New Marvel Stadium video screens to be in place for AFL season
With the $225m Marvel Stadium redevelopment well underway, Gill McLachlan has announced two new video screens will be in place for round one of the 2022 season.
The new video screens will hang from the roof at either end of the stadium, behind the goals, covering the existing Coventry and Lockett signs.
However, the AFL CEO’s statement that the new video screens will be the “largest scoreboards in the world” is a little off the mark, in fact, they won’t be the largest in Australia.
Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula joined AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan on Monday to inspect the start of construction, made possible by $225 million in funding from the Victorian Government.
Plans for the major redevelopment of the AFL-owned stadium were revealed in November 2020, with construction underway from late last year by John Holland, creating almost 250 jobs.
The stadium will remain operational throughout the two-year redevelopment, with its 56,000-capacity to remain unaffected during the 2022 season, however there may be a reduction next year. There will be no changes to members seats and potentially only one gate to be closed.
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“20 years ago it set a benchmark, but now requires improvements to provide a modern offering. Our vision is to make Marvel Stadium and the Marvel Stadium precinct one of the best and most technologically advanced sports and entertainment venues in the world. I feel confident we'll do that,” McLachlan said.
“We are excited about the scoreboards. I think they are going to be the largest scoreboards in the world, if not the largest in the Docklands precinct. The highest definition, sexiest things you can possibly imagine.”
The new video scoreboards, to be installed following this week’s AFL pre-season matches, in time for round one of the premiership season, will certainly be the largest in the Docklands precinct, but will be trumped by Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
Currently under construction at the former Olympic stadium is the world’s longest straight-run stadium video screen, measuring 120 x 10 metres and due to be completed ahead of the 2022 NRL season. While the largest in the world, is currently at SoFi Stadium which hosted the Super Bowl recently. The LA stadium has a 110-metre double-sided 4K video board which loops above the field hanging from its roof.
Still, the new video screens at Marvel Stadium will be a major upgrade from the existing screens, which were last replaced in 2014, and will greatly improve the venue’s fan experience.
McLachlan said improved lighting and facilities in and around the stadium will improve the experience for spectators, while home teams will have the ability to theme the venue to make it feel like a home.
Construction is underway to transform Marvel Stadium into one of the world's most hi-tech arenas. The $225 million makeover is set to give fans a never-before-seen experience. https://t.co/5zYfOfohG3 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/0eKK8Bh2Q5
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) February 28, 2022
Another key feature is the development of Town Square – a new plaza on the southern side of the Stadium. Town Square will provide a year-round all-weather space that is accessible for the general public, an area for community events and markets and a gathering place for fans.
The Marvel Stadium redevelopment forms part of a wider agreement with the AFL that is delivering significant benefits for Victorians. It locks in the AFL Grand Final at the MCG until 2059, secures AFL matches in regional Victoria and guarantees ongoing access to Marvel Stadium for other sporting codes and events.
