STADIUM Magazine - Summer 2018/19

SUMMER 2018/19

YEARS OF BLOOD, SWEAT & CHEERS STADIUM AUSTRALIA 1999 – 2019

partners of the NRL Holden Women’s Premiership

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PROUD SUPPORTERS OF WOMEN IN SPORT

partners of the Westfield Matildas

STADIUM AUSTRALIA 1999 - 2019

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MILLION FANS

TAKE A SEAT IN HISTORY DARYL KERRY ANZ STADIUM CEO

NRL title in 43 years, and so many legends created in the heat of battle in Grand Finals, Origin showdowns, Bledisloe Cup Test matches, Socceroos internationals and even AFL blockbusters.

T’S almost 20 years since New South Wales celebrated the opening Sydney’s status as a major event city has been emphatically of its new major events Stadium, built in the geographical heart of established and, as a result, the geographical heart of the city has been Sydney. rejuvenated along the way. The sporting public has enjoyed great Purpose built as the main Stadium and centrepiece for the Sydney event experiences in a world-class venue, while Sydney and NSW have 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, ANZ Stadium was the jewel benefited greatly from the substantial economic benefits that come in a major urban renewal project from sport and entertainment unveiled in what is now known as events.

Sydney Olympic Park.

I would like to take this 'I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS 20 years on, ANZ Stadium stands opportunity to say thank you to our OPPORTUNITY TO SAY THANK YOU TO valued ANZ Stadium Members – as an icon of the new millennium and an enduring symbol of Sydney’s OUR VALUED ANZ STADIUM MEMBERS, many of whom have been with the coming of age as a global city.

Stadium since it opened and who MANY OF WHOM HAVE BEEN WITH THE have loved being part of a special The 2000 Olympic Games were transformational for Sydney, and journey.

STADIUM SINCE IT OPENED.' ANZ Stadium is the primary bearer I’d also like to thank our event of the legacy. partners – the sporting codes, As a grand stage for Sydney’s clubs, promoters and corporations major sports and entertainment calendar, ANZ Stadium has attracted who have supported this great Stadium and brought the amazing world and Australian record attendances for rugby league, rugby events that have defined its character. union, AFL, football, music and entertainment events since its opening Thank you also to the NSW Government, and especially Venues NSW, in March 1999. for recognising the role the Stadium plays in our community and for Unforgettable moments staged at the Stadium have become part of committing to the upcoming redevelopment that will secure its future Australia’s sporting folklore – Cathy Freeman’s dash that unified the and the future of Sydney Olympic Park. nation, the John Aloisi penalty shootout heart-stopper that broke the The Stadium’s journey has been Sydney’s journey . . . and the 28 Socceroos’ 32-year World Cup hoodoo, the exhilaration and despair million people who have passed through the turnstiles since the doors of the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, the Rabbitohs winning their first opened on 6 March 1999 have all taken a seat in history.

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Opening night . . . Stadium Australia 6 March 1999 Picture courtesy: The Daily Telegraph

ANZ STADIUM GENERIC NAMES: STADIUM AUSTRALIA; OLYMPIC STADIUM FOR THE 2000 SYDNEY OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES OPENED: 6 MARCH 1999 FIRST EVENT: NRL DOUBLE-HEADER – MANLY V NEWCASTLE, PARRAMATTA V ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA CAPACITY: 110,000 FOR 2000 SYDNEY OLYMPICS, RECONFIGURED TO 83,500 ATTENDANCE: APPROACHING 28 MILLION OWNER: VENUES NSW, ON BEHALF OF THE NSW GOVERNMENT. OPERATOR: VENUESLIVE

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STADIUM 20 MAGICAL MOMENTS

20 YEARS OF MA

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0 YEARS. 28 million fans. Many of Australia’s greatest sport and entertainment events. The roll-call of memorable sporting moments continues to grow at ANZ Stadium. Here are 20 magical moments down through the years.

1. CATHY’S GOLDEN NIGHT 25 Sep 2000: Australia’s star athlete Cathy Freeman lights the Cauldron at her home Olympics and dashes to the 400m gold medal 10 days later in front of a record attendance at an Olympic Games athletics event (112,524). Cathy’s golden night is widely considered the most significant event in Australian sporting history.

2. ALOISI’S PENALTY SHOOTOUT HEART-STOPPER 16 Nov 2005: John Aloisi scores the decisive penalty against Uruguay in the 2006 FIFA World Cup playoffs. The goal means Australia qualifies for the World Cup for the first time in 32 years.

3. 2000 SYDNEY OLYMPIC GAMES OPENING CEREMONY 15 Sep 2000: A capacity crowd of 110,000 packs in to the Stadium for an unforgettable opening night of the Games.

4. THE GREATEST EVER RUGBY TEST 15 Jul 2000: A worldrecord rugby crowd of 109,874 witnesses a game later described by Gordon Bray as “The Greatest Ever Rugby Test”. A Jonah Lomu try seals an All Blacks win over the Wallabies 39-35.

5. NRL DOUBLE-HEADER 6 Mar 1999: Manly captain Geoff Toovey is the first athlete out on to Sydney’s Olympic Stadium as a worldrecord rugby league crowd of 104,583 fans pack in to see Manly v

Newcastle and Parramatta v St George Illawarra.

6. SOCCEROOS WIN ASIAN CUP FINAL 31 Jan 2015: The Socceroos seal their first ever AFC Asian Cup after one of the most tense football finals ever witnessed. A last-minute equaliser from South Korea’s Son Heung-Min sends the game to extra-time where James Troisi scores a dramatic winner.

7. THURSTON HEROICS AS COWBOYS WIN GREATEST GRAND FINAL 4 Oct 2015: Two Queensland teams in the NRL decider for the first time, each team led by an indigenous captain. At 16-16 in Golden Point, Johnathan Thurston’s magic boot ices the game with a field goal, securing the Cowboys’ first Premiership. JT is named Churchill Medallist.

8. JONNY WILKINSON DROP GOAL 22 Nov 2003: In the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final, a young Jonny Wilkinson becomes an instant rugby immortal after he kicks the winning drop goal in the last minute of extra time for England to claim their first ever Rugby World Cup against the Wallabies and sink the hearts of the Australian-strong crowd of 82,957.

9. GLORY GLORY 5 Oct 2014: The South Sydney Rabbitohs complete an NRL fairytale and end their 43-year title drought with a famous 30-6 win over the Canterbury Bulldogs in front of 83,833 fans. Sam Burgess etches himself in NRL folklore by playing almost the entire Grand Final with a fractured cheekbone.

10. ADELE WOWS SYDNEY 10, 11 Mar 2017: A unique 360º in-

AGICAL MOMENTS the-round production makes the Adele Live 2017 Tour an intimate and unforgettable concert experience. Crowds of 96,470 and 98,364 (194,834 aggregate attendance) set a new benchmark for back-to-back stadium concerts.

11. U2 CONCERTS THE SWEETEST THINGS 10 - 13 Nov 2010: U2 Vertigo Tour. Rock icons U2 shake the Stadium to its core with three colossal gigs. Bono belts out all the hits to 206,568 adoring fans.

12. THE BENJI FLICK PASS 2 Oct 2005: A young Benji Marshall provides the enduring rugby league memory in the 2005 Grand Final with a magical flick pass to send Pat Richards on his way to a try.

Wests Tigers were the NRL’s Cinderella story, going on an unexpected fairytale run to win their first premiership as a joint-venture club.

13. HISTORY-MAKING WALLABIES DOWN BRITISH LIONS 14 Jul 2001: After 102 long years, the Wallabies win the last two matches to defeat the British Lions for the first time in a Test series. In the decisive match at ANZ Stadium, the Wallabies edge their way to a narrow 29-23 victory to finally end the drought.

14. STADIUM SHAKES ALL NIGHT LONG 18 - 22 Feb 2010: Rock Gods AC/DC thrill over 212,000 fans and shake ANZ Stadium all night long over three nights as part of their Black Ice World Tour.

15. SHARKS TURN THE PORCH LIGHT OFF 2 Oct 2016: After almost 50 years, the Cronulla Sharks claim their first NRL Grand Final victory. No longer waiting for Harold Holt to come home, the 83,625 strong crowd breaks into endless renditions of Up Up Cronulla.

16. THE WARNER SWITCH HIT 1 Feb 2012: Opener Dave Warner sends a record NSW cricket crowd of 59,656 into raptures after switching his stance from left to right and smashing a six for Australia v India in a T20 INTL. 17. ED SHEERAN’S STADIUM SPECTACULAR 15 - 17 Mar 2018: British pop sensation Ed Sheeran smashes the NSW event attendance record with three monumental shows at ANZ Stadium, which draw a total of 243,513 fans.

18. ARSENAL’S $80-MILLION MAN SCORES 13 Jul 2017: The most expensive player in Arsenal FC history, Alexandre Lacazette makes his debut for the club against Sydney FC and scores with his first opportunity in front of 80,432 fans. Arsenal play back-to-back games to capacity crowds after a week of fan engagement in Sydney.

19. FITTLER’S BABY BLUES BREAK ORIGIN DROUGHT 24 Jun 2018: Queensland’s era of State of Origin dominance is finally brought to a halt as Brad Fittler’s NSW Blues claim the 2018 series on home soil in front of 83,223 screaming fans.

