Member for a day. 2. ‘What’s the dress code in Members areas?’: It’s smart casual, so that means no thongs, tracksuits, torn or dilapidated clothing (including designer jeans). The good news is that team jerseys are more than welcome! 3. ‘Where are Members’ seats located?’: The 18,400 seats that make up the Members Reserve are located on Levels
One, Four and Six, on the western side of the Stadium. The seats run from the centre of the field out to the dead-ball line, with easy access to Members facilities such as Members Lounges and Terraces.” What are the additional perks Members enjoy? “Our Members enjoy access to three exclusive restaurants. Members’ dining is hugely popular, so my advice is to get in early and make your reservation at the same time as you book your tickets for major events. The other great perk is our reciprocal rights program, which gives you access to Members facilities at other sporting venues across Australia and New Zealand, including the MCG, the Australian Turf Club, the ‘Gabba and Eden Park in Auckland. Members also enjoy access to Sydney Swans, Sydney Thunder, Waratahs and GWS Giants games in Sydney.” How does the seating rotation work? “For major events such as Bledisloe Cup and NRL Grand Final, seats are allocated in advance using a seating rotation system (thanks to a clever algorithm), to provide a fair and equal opportunity for all Members to experience the best seats in the Members' Reserve. The feedback we’ve received is that this is Members’ preferred method, as they can arrive at the venue and enjoy the Members’ facilities at their leisure rather than having to rush for a seat as soon as gates open.” Do you have more questions for our Membership team? Call 1300 136 006, or visit anzstadium.com.au/membership. Want to become a Member? Call Membership Sales on (02) 8765 2600.
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MEMBERS’ CENTRAL
THUNDER IN THE PARK S
YDNEY Thunder return to Sydney Olympic Park this summer and will play their four home games at neighbouring Spotless Stadium.
ANZ Stadium Members can enjoy free* access to attend three of the Thunder’s games, as well as a special pre-purchase window for the big Sydney Smash against cross-city rivals the Sydney Sixers.
SYDNEY DERBY PRIORITY PURCHASE Tuesday 19 December: Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers ANZ Stadium Members are invited to take advantage of an exclusive priority purchase period to secure their seat at the Sydney Smash in the Sinclair Stand of Spotless Stadium. Priority Purchase Period: 13 October – 17 November Ticket Prices: $31 Adults $11 Juniors $21 Concession (Additional transaction fees may apply)
THREE MATCHES FOR FREE* Monday 1 January: Sunday 7 January: Thursday 11 January:
Sydney Thunder v Hobart Hurricanes Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers
Tickets are limited. For the opportunity to attend one or more of these matches for free, register your expression of interest to attend by 24 NOVEMBER. Further information will be sent to those who register. For full details log into your Members’ Concierge and go to the Member Benefits section of the website anzstadium.com.au/login * FAIR ACCESS TO COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS
Please note, an expression of interest is not a guaranteed ticket. Due to the popularity of these events if demand exceeds supply a process will be implemented to ensure a fair distribution of complimentary tickets. You will
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need to be a financial Member for 2018 to attend January matches. Terms and conditions apply.
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP WITH EASYPAY JOIN the many Members who pay for their subscription monthly by EasyPay.
It’s all about giving you the choice! You can choose to pay your subscription renewal up front in one annual payment and take the Early Bird/Pre-Season advantage OR take the EasyPay option where your Annual Subscription payment is spread equally over the year.
ANZ STADIUM MEMBERS’ EASYPAY* •
It’s convenient and affordable
•
Ensures your Membership doesn’t lapse with a simple annual roll-over
•
•
Allows you to spread the cost of your Annual Subscription across 12 months
Monthly payment (per Membership Right) is deducted on the 1st day of the month from your nominated credit card
Visit anzstadium.com.au/easypay
*See terms and conditions on website.
