ANZ Stadium, formerly Telstra Stadium and originally known as Stadium Australia, was the centrepiece of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. No other outdoor stadium used for the Olympics had been bigger than the stadium at the time of the games. Four Boeing 747s would fit side-by-side under the span of the main arches of the grandstands. The original capacity was 110,000, however post-games renovations has reduced this to 83,500.
Specially designed for the unique Australian environment, the stadium is one of the few in the world which effectively shades and protects most spectators, without the need for a claustrophobic and grass-killing fully enclosed dome. Suspended from a huge arch structure and three hectares in area, the roof is constructed from translucent polycarbonate to minimise the shadows and patches of direct sunlight on the playing area. This will create ideal conditions for TV presentations and for spectators.
The Olympic Stadium's design includes state-of-the-art environmental features that make it a showcase of ecological responsibility. Its energy management strategy reduces the use of conventional electric power through measures such as natural lighting, two gas-fired co-generation engines, and energy-efficient lighting. All materials have been selected for their contribution to minimising pollution, conserving resources, and their durability. Significant waste management and water-saving measures are also in place.
ANZ Stadium has hosted many major sporting events since it opened in 1999. These include major Soccer matches including the Socceroos vs. Brazil and Manchester United, major Rugby Union matches including the Wallabies vs. British & Irish Lions and the Bledisloe Cup vs. New Zealand, Rugby League fixtures including NRL double headers and Grand Finals, the first of which drew a record league crowd of 110,000, state or origin and international matches, as well as an American NFL pre-season game between the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos. It also plays host to Australian Football with the Sydney Swans playing a few games at the venue each year, and Cricket will make it's debut in 2003.
The stadium has had major redevelopment work done throughout 2001 and 2002 to reduce the size and convert the playing field into an oval shape to enable Australian Football to be played. Stage two of the project was completed in March 2002 and included the removal of the two stands at either end, remodelling of the lower level of seating into an oval shape. Stage two of the project will include a roof at either end which used to be occupied by the two large stands, as seen in the photo to the above, this will be completed in 2003.
Telstra, the major Australian communications company, purchased the rights to Stadium Australia in July 2002 for exclusive naming rights of the stadium until 2009 with further options, they also purchased the rights to Melbourne's Docklands Stadium which is now the Telstra Dome. ANZ has purchased the naming rights to Stadium Australia and as of 2008, the venue will be known as ANZ Stadium.
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Location: |
Sydney, New South Wales |
Address: |
Olympic Blv Homebush Bay 2127
Phone: (02) 8765 2000 |
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Capacity: |
83,500 |
Seats: |
83,500 (100% of capacity) |
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Record Crowd: |
110,000 |
Highest Crowd since 1/1/2003: |
83,418 - 07/08/04: Wallabies v New Zealand
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Lights: |
Yes |
Arena Roof: |
No |
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Video Screen: |
Yes (2) |
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Built: |
1999 |
Redeveloped: |
2002 |
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Former/Other Names: |
Stadium Australia
Telstra Stadium |
Ticketing: |
Ticketek |
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Sports Played: |
Australian Football
Rugby Union
Rugby League
Football
Cricket |
Home Teams: |
Bulldogs RLC
South Sydney RLC
Wests Tigers RLC
Sydney Swans FC |
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Annual Events: |
NRL Grand Final |
Historic Events: |
Sydney 2000 Olympic Games
2003 Rugby World Cup |
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Last Event: |
17/01/10: Twenty20: NSW v SA
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Next Event: |
27/02/10: NRL Pre-Season: SOU v SGI |
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Directions: |
Transport: |
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Telstra Stadium is located 17km west of Sydney’s CBD, and 8km from Parramatta. |
The nearest station is Olympic Station and is 400 metres from the Stadium. A number of regular bus services operate to Sydney Olympic Park during Stadium events. |
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Parking: |
Accommodation: |
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Parking is available near the venue. |
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