20. AFL TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN SYDNEY 23 Aug 2003: ANZ Stadium is the centre of the AFL world as the Sydney Swans set the record for the highest attendance for a game outside Melbourne – 72,393 against arch-rivals Collingwood.

OTHERS: Andrew Rieu 2008; Manchester United 2013; Chelsea FC 2015; Beckham LA Galaxy Goal 2007; John Eales Farewell 2001; Denver Broncos America Bowl 1999; Waratahs Super Rugby title 2014.

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STADIUM MEMORIES

THROUGH THE

YEARS

SUPERSTARS OF SPORT AND ENTERTAINMENT REFLECT ON THE GREAT DEEDS OF THE PAST 20 YEARS, AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO AN EXCITING FUTURE OF EVENTS.

CATHERINE FREEMAN, OAM GOLD MEDAL WINNER WOMEN’S 400M, SYDNEY OLYMPIC GAMES "It’s great to reflect and I still get a huge amount of satisfaction when I think back to Sydney 2000 or see the Stadium.

"It never fails to bring a smile to my face.

"My most vivid memory since the 2000 Games was being at ANZ Stadium to see the Rabbitohs win the 2014 NRL Grand Final."

SAM BURGESS

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS, ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL "As a South Sydney player, the 2014 Grand Final stands out as a defining moment for our club as we brought up premiership No.21 after a 40-year title drought. Many of my biggest games have been at ANZ Stadium. But aside from playing, I have very much enjoyed coming on board as an ANZ Stadium Ambassador this year and getting to meet so many of the Members at the Stadium Members' Dinner."

GREG INGLIS

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SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS CAPTAIN, QUEENSLAND MAROONS CAPTAIN "Many of the biggest games of my career have been played at ANZ Stadium, whether with the mighty Rabbitohs or for Queensland. So obviously I have a fairly special connection with the Stadium.

"I don’t always get the same response from the fans at ANZ Stadium when I run out in a Queensland jumper as I do when I’m playing for the Rabbitohs in front of our home fans. But that is OK . . . that is what sport is all about.

"Hopefully, I’ll have a few more special memories at the Stadium."

ADELE GLOBAL SUPERSTAR, SINGER-SONGWRITER Adele played to two sellout Stadium concerts in March 2017 – attracting massive crowds of 96,470 and 98,364 to events that featured a stage in the centre of the arena "I started doing bars, then theatres, then they convinced me to do arenas . . . Stadiums were just bewildering. But I had to go to Sydney, because I’m so blessed that so many of you wanted to see me.

"Bloody hell, that place is massive. When that screen went up, and there were almost 100,000 people out there, I couldn’t believe it."

SOCCEROOS LEGEND Scorer of decisive penalty against Uruguay in 2005 to send Socceroos to first World Cup in 32 years.

“It was totally different that night, you could sense it.

"I’ve been to the Stadium since then as a coach, a spectator and a pundit and I can’t recall a night like that in terms of the atmosphere – the scenes of celebration after I kicked that decisive penalty were just incredible.

"I remember the national anthems so vividly . . . it’s the first time I’ve ever heard our nation whistle and boo another anthem. We just don’t really do that, but because of the way we were treated in Montevideo the fans wanted to make it hard for the Uruguayans.

"That was the first and only time I’ve experienced an atmosphere like that. We’d played important games, big games before but the way everyone was feeling that night and the buzz around the game was a massive boost for us as players.

"To qualify the way we did, it was just this immense feeling of relief that after 32 years we’d finally qualified for a World Cup again.

"It was the perfect story."

JOHN ALOISI

BRETT EMERTON

SOCCEROOS LEGEND "The Stadium has been a very special place for Sydney, and for me personally. I played for the Socceroos against a FIFA World All Stars team at the official opening of Stadium Australia in June 1999, and scored a goal with virtually my first touch on the ground.

"The most memorable moment of my sporting career was being part of the Socceroos team that qualified for the World Cup against Uruguay in 2005. I also had the honour of captaining the A-League All Stars against Manchester United at the Stadium in 2013."

JONNY WILKINSON LEGENDARY ENGLAND RUGBY PLAYER Kicked the winning field goal in the dying seconds of extra time that won England the 2003 Rugby World Cup against Australia.

"Not only did we play the final against the host team, but it also went down to the very last seconds of extra-time and a drop-goal. All that hard work we did over the years we were obliged to put into practice in one passage of play. That made it feel like a really special moment when many destinies came together at one point. It was our time.

I’ve tried to preserve the quality of the memories I have which are wrapped up in the feel, the senses, the smell, noises and atmosphere.

"It was one hell of an experience in that Stadium."

Continued on page 10

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STADIUM MEMORIES WALLABIES LEGEND AND CAPTAIN DURING THEIR MOST SUCCESSFUL ERA Captained the side in The Greatest Ever Rugby Test in 2000, Wallabies v All Blacks, and farewelled international rugby at ANZ Stadium in 2001 by leading the Wallabies to a 29-26 win over the All Blacks.

"The 2000 Test was one of the highlights of my career, even though we lost 39-35 in the dying stages.

"It was one of those games where when you walked off the field at the end of it, and even though you lost, you knew you had performed to the best of your ability.

"In front of a world record Rugby crowd (109,874), playing against the All Blacks and the game being as it was . . . it was an incredible atmosphere. You sort of felt, ‘Ah, OK, this was something pretty special to be a part of’."

JOHN EALES

WE ALL HAVE OUR TIME MACHINES. SOME TAKE US BACK, THEY'RE CALLED MEMORIES. SOME TAKE US FORWARD, THEY'RE CALLED DREAMS.

RAY WARREN

BENJI MARSHALL

LEGENDARY CHANNEL 9 BROADCASTER WHO HAS CALLED ALL 20 GRAND FINALS AT THE STADIUM "I have had the privilege of calling every Grand Final at ANZ Stadium or Stadium Australia as it was called . . . and I’ve sat in the same seat for 20 years. Who could ever forget the first one in ’99? Bill Harrigan’s decision to award a match-winning penalty try to Melbourne Storm against St George Illawarra was the gutsiest call ever made by a rugby league referee in my book – and history suggests he got it right.

"2005 stands out for the indelible work of the one and only Benji Marshall in setting up Pat Richards’ try to spearhead Wests Tigers to their first premiership as a joint-venture club. St George Illawarra’s 2010 triumph stands out in the memory as it broke a 31-year drought for the famous Red V. "Rugby league fans were blessed by a cluster of wonderful Grand Finals, starting with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2014 winning their first premiership since 1971. Then the Cowboys won their first ever title in 2015 after a Johnathan Thurston drop-goal in extra time against the Broncos. I consider that Grand Final to be the most exciting I’ve ever seen. And in 2016, Cronulla won their first ever premiership and every Sharks fan for the past 50 years could finally turn the porch light off. Wonderful memories all."

WESTS TIGERS RUGBY LEAGUE LEGEND Famous for his flick pass to set up a match-winning try for the Tigers in the 2005 Grand Final.

"The 2005 Grand Final at ANZ Stadium is probably my greatest memory in football. I remember that Grand Final like it was yesterday . . . it seemed like we had the whole of Sydney behind us that day. The noise at ANZ Stadium was deafening. The Tigers were a young team on the rise playing a great brand of football. It was an amazing day.

"Playing a Grand Final in front of 80,000 fans at this venue is an awesome experience. As players, we put so much blood, sweat and tears into a season . . . it’s basically 12 months of preparation . . . and the end goal is to win the Grand Final.

"That’s why so many players find winning or losing so emotional. It all comes down to that one day. It’s the same for the fans – ecstatic when their team finally wins a Grand Final: gutted when their team loses. In 2015, it was our time."

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STADIUM FACTS & FIGURES

20 YEARS OF RECORDS 243,513

RECORD ATTENDANCE AT A SERIES OF STADIUM CONCERTS IN AUSTRALIA, 2018 ED SHEERAN

114,714

LARGEST OLYMPIC CROWD EVER SYDNEY OLYMPICS CLOSING CEREMONY, 1 OCT 2000

109,874

WORLD RECORD RUGBY CROWD, AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND, 2000 BLEDISLOE CUP

104,583

HIGHEST NRL REGULAR SEASON CROWD, 1999 DOUBLE-HEADER

98,364

HIGHEST SINGLE STADIUM CONCERT ATTENDANCE, 2017 ADELE SHOW 2

83,833

LARGEST NRL CROWD POST STADIUM RECONFIGURATION, 2014 NRL GRAND FINAL

73,811

AUSTRALIAN RECORD AMERICAN FOOTBALL CROWD, 1999 BRONCOS V CHARGERS

61,880 RECORD ATTENDANCE FOR AN A-LEAGUE FIXTURE, 2016 SYDNEY DERBY

60,222

HIGHEST AFL ALL-SYDNEY CROWD, 2016 GWS GIANTS V SYDNEY SWANS

191,843

HIGHEST CROWD FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE AUSTRALIAN CONCERTS, 2017 ADELE

112,524

OLYMPIC RECORD FOR A SINGLE SESSION. CATHY FREEMAN WINS GOLD, 25 SEP 2000

107,558

WORLD RECORD RUGBY LEAGUE CROWD, 1999 NRL GRAND FINAL

104,012

AUSTRALIAN RECORD FOOTBALL CROWD, 2000 OLYMPICS MEN’S FINAL

88,336

NSW RECORD STATE OF ORIGIN CROWD, 1999

83,598

LARGEST NSW FOOTBALL CROWD OUTSIDE OLYMPICS, 2015 CHELSEA V SYDNEY FC

72,392

HIGHEST AFL CROWD OUTSIDE VICTORIA, SWANS V COLLINGWOOD, 2003

61,823

AUSTRALIAN SUPER RUGBY RECORD CROWD, 2014 SUPER RUGBY FINAL

59,659

LARGEST RECORDED CRICKET CROWD IN NSW, 2012 T20 INTERNATIONAL 11

STADIUM STADIUM MEMBERS

A JOURNEY TO

REMEMB

CRYSTELLE CORDERO

IN HONOUR OF OUR 20-YEAR MEMBERSHIP JOURNEY, CRYSTELLE CORDERO SAT DOWN WITH TWO OF OUR ANZ STADIUM MEMBERS TO DISCOVER THEIR HIGHLIGHTS REELS FROM THE DOUBLE-DECADE.

