Seating design unveiled for Sydney Football Stadium
A combination of blue seating will feature at the new Sydney Football Stadium, as the Moore Park venue continues to take shape ahead of its opening next year.
The seating pattern was designed by award-winning Indigenous artist Tony Albert, with the theme being “Two Worlds Colliding – Water and Land”, with abstract designs featuring topographical views of Sydney, and whale and goanna totems.
Each end of the stadium is separated and distinguished by two different designs symbolising land and water.
The land is signified by the geometric diamond designs taken from nature, while the bubble of concentric circles represent water.
Working on the design wasn’t as simple as just drawing a pattern, with virtual reality technology used to help Albert design the pattern, ensuring the designs were pleasing to the eye from all angles.
“There’s new technology such as VR where we are able to be there without it actually existing, and with certain renders you can get different elevations or be able to look at it from different perspectives” Albert said.
The unveiling of the pattern for the stadium’s 42,500 seats comes as work is now underway on the roof, facade and internal fit-out.
He also said the colour choices were already stipulated due to light reflection and heat retention within the structure.
The new stadium is scheduled to open in time for the 2022 NRL Finals series, according to NSW Sports Minister Natalie Ward.
“We are proud to announce Tony Albert as the winner of the stadium seating design, and excited to see his design ‘Two Worlds Colliding’ come to life as the stadium is built,” she said.
“Building this world-class sporting and entertainment venue is providing a boost to the economy, with around 800 people working on site currently, with more jobs to be supported after it is complete.”
The 3D imagery also reveals safe standing areas behind the goals, similar to what’s in place at Parramatta’s Bankwest Stadium, where seating can be removed for football games.
The new stadium will be home to the Sydney Roosters, Sydney FC and the NSW Waratahs, with the South Sydney Rabbitohs also considering moving to the venue from Homebush.
Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Danny Townsend said this was another landmark moment in the creation of the new stadium.
“To have the seating design revealed brings us one step closer to completion and I’m excited,” he said.
“I think the design not only reflects all the great sporting battles to be held at the ground but provides a great nod to all the teams playing in shades of blue who will call this ground home.”