MEMBERS’ CENTRAL
MEMBERS' BOOKING GUIDE Members will be treated to five Wanderers blockbusters this A-League season and a historic visit from two British Super League teams this summer/autumn. Look out for further event announcements and your Member access and dining arrangements in your Members’ Enews in the coming months. PAYING GUEST TICKET PRICE
ARENA*
8 December or from Members' Box Office M/N on match day
Adult $45 / Junior $27
3-course - $130^ 2-course - $102^ Junior - $50
Wanderers v Melbourne City 1 January
Bookings not required
Adult $41.50 / Junior $29
STADIUM CAFE $23 - $35
Bar, light meals and snacks
Wanderers v Adelaide United 10 January
Bookings not required
Adult $38 / Junior $26
STADIUM CAFE $23 - $35
Bar, light meals and snacks
Wanderers v Melbourne Victory 19 January
Bookings not required
Adult $41.50 / Junior $29
STADIUM CAFE $23 - $35
International Double Header 17 February
16 February or from Members' Box Office M/N on match day
Adult $50 / Junior $30
STADIUM CAFE $24 - $36
Bookings not required
Adult $38 / Junior $26
STADIUM CAFE $24 - $36
EVENT
BOOKING CLOSE DATE*
Wanderers v Sydney FC 9 December
Wanderers v Adelaide United 15 April
MEMBERS’ RESTAURANT*
MEMBERS’ BRASSERIE*
STEAKHOUSE*
*
PLATINUM CAFÉ
MEMBER TERRACES
Bistro-style meals $15 - $20
Meals, bar and snacks
* Mains $30 - $44
*
Bistro-style meals 2018 Menu coming soon
TBC
Bar, light meals and snacks
Meals, bar and snacks
Bar, light meals 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.
MEMBERS’ RESTAURANT
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.
+ Member priority bookings now open. Members must have paid their 2018 Annual Subscription by 1 January 2018 to retain booking. ^ Beverage package included, featuring premium wines and beer. *Bookings essential. Dining – Terms and Conditions. A 100% cancellation fee will be incurred if a reservation is not cancelled or amended 5 full working days prior to the event. For example, for an event held on Saturday 9 December, cancellations or amendments must be made in writing by 5pm, Friday 1 December. This will also apply if you do not attend to dine on the day.
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MEMBERS’ CONFIDENTIAL 2018
JUNIOR
- 2018
MEMBERS’ FAN PASS SHARE the Members’ experience with your guests in 2018 with a Members’ Fan Pass. Exclusive to ANZ Stadium Members, this pass is valid for all regular season NRL matches held at ANZ Stadium across the season. With over 30 NRL games scheduled, that represents unbeatable value! Members can purchase up to three passes per Membership Right. And there’s even more of a saving if you purchase multiple passes. Purchase when you renew your Membership or online anzstadium.com.au/members
Melbourne Cricket Ground. Picture: Michelle Couling Photography.
RECIPROCAL RIGHTS A
NZ Stadium Members enjoy access to additional events at venues across Australia and New Zealand through our Reciprocal Rights program. Enjoy cricket, football, horse racing and motor racing this summer at the following venues. • • • • • • • • • •
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Australian Racing Drivers’ Club at Sydney Motorsport Park Australian Turf Club Brisbane Cricket Ground (The ‘Gabba) Cricket Tasmania (Bellerive Oval) Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand Forsyth Barr, Dunedin, New Zealand Melbourne Cricket Club South Australian Cricket Association (Adelaide Oval) Western Australian Cricket Association (The WACA) Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
Full details can be found online by logging into your Members’ Concierge at anzstadium.com.au/members. If you wish to utilise Reciprocal Rights, we always recommend that you organise your access and confirm the details well in advance of your intended visit. Be sure to read and understand the available information from each Reciprocal Partner entirely as they differ greatly from the ANZ Stadium Membership.
ADULT 1 Pass $115 2 Passes $200 3 Passes $280 CHILD 1 Pass $70 2 Passes $115 3 Passes $165
All holders of the Members' Fan Pass at these games also receive the Members’ Discount upon presentation at our retail food and beverage outlets!
* Each Members' Fan Pass acts as a Paying Guest ticket for the events for which it’s valid. 3 guests may access each event per the number of Membership Rights a Member holds. Not valid for any finals matches.
RENEW ONLINE, ON TIME TO WIN! GOLD Members, renew your Membership for 2018 online at anzstadium.com.au/members for your chance to be part of NRL history at the brand new Perth Stadium. For full details, visit anzstadium.com.au/members
SUPER BOWL 2018 MINNEAPOLIS USA SUNDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2018
EXPERIENCE THIS BUCKET LIST EVENT
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Ticket, tailgate party and hotel packages approx USD$6500 per person.
For More Information: Call 03 9859 0660 Email info@insiderexperience.com
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“FIRST HOME FEELS IMPOSSIBLE? NOT IF I CAN HELP IT” ANZ First Home Coach
Applications for credit are subject to ANZ’s credit approval criteria. Terms and Conditions apply and are available on application. Fees, charges and eligibility criteria apply. 40 colour blue is a trade mark of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. Australian Credit Licence Number 234527. ANZ’s