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ATHY Freeman’s historic 400m dash. John Aloisi’s euphoric penalty goal. The chorus of Glory Glory as the Rabbitohs hoisted the Provan-Summons trophy. These are just some of the magical moments in Australian sporting history that ANZ Stadium Member Alan Bonney, 76 of Lilli Pilli, has watched unfold.

Signing on to become a Member in 1998 (before the Stadium gates had even swung open) was, according to Alan, one of the best

decision’s he’s ever made.

From rock heroes to soccer superstars, NRL goliaths to Olympic legends, Alan says he and wife Marietta have been spoiled for choice over the years.

But, as a Bunnies die-hard, his fondest memory shines bright from 2014.

“The atmosphere that night was electric, absolutely electric,” says Alan. “And the involvement with the crowd was fantastic. That was a really great Australian night.”

Reminiscing on the countless magical moments, Alan sums up his experience simply: “We’re huge fans of the Stadium. Because where would we be without it?”

Terry Fahy, 62, a Member of just four years, has made it her mission

BER to get the absolute max out of every event and Membership benefit.

Her inaugural event as a Member was the unforgettable Rabbitohs v Bulldogs NRL Grand Final.

“I joined specifically to get a seat in history. I just had to be there for the Rabbitohs bid to break the 43-year drought,” says Terry.

Her decision was duly rewarded. “The emotion that night was truly amazing with people screaming, crying, hugging each other. The magic of the night – being congratulated by the supporters as if I’d won the game – was one of the greatest shows of sportsmanship I’ve seen.”

Bunnies premiership aside, Terry has plenty of other highlights she enjoys recalling.

“Taking part in the Guinness World Record attempt for the Largest Rugby Scrum on-field prior to the Bledisloe Cup in 2015, getting to be

in the mosh pit before State of Origin (in 2018), and forming the guard of honour during the NRL Women’s Round are just a few.”

Though their journeys have been vastly different, there’s one thing both Alan and Terry can easily agree on. The decision to become an ANZ Stadium Member was a winning one.

What treasured memories will be made over the next 20 years? We can’t wait to find out.

As an ANZ Stadium Member, access 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.

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STADIUM STADIUM STAFF

TEAM WORK Arthur Stanley

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T’S the people who make the difference – and the Stadium has been fortunate to have a team of dedicated, skilful people who have gone above and beyond to deliver a dynamic schedule of events each year since 1999.

Eighteen members of the permanent team and 45 casual employees have been part of the Stadium journey since the start. We call these long-term staffers “the 99ers”.

The Stadium employs more than 100 fulltime staff members and approximately 1800 casual workers. The venue would not function on event days without this trained casual team.

ANZ Stadium CEO Daryl Kerry is among the core group of pioneer staff after joining the Stadium in 1998 as Operations Manager nine months before construction of the Stadium was completed.

“I would like to thank our wonderful staff, who really have made the greatest things happen over 20 years,” says Daryl.

“Attitudes are contagious and our team has always had a can-do attitude.

“It’s a credit to our staff that Sydney can roll out major Stadium events seamlessly. Of course, that’s not to say things sometimes don’t

go wrong. In our business, a pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants. But our staff has done us proud over 20 years.”

Tim Brady, now Senior Manager Venue Operations, recalls duelling emotions of excitement and trepidation going in to that first event in 1999, when an NRL Double-Header attracting 104,583 fans was hardly what you’d call a routine test event for the Olympic Stadium.

“I remember a few members of staff pulling all-nighters going in to that first event . . . there was just so much to do in so little time,” says Tim. “As a team, we did not have much time to get familiar with our working environment. There was a lot of work to do in terms of acquiring knowledge of the building and its operations.

“Remember, this was the first ever event at the Olympic Stadium, and it had never been tested under any sort of load, and here we were expecting upwards of 100,000 spectators.

“As we got closer to the event, seats in the upper Northern and Southern Wings (temporary stands in place for the Olympics) were released by the NRL for as little as $5, with organisers keen to leverage the Stadium’s Olympic capacity and with so many people wanting to attend the Stadium to see it for the first time.

20 YEARS OF DRIVING INJURED PLAYERS TO SAFETY

Pictures: Mark and Jenny Evans “This caused some anxiety in the realm of transport as it also ensured that Sydney trains and buses had their first big test under load ahead of the 2000 Olympics.”

Stadium staff worked tirelessly throughout the day as the fans flooded in, with unprecedented demand for food and beverages.

Like the 104,583 fans, there were hundreds of staff members seeing the Stadium for the first time, without the luxury of time to get familiar with their working environment.

“As with any new stadium there were a few gremlins in the system, but to the great credit of the crew, the night was hailed a monumental success,” says Tim. “Going in to that first event the stakes were high, and the pressure was immense. The eyes of the State were upon us and no-one wanted to let the team down.

“Given the all-encompassing nature of the job at hand, I had made a conscious personal decision not to have a drop of alcohol for three months.

“At the end of that historic first night, I drank six beers in about 30 minutes flat . . . there was just a huge amount of relief among the staff that we could get the job done.

“It should be noted that I got a lift home that evening.”

FOR most of the past 20 years, John Wilson (pictured) is the man who has been entrusted with the job of bringing seriously injured athletes safely from the field of play at ANZ Stadium.

He’s the designated Medicab driver who has had a sideline view of the action at the majority of events since the Stadium’s opening in 1999.

He is also probably the only valued staff member who management would prefer has nothing to do when he turns up for work. “When I don’t have a lot to do at work then we’ve had a good night, because it means no one has been badly injured,” says John.

A former vehicle inspector for the NRMA for 33 years before his retirement in 2003, John joined the Stadium as a casual employee prior to its opening and was a member of the customer service team for the first event, the NRL Double-Header, in March 1999. But he soon was appointed to the job of Medicab driver, a role he was a natural for given his love of watching sport. Not to mention his keen eye for keeping important vehicles in good shape.

“The key to my job is that you need to watch the play at all times, which suits me fine as I love sport and I especially love watching rugby league,” John said.

A lifetime Parramatta Eels supporter, John has had a groundlevel view of every NRL Grand Final since the Storm won the historic first decider at the Stadium in 1999.

And he reckons the best he has seen was the all-Queensland Grand Final of 2015. “I rate the Cowboys winning the Grand Final in 2015 in extra time, with the great Johnathan Thurston at his peak, the best game of rugby league I have ever seen,” John said.

“Of course, that first event at the Stadium, when more than 100,000 fans packed in for the NRL Double-Header, was an event that everyone who was there that day will remember for the rest of their lives.”

While he has been called in to action on numerous occasions over 20 years, only once has it happened in a Grand Final. That was when Cowboys star Sean Fensom badly broke his leg in the opening minutes in 2015.

Born and bred in Baulkham Hills and still living in the same north-west Sydney suburb to this day with his wife Helen, John has just celebrated his 80th birthday . . . and yet he still manages to play golf three times a week.

The couple have two children, Ian and Karen, and four granddaughters, Taylor, 15, Cameron, 10, Alexa, 17, and Jorja, 15 – all of whom have heard their grandad’s great tales of 20 years of sporting drama at the Stadium. - AS

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STADIUM AUSTRALIA 1999 - 2019 Opening night 6 March 1999

Closing Ceremony 2000 Sydney Olympics

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Global supertar Adele March 2017

2018 NRL Grand Final

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STADIUM EVENT CALENDAR

AND THE

BIG

EVENTS KEEP ROLLING THE HIGHLIGHTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

TAYLOR SWIFT (NOV 2018) SOCCEROOS V LEBANON (NOV 2018) BON JOVI (DEC 2018) A-LEAGUE DERBY (DEC 2018) FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL (JAN 2019) W-LEAGUE/A-LEAGUE DOUBLE-HEADER (JAN 2019) NRL REGULAR-SEASON GAMES (2019) BENGALI FESTIVAL (MAR 2019) GOOD FRIDAY NRL BLOCKBUSTER (APR 2019) A-LEAGUE DERBY (APR 2019) STATE OF ORIGIN (JUL 2019) NRL GRAND FINAL (OCT 2019) MONSTER JAM (OCT 2019)* GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT SHOWS (OCT-DEC 2019)* *TBC

Julian Keith

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YDNEY is in for a sizzling summer of sport and entertainment before 2019 delivers an exciting calendar of major events at ANZ Stadium.

