New home of sport and entertainment opens
More than 50,000 people will flock to the brand-new Allianz Stadium for the very first time today with a free community day and night, before the biggest names in sport and entertainment kick off a spectacular opening series of events.
Premier Dominic Perrottet declared the state-of-the-art Stadium open with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque before the first fans made their way through the turnstiles.
“Today is a once-in-a-generation occasion as we open Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, a game changer for our state and another major infrastructure project delivered by our government,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This world-class stadium is befitting of the nation’s only truly global city and will ensure NSW continues to attract the biggest stars in sport, music and entertainment.”
The Community Open Day will feature live entertainment, stadium tours and a sports zone with players from the Sydney Roosters, NSW Waratahs and Sydney FC, while the night event will include an official opening ceremony with large-scale projections, light shows and live performances from Guy Sebastian and Baker Boy.
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the Stadium will be the envy of sporting fans across the country, giving rugby league, football and rugby fans a phenomenal viewing experience.
“On Friday, 2 September our female athletes will create Australian sporting history, with the NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership marking the first official sporting event at the new stadium between the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons, before the Sydney Roosters face their oldest and fiercest rivalry, the South Sydney Rabbitohs,” Mr Henskens said.
“With the final piece of turf now laid and the last seats in place, the stadium has the best community and player facilities in the country, and I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it.”
The 42,500 seat stadium has a 360-degree open concourse inside and outside the venue, steep seating angles providing unrivalled views of the field, and the very best Merivale food and beverage offering.
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the new stadium will drive growth in the visitor economy and promote a strong cultural and sporting sector.
“Allianz Stadium will become the stage for some of the music world’s biggest stars, including pop sensation Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber and the legendary Sir Elton John,” Mr Franklin said.
“We’re expecting sellout after sellout in the opening months which will provide a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy.”
Allianz Australia Managing Director Richard Feledy added: “As we mark ten years since Allianz’s commitment to the original Allianz Stadium, we are very proud to bring communities together again through this new world-class precinct. Now open to the public, Allianz Stadium Sydney joins the Allianz family of stadiums around the world.
“Allianz has been supporting Australians for over 100 years and we are thrilled to officially welcome visitors to the new Allianz Stadium to witness history, share in the electricity and create lifelong memories.”
More information about the new Allianz Stadium can be found online.