Global superstars Taylor Swift (Friday 2 November) and Bon Jovi (Saturday 8 December) headline the summer of entertainment that promises to send 2018 out with a bang.

Ten-time Grammy award winner Taylor Swift will bring her reputation Stadium Tour to Sydney’s home of major events.

The Taylor tour has been hailed as one of the hottest concert tours in the world in 2018.

Bon Jovi were recently inducted in to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

They are touring in celebration of their latest album This House Is Not for Sale and will play a Sydney-exclusive show at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 8 December. The Taylor Swift and Bon Jovi shows cap an unforgettable year of concerts at ANZ Stadium . . . following on from Foo Fighters in January and Ed Sheeran’s three record-breaking

shows in March. The headline act in sport this summer will be an international football classic, with the Socceroos playing Lebanon in an important friendly at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday 20 November.

The game will double as the farewell for Socceroos legend Tim Cahill, who will be making his 108th and final appearance in the gold jersey against the Cedars.

A spectacular Sydney Derby 10 days before Christmas and three school holiday blockbusters in the first week of January will be among nine Western Sydney Wanderers home games at ANZ Stadium in the 2018/19 Hyundai A-League season.

All eyes will be on ANZ Stadium on Saturday 15 December when the Round 8 Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC Derby is staged in the countdown to year's end. This will be the 20th Sydney Derby in history, to be known as Sydney Derby XX. The Wanderers will host a third Sydney Derby at ANZ Stadium in Round 25 on Saturday 13 April – potentially setting the scene for an exciting run to the A-league Finals.

The first week of January will be a busy period for Wanderers players and spectators alike, with three major games back to back in the school holidays (1, 5, 8 Jan) marking the start of the A-League’s Summer of Football period. The New Year’s Day match will also be a W-League/A-League Double-Header.

The 2019 NRL season will get underway in March – the same month that will feature the colourful 2019 Bengali Festival.

April will feature the Good Friday NRL classic between the Bulldogs and the Rabbitohs (Friday 19 April), coinciding with the 2019 Sydney Royal Easter Show in Sydney Olympic Park.

NSW Blues fans may finally get the opportunity to see the mighty Blues raise the State of Origin Shield on home soil in 2019, with ANZ Stadium hosting the potentially deciding Origin III in July.

The 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday 6 October. It will be the 21st Grand Final at ANZ Stadium.

A bumper concert and show season is in the planning for late in 2019 with two of the biggest shows in world entertainment earmarked as possible events to bring the year to a close.

Standby for further details of these exciting events.

Here’s to a year of events to remember in 2019!

BON JOVI

NRL GRAND FINAL

TAYLOR SWIFT

A-LEAGUE DERBY

STATE OF ORIGIN

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STADIUM 2018 THE HIGHLIGHTS

2018

ONE FOR THE

RECORD BOOKS Julian Keith

Master showman Dave Grohl and the band treated fans to a near three-hour set and ensured 2018 got off to a bang.

NE man. One guitar. Three incredible nights.

With concert season in the bag it was time for the bright lights of There’s no doubt about it, Sydney fell in love with Ed Sheeran footy season, and nothing shone brighter this year than the NSW Blues in 2018. in State of Origin.

A remarkable 243,513 fans Brad Fittler’s Baby Blues, casting crammed in to ANZ Stadium for off all doubts about inexperience, “BLOODY HELL THIS PLACE IS MASSIVE,” secured NSW’s first Origin win Ed’s ÷ World Tour at ANZ Stadium, which rolled out over three since 2014 in front of a heaving HE SAID AS HE CAME ON STAGE. “I’M successive nights from March 82,223 strong crowd.

GOING TO PLAY SOME SONGS AND I HOPE 15-17.

In crushing the Queensland This set a new record for dynasty, the Blues may have created YOU KNOW THEM OR IT MIGHT BE A LONG aggregate attendance at a series their own with a solid nucleus TWO HOURS FOR YOU.” of stadium concerts in NSW – of young stars – including 11 smashing the previous benchmark debutants – the foundation of their of 213,045 set by AC/DC in 2010.

Origin success in 2018.

Even Ed himself was left in awe A different kind of history was of the sheer size of the show. made on Saturday 18 August when the Australia v New Zealand “Bloody hell this place is massive,” he said as he came on stage. “I’m Bledisloe Cup Day double-header was the first of its kind in Australia. going to play some songs and I hope you know them or it might be a The day featured a world record women’s rugby crowd of 28,846 at long two hours for you.”

ANZ Stadium to witness the Wallaroos take on the Black Ferns prior to It was the best two hours of the year. Times three.

Wallabies v All Blacks.

Ed’s trio of shows followed rock royalty, Foo Fighters, and their With records falling and droughts breaking, 2018 has been a year to spectacular Concrete & Gold World Tour performance in February. remember at Sydney’s home of major events.

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Global superstar Ed Sheeran on stage at ANZ Stadium Picture: David Youdell

Picture: Mark Evans

Picture: Michael Frogley

21

STADIUM NRL GRAND FINAL

ON A

BROKEN WING AND A

PRAYER

ONE-ARMED CRONK GUIDES ROOSTERS TO ULTIMATE GLORY Julian Keith

Outstanding defence was the game from there with a Josh Addo-Carr intercept try the only blemish on a near perfect performance from EGEND status. That’s how Sydney Roosters head coach Trent the Roosters.

Robinson described one of the most courageous efforts you’ll ever For the Storm, it was double disappointment as they failed to send see on a footy field in the 2018 NRL Grand Final. off champion fullback Billy Slater with a win in his final game. While Cooper Cronk – arm hanging lifelessly at his side as he played the result will sting for a while, there’s no doubt Billy bows out as one through a broken scapula – was the inspiration behind the Roosters’ of the all-time greats. commanding 21-6 victory over the Melbourne Storm in front of a But it was all about Bondi in 2018 with the Roosters serving up a boisterous crowd of 82,668 at ANZ masterful performance befitting Stadium. of the Stadium’s 20th NRL Grand “I’ve never seen a guy as mentally Final. ANZ Stadium Members were “I’VE NEVER SEEN A GUY AS MENTALLY strong as Cooper Cronk,” said front and centre to see another Robinson after the game. classic premiership finale unfold.

STRONG AS COOPER CRONK,” “For him to go out there and do The Roosters’ effort wasn’t the what he did with a broken shoulder only outstanding performance on blade is unbelievable.” the day, with the Brisbane Broncos With Cronk reduced to an on-field coach’s role, Roosters five-eighth taking out the inaugural NRL Holden Women’s Premiership.

Luke Keary delivered the greatest performance of his career to help Karen Murphy Medal winner, Broncos five-eighth Kimiora Nati, secure the club’s 14th premiership. Keary was later awarded the Clive played the game of her life, scoring three tries in a dominant 34-12 Churchill Medal for being the standout player of the Grand Final. victory over the Roosters’ women. In a day of big victories, Sydney’s The Roosters shot out of the blocks, assuming a 12-point lead inside other grand finalists the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs made light 15 minutes thanks to a pair of tries down the left flank from Daniel work of the Redcliffe Dolphins – winning the Intrust Super State Tupou and Latrell Mitchell.

Championship Grand Final 42-18.

A Joseph Manu try just before the half gave the boys from the east an But in 2018, Sydney is red, white and blue thanks to Cooper Cronk imposing 18-0 lead. and his broken wing.

L

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2018 NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP GRAND FINAL SYDNEY SYDNEY ROOSTERS 21 (D Tupou 7’, L Mitchell 14’, J Manu 36’ tries; L Mitchell 4 goals; L Keary 1 Field goal MELBOURNE STORM 4 (J Addo Carr (62’) try; C Smith 1 goal).

CROWD: 82,688 NRL WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP: Brisbane Broncos 34 Sydney Roosters 12 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 42 Redcliffe Dolphins 18

Pictures: Mark & Jenny Evans Picture: Crystelle Cordero

23

STADIUM THE COMMUNITY ASSET

AN ICON THAT

TRANSCENDS SPORT Picture: Sky Monkey

CHRISTINE MCLOUGHLIN CHAIRMAN, VENUES NSW

T

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HE magnificent ANZ Stadium is best known for hosting major sport and entertainment events, but in reality it is so much more.

Almost 20 years since its grand opening, Sydney’s Olympic Stadium is a vibrant hub of community-based activities – an accessible, inclusive venue run by a team that understands and embraces the opportunity it has to make a positive difference in the community.

Each year the Stadium hosts more than 250 meetings and special events, welcomes 6000-plus tour visitors, and children from more than 50 schools and educational groups.

It proudly supports a number of official charities that share our vision for a fit, healthy and socially-inclusive Australia. Since becoming a benefactor, the Stadium has donated more than $350,000 to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead alone.

ANZ Stadium – with the backing of Venues NSW and the Minerva Network – has been a leader in creating pathways for women in sport.

The Stadium this year hosted the first Bledisloe Cup double-header

that included a Test match between the Wallaroos and the Black Ferns.

It also hosted the first NRL Women’s Premiership game and, ultimately, the NRL Women’s Premiership Grand Final on NRL Grand Final Day. Four of the rising stars of Australian women’s sport – footballers Ellie Carpenter and Jada Whyman, rugby 7s star Alicia Quirk and rugby league’s Kezie Apps – are among a team of elite athletes helping to drive the Stadium’s Community & Charity Program, while also engaging with Members and fans.

In 2018, the diversity of events held at the Stadium ranged from Boishakhi Mela – a festival for the Bengali communities attended by more than 20,000 people including NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian – through to a spectacular launch of the All-New Toyota Corolla motor car.

ANZ Stadium is now part of the Venues NSW network, which includes Western Sydney Stadium (due to open early 2019), WIN Sports and Entertainment Centres in the Illawarra, McDonald Jones Stadium and the Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showground in the Hunter region. The teams across the network are working together to deliver the best possible events for NSW. Whether for sport, entertainment, business, the arts, food, wine or cultural events, ANZ Stadium is a unique facility that every person in

The People's Stadium . . . the scene at Boishakhi Mela 2018 (above) and the Minerva Network in action at the opening Ed Sheeran concert in March.

New South Wales can access and enjoy. Most NSW people have fond memories of their favourite events and experiences at ANZ Stadium, and I am no different.

2000 was my “luck year”. As winner of the Telstra Business Woman of the Year, I received the prize of a lifetime – tickets to many of the sensational events at the 2000 Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games, including Finals. I still have all the tickets!

In addition to the athletes and atmosphere in the Stadium, the enthusiasm of the volunteers is still vivid. The Stadium experience was incredible. Since then, my personal highlights have included signature events for all of the sporting codes and some fabulous concerts.

While the Stadium has hosted so many of Sydney’s memorable sport and entertainment events over the past 20 years, the next 20 years will be even more important as Sydney looks to host major events at a

redeveloped world-class venue.

At the same time, the Stadium will be supporting our important clubs and sporting bodies who stage so many of these events and help to bring our communities together.

That is the nature of sport and recreation . . . it is the glue that binds families and friends through shared experiences and achievements, where being a member of a fan club, a participant, or follower of a sporting team becomes a common point of connection.

Sport and entertainment also contribute to economic growth through business investment and employment and instil a sense of national, city and community pride.

The Stadium was built for the people of NSW to host the 2000 Sydney and Paralympic Games . . . it remains the people’s Stadium to this day and for ever more.

25

STADIUM COMMUNITY & CHARITY

Picture: Mark Evans

CHEEKY LOUIS

FULL OF FIGHTING SPIRIT Kate Symons

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UR ANZ Stadium Members will long remember young Louie Mould. He is, after all, hard to forget.

The 13-year-old, a passionate rugby league fan and an amazing kid, joined us in May for the annual Members’ Dinner. He was our guest of honour, representing the Stadium’s official charity partner, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Thanks to an unforgettable speech delivered by his father, Peter, we learnt of Louie’s challenges since he was paralysed from the neck down in a tragic trampoline accident in November 2017.

The Stadium recently checked in with Louie and his family and we were pleased to learn that his rehabilitation continues to yield improvements. His mum, Donna, who also joined us at the Members’ Dinner, said: “Louie continues to work really hard on his rehabilitation

'HE CONTINUES TO BE CHEEKY TO THE NURSES AND HAS AN INCREDIBLY POSITIVE MINDSET '

with lots of physio and time in the pool. His hand control has improved, including his motorised wheelchair driving – from L-plate to P-plate!

“He continues to be cheeky to the nurses and has an incredibly positive mindset. He also wanted me to say ‘Hi’ to all the amazing –

OUR MISSION TO MAKE THE GREATEST THINGS HAPPEN FOR OUR CUSTOMERS AND PARTNERS, OUR PEOPLE AND OUR COMMUNITY.

ANZ STADIUM IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH A NUMBER OF OFFICIAL CHARITIES THAT SHARE OUR VISION FOR A FIT, HEALTHY AND SOCIALLY INCLUSIVE AUSTRALIA.

TRANSFORMING LIVES IN THE CHANGE ROOM Nathan Davis

M people he met on the night. He had a ball at ANZ Stadium.”

With help from the Moulds’ willingness to share their story, and the generosity of ANZ Stadium Members, a substantial sum of $30,000 was raised for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead at the Members’ Dinner. This will prove life-changing, and through Louie’s story, we understand this now better than ever.

Earlier this year, as Louie progressed from requiring breathing support to regaining just a little feeling and movement in some parts of his body, he was being lifted in and out of bed via a hospital crane called a Luna Hoist. Inscribed on that hoist . . . Donated by ANZ Stadium.

“I read that every day and think of everyone out at the Stadium and what you have done for us and the hospital,” Peter told our Members’ Dinner audience in May. The Luna Hoist was paid for by proceeds from the 2015 ANZ Stadium Members’ Dinner. Since becoming benefactors, our great Stadium has contributed more than $350,000 in proceeds to the Children’s Hospital, and it is an honour to do so. With 4,467 staff across 150 departments, the hospital looks after more than 80,000 sick children and their families each year. We look forward to updating you on how this year’s proceeds are spent.

In good news of a different kind, the Moulds were lucky enough to attend State of Origin II at ANZ Stadium in June. The NSW Blues certainly put on a show, scoring a thrilling 18-14 victory to clinch the series for only the second time in 12 years. The Moulds were part of a sell-out crowd, which we all know is something very special.

We suspect Louie is also very pleased that one of the many sports stars he met at the Members’ Dinner, Aaron Woods, now plays for his beloved Cronulla Sharks!

ATTHEW Elliott once paced the ANZ Stadium change rooms lecturing exhausted athletes.

Now the former NRL coach utilises the famous stalls of Sydney’s Olympic Stadium to inspire personal growth and change.

Elliott is a former St George Illawarra player who went on to coach 400 games in the NRL and English Super League. For the past year, he has managed The Change Room program, an initiative that aims to help people who have suffered work-related injuries to rejoin the workforce.

The two-day program builds resilience and wellbeing through practical, easy-to-understand activities in front of iconic sporting backdrops.

“The Change Room program is perhaps a little unconventional,” Elliott said.

“Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with our participants, we focus on the things they can do to make their lives better.”

Sustained employment is one of the key outcomes of the program, with The Change Room already being nominated for the 2018 Excellence in Personal Injury and Disability Management Award.

“For such a young program our return to work rate is off the scale,” Elliott said.

"One gentlemen attended our program after being out of the workforce for two years, and he now works with us, providing healthy nutrition packs for participants coming through the program."

The Change Room program has been designed to build an individual’s wellbeing and resilience while steering the transition of their personal and professional identity.

Change and transition is difficult for anyone but can be acutely so for people who have been injured.

For more information, go to thechangeroom.info

27

STADIUM WOMEN IN SPORT

KEZIE BLAZING A TRAIL FOR WOMEN IN LEAGUE Arthur Stanley

K

28

EZIE Apps could always hold her own against the boys playing rugby league on the junior footy fields of Bega. But she was forced to give up the game as an 11-year-old because girls just weren’t supposed to play a tough sport like league.

Flash forward to 2018, and Kezie, 27, has run out on to the hallowed turf of ANZ Stadium in the famous Red V jersey, representing St George Illawarra in the inaugural Holden NRL Women’s Premiership.

She is a past Dally M Medal winner as 2016 Female Player of the Year, and a seemingly automatic selection for the NSW Blues in State of Origin and for the Australian Jillaroos national team.

“I have loved playing rugby league since I was a little girl in Bega but when I got to age 11 there was no way forward for me,” recalls Kezie.

“So I played then ‘acceptable’ girls’ sports like hockey and basketball for the next 10 years.

“It was only when I saw on the news around 2012 that there was an Australian Jillaroos women’s rugby league team that I realised I now had the chance to follow my dream of playing footy . . . and here we are in 2018 with a designated NRL women’s competition, State of Origin and international rugby league.”

Kezie is also now an ANZ Stadium Ambassador, working in the community to promote a fit, healthy and socially-inclusive Australia.

She is inspiring a new generation of young women to be active and healthy, and to play rugby league or any other sport they choose.

“Running out on to ANZ Stadium for the Dragons on NRL Major Semi-Final day was an awesome experience and one I will long cherish,” says Kezie.

Venues NSW Chairman Christine McLoughlin says NSW is leading the way in creating pathways for women in sport – and no one epitomises that more than Kezie Apps.

Says Kezie: “People often ask me what do I do and I can now tell them I play rugby league . . . no, I’m not a cheerleader, I actually play the game in an elite competition. How good is that . . . women’s sport has come a long way in a short period of time.”

Venues NSW has played a key role in ensuring there are programs in

KEZIE APPS (ABOVE LEFT) AGE: 27 RESIDES: BEGA, NSW TEAMS: ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS NSW BLUES AUSTRALIAN JILLAROOS *2016 DALLY M WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR

place to ensure Australia’s rising female sports stars can leverage their success on and off the fields of play.

“Women’s sport is booming in Australia and NSW is leading the way in hosting major events and promoting our athletes and supporting their growth and development in and out of the sporting arenas," Ms McLoughlin said. “We stand proudly behind our record in NSW and Australia, with strong programs in place to create pathways and opportunities for women in sport.”

ANZ Stadium is a passionate supporter of women's sport and has an enviable record of hosting elite women’s sporting events. The Stadium is solidly behind the nation's bids for the 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

NRLW . . . Roosters v Warriors

CRASHING THROUGH THE BARRIERS MAJOR WOMEN'S SPORT EVENTS AT ANZ STADIUM • • •

• •

Wallaroos v Black Ferns

FIRST WOMEN’S ASHES SERIES T20 CRICKET INTERNATIONAL IN 2014 FIRST W-LEAGUE/A-LEAGUE SYDNEY DERBY IN 2017/18 FIRST AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND RUGBY DOUBLEHEADER FEATURING WALLAROOS V BLACK FERNS ON BLEDISLOE CUP DAY, SAT 18 AUG 2018 FIRST NRL WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP GAME, SYDNEY ROOSTERS V NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS, SAT 8 SEP 2018 HISTORIC GRAND FINAL OF THE NRL WOMEN'S PREMIERSHIP, SYDNEY ROOSTERS V BRISBANE BRONCOS, SUN 30 SEP 2018

W-League Derby . . .

Wanderers v Sydney FC

29

STARS MAKING Matildas national team and a professional player with Portland in the US National Women’s Soccer League.

Born in the year 2000 – just months before Cathy Freeman became an Australian sporting legend at the Sydney Olympics – Ellie has never known life without Stadium Australia.

“It’s been a special place for my family so I felt honoured to be invited to join the ANZ Stadium team as an Ambassador when I was Arthur Stanley just 16,” says Ellie.

“I see what the Stadium team does in the community to encourage LLIE Carpenter remembers the 4.5-hour drive from Cowra to ANZ participation and promote health and fitness, as well as the support Stadium well. Growing up in country NSW, the shooting star of offered to charitable organisations. The Stadium is there for everyone Australian women’s football would travel to and from Sydney with her in NSW, whether you’re from Cowra or Coogee, Bega or Boggabri. family to see the State’s biggest sport and entertainment events.

“For me personally, as a young woman in sport, I am now part of an “Country people get used to driving long distances and we’d think organisation that is actively supporting the growth of women’s sport nothing of it to jump in the car and come down to Sydney for a big and that has been really special. I very much feel part of the family at football game or a concert,” recalls Ellie, 18, now a regular fixture in the ANZ Stadium.”

'WINNING IS FUN, BUT THOSE MOMENTS THAT YOU CAN TOUCH SOMEONE’S LIFE IN A VERY POSITIVE WAY ARE BETTER.’

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STADIUM AMBASSADORS

Stadium Ambassadors . . . (clockwise from left) Matildas star Ellie Carpenter with Football NSW Institute athlete Savanna Greenwood; Wests Tigers rugby league halfback Luke Brooks with Aaron Woods and Mitch Moses; South Sydney rugby league hero Sam Burgess surrounded by Members at the 2018 ANZ Stadium Members’ Dinner; and Aussie 7s rugby gold medallists Emma Tonegato, Dominique Du Toit and Alicia Quirk.

Pictures: Mark Evans

G A DIFFERENCE Like Ellie, fellow ANZ Stadium Ambassadors Jada Whyman, 19, and Alicia Quirk 26, both raised in Wagga Wagga, and Kezie Apps, 27, from Bega, had all regularly attended events at the Stadium growing up in NSW regional centres before becoming Ambassadors of the State’s biggest venue.

Today, they rub shoulders with current men’s Ambassadors, rugby league superstar Sam Burgess, Australian rugby champion Israel Folau, and Wests Tigers league star Luke Brooks at Stadium functions and at community or charitable events.

Past Ambassadors Greg Inglis, Josh Reynolds and Brett Emerton are still involved in ANZ Stadium community programs, as are a number of other athletes whose clubs and codes are event partners with the Stadium.

A new sporting Ambassador from long-term home club the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will be announced soon.

The ANZ Stadium Ambassadors program was established to build

ties between the clubs and sporting codes that use the Stadium and the hundreds of thousands of fans who attend events each year.

The Ambassadors regular engage with ANZ Stadium Members, with the annual ANZ Stadium Members’ Dinner an exclusive opportunity for Members to meet and greet the stars.

Most importantly, the Ambassadors play a key role in the Stadium’s Community & Charity Program, raising the profile of events that they attend or by direct contact with young Australians or those less fortunate.

The Stadium’s Charity partners include The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and there is nothing more exciting for youngsters in hospital than to experience a high-profile visit by one of their sporting heroes.

The Stadium’s sporting Ambassador mantra is a simple one: Winning is fun, but those moments that you can touch someone’s life in a very positive way are better.

31

STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

NSW!

MAJOR STADIA NETWORK REBUILD TO T Arthur Stanley

The rebuilding of the Sydney major stadia network will ensure that Sydney remains No.1 when it comes to attracting and hosting sport T is now 25 years since Olympics supremo Juan Antonio Samaranch and entertainment events, while also providing rich community assets uttered those immortal words . . . And the winner is, Sydney . . . setting that can be used for a wide range of purposes. in train a venue infrastructure boom ahead of the 2000 Games.

ANZ Stadium’s future is as Australia’s premier rectangularAfter a long period of non-investment since the Games, Sydney – and configured stadium, which will continue to attract the major matches the entire state of NSW – is experiencing another transformational of the NRL, Rugby Australia and the FFA – the codes that now period as the NSW Government delivers on its promise to upgrade the contribute most of the sporting content at the Stadium.

State’s major stadia network.

The redevelopment of the Stadium will ensure that blockbuster The new 30,000-seat Western Sydney Stadium will open for business matches such as the NRL Grand Final, State of Origin, Bledisloe Cup, in April 2019. The old Sydney Football Stadium (Allianz Stadium) will Socceroos and other international football events will continue to be be demolished in January ahead of the subsequent rebuilding of a new played at ANZ Stadium. stadium, subject to planning approvals.

What is the scope of the redevelopment?

And at the end of 2019, Sydney’s major events stadium ANZ While the final business case is yet to be considered, the Stadium is scheduled to be decommissioned ahead of an $810 million Government has announced an $810 million redevelopment that will redevelopment that will transform the spectator experience and lock in include the following key elements: major event content for NSW for many years to come.

• Bringing fans considerably closer to the field of play. The There will be no impact on the 2019 events schedule at redevelopment would reconfigure the Stadium as a 70,000-seat ANZ Stadium. rectangular stadium;

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Picture: Sky Monkey

TAKE STATE INTO AN EXCITING NEW ERA •

Ensuring the Stadium is adaptable for both regular-season fixtures and major events; • Moving all seats on Levels 1 to 5 closer to the field of play to improve the spectator experience; • All seats will be under an expanded roof; • A modern upgrade of the Member, Corporate and General Public facilities.

The ANZ Stadium redevelopment will work in tandem with other major infrastructure projects to supercharge the event experience at the Stadium and indeed throughout Sydney Olympic Park.

The redevelopment will be coordinated with the proposed investment in transport infrastructure to Sydney Olympic Park, including motorway upgrades, metro line and light rail to greatly improve access to the precinct.

The new M4 between Olympic Park and Parramatta opened during 2018, while M4 East between Olympic Park and Haberfield is due to open in 2019.

Venues NSW Chairman Christine McLoughlin said of the upcoming redevelopment: “The vision in NSW is for a network of sports and

entertainment venues that take the visitor experience to the next level, boost the State’s competitiveness nationally and internationally in the world of premium content, and provide the State with a healthy return on investment.

“The redevelopment of ANZ Stadium will take the stadium in to an exciting new era, where Members and supporters will be far closer to the action and benefit from an improved game-day atmosphere.

“The surrounding streets will come alive with restaurants, bars, entertainment, big screens and exciting opportunities for active participation – everything that is part of the visitor experience at today’s best stadiums.

“The future ANZ Stadium will be a world-class rectangular stadium offering a superb event-day experience, and which will continue to make a significant contribution to community inclusion and cohesion and social wellbeing.

“The Venues NSW Board of Directors and the management team at ANZ Stadium remain committed to keeping Members up-to-date on all future decisions related to the Stadium redevelopment.”

What it means for Stadium Members: Pages 43

33

STADIUM OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY

SEE THE GAME LIKE NEVER BEFORE E

XPERIENCE sport’s greatest blockbusters in unbeatable style with ANZ Stadium’s Official Hospitality.

With world-class facilities, five-star hospitality and amazing views of all the live action, impressing your clients is guaranteed.

THE SUITE LIFE – PRIVATE SUITES

Step inside the luxury of your own Private Suite on event night and know that you’re in for an evening of breathtaking entertainment and first-class hospitality.

Impress your clients and do business with ease as you soak in the electric atmosphere of a world-class concert or epic sporting battle.

With spectacular views, a private balcony, gourmet dining, premium beverages and dedicated concierge and wait staff, Private Suites are the first choice for those who want the best of everything.

IN THE ZONE – ZONE BOXES

You know you’re in the zone when you can effortlessly mix business

with pleasure, action and passion.

Located on Level 2, the undercover open-air Zone Boxes are available for groups of 8, 12 or 16.

Positioned directly in front of the hallowed turf, they’ve got everything you need: padded leather seats, a personal refrigerator and dedicated catering staff. Enjoy the corporate experience and be part of the buzzing crowd from your very own Zone Box.

FRONT AND CENTRE - CENTRELINE

Score the best seats in the Stadium for every single event with Centreline Seats. Positioned on Level 2, directly in front of the coaches’ boxes, the view from the 1300 soft-backed leather seats is unbeatable.

Centreline Seat holders have exclusive access to the Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge, a corporate space with gourmet food, craft beers and an impressive array of quality wines, in-lounge service and live entertainment.

IMPRESS AND INDULGE YOUR CLIENTS WITH ANZ STADIUM'S OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY PACKAGES. CALL 1300 13 40 10 34

FAREWELL TIM CAHILL JULIAN KEITH

H

E is Australia’s all-time highest goal scorer in international football and widely considered our greatest Socceroo . . . yet we will never see Tim Cahill again in the famous gold jersey of Australia after Tuesday 20 November.

Cahill will be recognised for his contribution to the sport when the Socceroos meet Lebanon at ANZ Stadium – his 108th and final appearance for Australia in a stellar 14-year career.

The sight of Tim Cahill with his arms outstretched or fist-punching the corner flag after scoring will long be remembered in Australian football folklore.

He grew up only a few kilometres from ANZ Stadium and saved many of his finest performances for the Sydney' Olympic venue. He was in the Socceroos squad for that historic night against Uruguay in 2005, and played a leading role in Australia qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with their qualifying game victories over Syria and Honduras in late 2017.

Tim Cahill, we salute you. A job well done for your country.

35

STADIUM WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

RED & BLACK FINDING BELIEF IN NEW ERA

Julian Keith

F

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RESH starts don’t always go to plan.

For the Wanderers, moving on from long-serving head coach Tony Popovic was no easy task last season as the side struggled to adjust under the headstrong Josep Gombau.

But a new season brings new promise in 2018. The Wanderers have secured the services of head coach Markus Babbel and, in the German, they appear to have a man with a vision.

Babbel, once a player of immense pedigree with Bayern Munich and Liverpool, has spent the past decade making his mark as a manager and is ready to rise to the challenge of returning the Wanderers to glory.

"When the club came to visit me in Germany I could see the passion in their eyes about their vision and what Western Sydney would like to do as a club,” said Babbel.

"I said to my wife that I have a good feeling and I'm ready now for a new experience. I am very proud and very happy to be here.”

Stability is the goal for the Wanderers and it shows in their transfer dealings ahead of the 2018/19 season.

Proven A-League names Bruce Kamau, Nick Fitzgerald, Tarek Elrich and Jordan O’Doherty join German imports Patrick Ziegler and Alex Baumjohann on the books; adding to an experienced squad for the upcoming campaign.

Key to the Wanderers' success this season will be the efforts of Spanish striker Oriol Riera, who banked 15 goals in his debut season for the club and will be eager to link up with the new attacking talent on offer.

Babbel’s new-look Wanderers will hit ANZ Stadium for the first time on 15 December for the Sydney Derby – the first of nine games in Sydney’s Olympic stadium this season – with a second Derby locked in at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 13 April.

Now established as one of the great fixtures on the A-League calendar, the Wanderers will be looking to reverse recent fortunes in the cross-city rivalry; and this season they might have the team to do it.

On New Year’s Day the men will be joined by the Wanderers W-League team in a summer special doubleheader against Melbourne City.

Like the A-League team, the W-League side is beginning a new era under head coach Dan Barrett, who was appointed in August.

Barrett brings a wealth of W-League coaching experience to the club and is well placed to put the team in Finals contention after a disappointing 2017/18 season.

With new coaches, new squads and a brand new home at Western Sydney Stadium on the horizon, the future is bright if you’re a Wanderer, and there's an exciting season ahead at ANZ Stadium.

W-League star goalkeeper Jada Whyman Chairman Paul Lederer, coach Markus Babbel and CEO John Tsatsimas

WANDERERS AT ANZ STADIUM IN 2018/19 SEASON

Captain Brendan Hamill

•

A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V SYDNEY FC SATURDAY 15 DECEMBER

•

A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V MELBOURNE CITY TUESDAY 1 JANUARY*

•

W-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V MELBOURNE CITY TUESDAY 1 JANUARY*

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A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V MELBOURNE VICTORY SATURDAY 5 JANUARY

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A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V WELLINGTON PHOENIX TUESDAY 8 JANUARY

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A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V ADELAIDE UNITED FRIDAY 18 JANUARY

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A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V NEWCASTLE JETS FRIDAY 1 FEBRUARY

•

A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V MELBOURNE CITY SATURDAY 30 MARCH

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A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V SYDNEY FC SATURDAY 13 APRIL

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A-LEAGUE: WANDERERS V MELBOURNE VICTORY SATURDAY 27 APRIL

*Denotes A-League/W-League double-header

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STADIUM MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS

CORPORATE GOALS HELP YOUR TEAM KICK ON IN 2019 Nathan Davis

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T’S the field of dreams that inspires our sporting heroes. Each year hundreds of athletes are driven to their limits in the hope of stepping onto the hallowed turf of ANZ Stadium for a Grand Final, a State of Origin game, Bledisloe Cup Test or football international.

But what is less known is that thousands of people in the business world also get the opportunity to step out on to the ANZ Stadium arena and/or use the event spaces inside the Stadium as part of their career development and corporate training.

The ANZ Stadium Meetings and Special Events program hosts more than 250 corporate and private events each calendar year, with each event given a personalised touch that leaves delegates inspired and prepared for the future.

Here’s how to tailor a business event for your corporate team that will have your employees kicking goals in 2019.

Your 80,000-seat corporate setting awaits . . .

FUNCTION ROOMS NO matter the size of your event, the beauty of being in the largest Stadium in NSW is that there is always enough room. Whether you need space for 10 people or 1000, ANZ Stadium’s private corporate spaces can be tailor-made to suit your business needs.

“We have the facilities you’d expect from any conference centre or five-star hotel, but with a twist,” says Greselin. “We can transform our internal Stadium spaces. The only limit is your imagination – challenge us and let’s give your staff something to remember.”

CONFERENCES WHAT would be more inspiring for your staff – a standard hotel conference room or the excitement of an event at Sydney’s Olympic stadium? With access to field and change rooms, a conference at ANZ Stadium can provide the spark to motivate any team. “What truly makes ANZ Stadium unique is the game-day influence we can include in your corporate events,” says Meeting and Special Events Manager David Greselin. “At ANZ Stadium our focus is on your delegates. A personal stadium tour or perhaps a motivational speech from one of our athlete Ambassadors can kick your conference off with excitement. Our events are not about sitting in a standard function room, we aim to inspire and motivate.

“I see it at all of our events, the look of wonder and excitement on employees’ faces as they arrive and look out over the field. They all tell me afterwards, “I can’t believe we had an entire Stadium to ourselves!”

GALA DINNERS FROM the field to a dining room in minutes, ANZ Stadium can top off a productive day of business with a fivestar meal, served with all the grandeur and poise you’d expect from a top-rated restaurant. “All of our catering is produced in-house. One of our professional event managers will be your single point of contact for your function. You just have to choose the menu.”

COCKTAILS ON THE FIELD TREAT your staff after a long day of conferencing to an exclusive cocktail event on the famous ANZ Stadium pitch. “There is no better way to unwind than with an exclusive on-field cocktail-party. Give your staff the sports star treatment with a walk down the players’ tunnel with their faces up on our 22m x 11m super screens. Then when the breathtaking scenery breaks the ice, it’s time to start socialising and networking.”

Thinking of booking a function, event or Christmas party at ANZ Stadium?

Email functions@anzstadium.com.au or call 8765 3102 and quote the words “Unforgettable Events” for free room hire & discounted catering prices.

EXHIBITIONS LOOKING to host the perfect exhibition?

The Stadium’s lounges and function rooms can cater for up to 80 stands.

With exhibition areas close by, there is flexibility to hold a conference nearby without ever leaving the floor.

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MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

Jennifer Dowd Membership Manager

A

ND just like that, the winter season is once again behind us. It’s been an exciting and unpredictable season, the highlights of course being a State of Origin Blues win and the momentous NRL Grand Final.

Stadium Members have also been treated to the Bledisloe Cup and an action-packed close to the NRL season complete with two NRL Finals. We’re sure you’ll agree it has been quite a year and it’s not over yet. In November the Stadium will host a farewell match for the great Tim Cahill when the Socceroos take on Lebanon, and in December we welcome back the Western Sydney Wanderers when they

meet cross city rivals Sydney FC. With the full schedule for 2019 being announced shortly, we can confirm that the New Year literally kicks off on New Year’s Day with a Wanderers clash against Melbourne City. Members will be treated to a further seven Wanderers home games over summer/ autumn (including a second Sydney Derby in April) and finals should they qualify to host.

NRL returns in 2019 with our home teams the Bulldogs and the Rabbitohs. In addition to this we will host two Parramatta Eels

games. Members will, of course, have access to our major events, State of Origin III and the NRL Grand Final. Plus there’s more to be announced.

It doesn’t stop there. We are delighted to confirm partnerships with the NSW Waratahs, Sydney Thunder and GWS Giants to offer ANZ Stadium Members access to a selection of great events across Sydney in 2019.

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 2019 by Friday 7 December to take advantage of the Early Bird discount. We look forward to seeing you in the Members’ Stand soon.

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.

Membership Sales To purchase new Memberships, call our sales team 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 access 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.

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

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MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

THUNDER STRUCK S

YDNEY Thunder return to Sydney Olympic Park this summer and will play their five home games at the neighbouring Spotless Stadium.

ANZ Stadium Members have the opportunity to access four Sydney Thunder games for free* this January and are invited to pre-purchase tickets to the big Sydney Smash against cross-city rivals the Sydney Sixers on Monday 24 December.

Complimentary tickets are limited. For your chance to attend one or more of these matches register your expression of interest to attend by 16 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

FOUR MATCHES FOR FREE* Wednesday 2 Jan: Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers Tuesday 8 Jan: Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat Sunday 13 Jan: Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers Tuesday 22 Jan: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades

* 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 need to be a financial Member for 2019 to attend these matches. Terms and conditions apply.

RENEW 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.

• It’s convenient and affordable • Allows you to spread the cost of your Annual Subscription across 12 months • Ensures your Membership doesn’t lapse with a simple annual roll-over • 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.

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MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

STADIUM MEMBERS, TAKE A BOW CHRISTINE MCLOUGHLIN CHAIRMAN, VENUES NSW

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, rugby, rugby league, football, horse racing, motor racing and more all year round at the following venues.

• • • • • • • • • • •

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Adelaide Oval (Football Membership) 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.

Please note - Some events of interest (e.g Melbourne Cup and opening days of major International Cricket meets) may not be offered by our Reciprocal Rights Partners.

ON behalf of my fellow Venues NSW Board of Directors and CEO Paul Doorn, I would like to say how proud we are to oversee the State’s largest venue, which has such an important role to play in the NSW major stadia network.

I would like to say thank you to the ANZ Stadium Members who have supported the venue with such passion over its 20-year journey.

Thank you also to the codes, clubs and promoters who have brought the events, and to the 28 million fans who have brought the colour, energy and excitement.

Congratulations to the hard-working venue management team at ANZ Stadium which continues to roll out major events so successfully.

Thank you also to Sydney Olympic Park Authority, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and other emergency services for their tireless support.

It’s been an amazing 20 years at ANZ Stadium. Venues NSW now looks forward to delivering on the Government plan to transform the Stadium into a world-class rectangular venue that will secure major event content for NSW and reinvigorate this wonderful community asset.

Venues NSW Board of Directors: Christine McLoughlin (Chairman), John Quayle (Deputy Chairman), Danny Bhandari, Noel Cornish AM, Lesley Grant, Ian Hammond, Phil Kearns, Sally Loane, Glenn Turner.

Stadium Australia Club Board: Manager Appointed Directors Christine McLoughlin (Chairman), Paul Doorn, Daryl Kerry; Member Elected Directors Steve Mortimer, Alby Taylor, David Tierney.

A NEW AND IMPROVED MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE Jennifer Dowd Membership Manager

T

HE pending redevelopment of ANZ Stadium is no doubt close to the hearts of all Stadium Members.

In April 2018, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian provided a greater level of certainty by announcing an $810m reconfiguration of the venue into a world-class 70,000-seat rectangular stadium that will bring Members and fans closer to the action.

The ANZ Stadium redevelopment will secure the future of the venue and ensure that it will be Sydney’s premier major events stadium into the foreseeable future.

Although the Government is yet to consider a final business case, Members are expected to benefit from the redevelopment in the following ways: • Continued guaranteed access to the biggest and best events including NRL Grand Final, State of Origin and Bledisloe Cup, and other national and international events of interest; • New and improved seating with closer proximity to the field of play on the Western side of the Stadium; • Upgraded Platinum and Gold Members’ facilities on all levels; • State-of-the-art Stadium technology; • New game-day options for pre-and-post-event celebrations in Sydney Olympic Park;

•

Substantially improved transport options to and from the Stadium.

In addition, Members will continue to take advantage of a suite of Member benefits including access to other venues and events, discounts, special offers and more.

Venues NSW, the Government agency that oversees ANZ Stadium, is continuing to work with Infrastructure NSW on the final brief for the project.

Venues NSW, the Stadium Australia Board and the ANZ Stadium team are committed to keeping Members fully informed of progress of redevelopment plans.

Members will be privy to previews of design features as they come to hand.

It is important for Members to know that it will be business as usual in 2019 with a full schedule of sporting events as well as some highly anticipated special events and concerts.

Members can be assured there will be no impact on the 2019 Event Calendar, so we encourage Gold Members to renew their Membership early and enjoy a year of fantastic sport and entertainment at Sydney's home of major events.

The information above is based on the most recent announcements by the NSW Government and may be subject to change. Members will be sent updates as details are confirmed.

More redevelopment news: Pages 32-33

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MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

YOUR MEMBER BOOKING GUIDE A

NZ Stadium Membership includes access to all regular sporting events hosted at ANZ Stadium from international and national major events to NRL Club games. Here’s what you need to know regarding your Member access and dining arrangements for each event.

EVENT

EVENT ACCESS & SEATING

MEMBERS' RESTAURANTS

SOCCEROOS V LEBANON 20 NOV

FIRST TO BOOK

ARENA*

WANDERERS V SYDNEY FC DERBIES^ 15 DEC & 13 APR

FIRST TO BOOK

ARENA*

WANDERERS MATCHES (EXCLUDING DERBIES)

GENERAL ADMISSION

STADIUM CAFÉ

2019 NRL CLUB MATCHES

GENERAL ADMISSION

STADIUM CAFÉ

STATE OF ORIGIN III^

MAJOR EVENT

ARENA* | MEMBERS' RESTAURANT* MEMBERS' BRASSERIE*| PLATINUM CAFÉ

NRL GRAND FINAL^

MAJOR EVENT

ARENA* | MEMBERS' RESTAURANT* MEMBERS' BRASSERIE*| PLATINUM CAFÉ

EVENT ACCESS & SEATING MAJOR EVENT - Members must book to attend during the advised booking period^. Seating is allocated using the seating rotation system.

FIRST TO BOOK - Members must book a ticket during advised booking period^. Seating is allocated on a first to book basis.

GENERAL ADMISSION - Members access the event by scanning their Member Card at Gate L. Seating is General Admission.

MEMBERS' RESTAURANTS ARENA - The ultimate Members’ Dining experience. A seasonal à la carte menu of enticing, immaculately prepared cuisine, matched with the finest wines. Platinum Member priority.

MEMBERS’ RESTAURANT - A seasonally designed three course set menu incorporating the finest Australian produce, accompanied with premium beverages.

MEMBERS’ BRASSERIE - Hot and cold buffet featuring seafood, carvery meats, salads, desserts and cheeses. Beverage package optional.

STADIUM CAFÉ - A quick relaxed pub style menu complemented by an extensive range of premium beer and wine.

PLATINUM CAFÉ - Quick and relaxed bistro-style meals. Exclusive to Platinum Members.

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^Members will be advised of event booking dates via email and can secure bookings via the Members' section of the ANZ Stadium website anzstadium.com.au/members. *Bookings essential. Restaurants sell out quickly, book early to avoid disappointment. 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 events. For example, for an event held on Saturday 15 December, cancellations or amendments must be made in writing by 5pm, Friday 7 December. This will also apply if diners do not attend to dine at the event.

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JUNIOR - 2

2019

MEMBERS’ FAN PASS Share the Members’ experience with your guests in 2019 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 20 NRL games scheduled, that represents great value!

Members can purchase up to three passes per Membership Right. And there’s further savings when you purchase multiple passes. Purchase when you renew your Membership or online anzstadium.com.au/members ADULT 1 Pass $100 2 Passes $180 3 Passes $240 CHILD 1 Pass $55 2 Passes $100 3 Passes $135

All holders of the Members’ Fan Pass 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. Three guests may access each event per the number of Rights a Member holds. Not valid for finals matches.

RENEW ONLINE, ON TIME TO WIN!

MEMBERS’ PAYING GUESTS Members can request to purchase up to three (3) Paying Guest tickets per Membership Right into the Members’ Reserve for each regular sporting event held at the Stadium.

Gold Members - Be a part of NRL history.

Renew online at anzstadium.com.au/ members for your chance to be at the first State of Origin to be played in Perth at Optus Stadium. For full details, visit anzstadium.com.au/members

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MEMBERS’ CONFIDENTIAL

STADIUM

Editor Arthur Stanley Art Director Chloe Xuereb Managing Editor Jennifer Dowd Digital Editor Ebony McCabe Sports Writers Julian Keith, Nathan Davis Feature Writers Crystelle Cordero, Kate Symons Advertising Chris Silver Chief Executive Officer Daryl Kerry Chief Operating Officer Steve Heytman General Manager Commercial Shane Stoddard Head of Marketing Fiona Gulin Membership Manager Jennifer Dowd

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ANZ Stadium 02 8765 2000 anzstadium.com.au Locked Bag 1999, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, 2127

GET ON TOP OF YOUR BUSINESS TOO EASY

At ANZ, we know that running a business can have its hurdles. That’s why we’ve developed simple solutions to help you get over them. With our business bank accounts, innovative ways to take customer payments, loans, credit cards and admin tools, we can help you get on top of your business.

ANZ Business © Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) 2018 ABN 11 005 357 522.

WE’RE TURNING

ANZ Stadium (Stadium Australia) stands as an icon of the new millennium and an enduring symbol of Sydney’s coming of age as a global city.

Opened on 6 March 1999 in the lead-up to the 2000 Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Stadium remains a grand stage for the State’s major sport and entertainment events.

Unforgettable moments at the Stadium are now part of Australian folklore.

As the Stadium prepares to celebrate its 20th birthday, we pay tribute to our Members and the 28 million fans who have passed through the turnstiles to see the action unfold.

The Great Stadium . . . a place in our city’s heart.