Docklands Stadium
Information
Docklands Stadium, also known by its sponsored name Etihad Stadium, is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment stadium in the Docklands precinct of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Originally built as a replacement for Waverley Park the stadium is primarily used for Australian Rules Football and is the headquarters of the Australian Football League who as part of the construction deal assume ownership of the ground in 2020. Also headquartered at the stadium is Seven Network’s digital broadcast centre.
The stadium has been host to other sporting events, including regular Association football matches (as home to the Melbourne Victory) as well as one-off matches for sports including cricket, rugby league and rugby union as well as several specialised events and concerts.
Since it was built there has been a significant amount of criticism directed toward the facility, particularly from its major tenant, the AFL who have frequently regarded the stadium owner as a hostile landlord.
History
The stadium was developed as a replacement for Waverley Park. Originally developed by Docklands Stadium Consortium and thereafter controlled by Seven Network the remaining leasehold interest in the stadium, on 21 June 2006, was sold to James Fielding Funds Management for AU$330 million. In 2025 the AFL is expected to take over the ownership.
Like Waverley it was built for Australian Rules Football, unlike most grounds of a similar size in Australia which were originally designed for cricket. It is used as a home ground by the AFL clubs Carlton, Essendon, North Melbourne, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs.
Events
Events that have been held at Docklands include concerts by (Robbie Williams, Kiss, Barbara Streisand, Bruce Springsteen, Green Day and U2). Other events include wrestling (World Wrestling Entertainment Global Warning, 2002) and boxing (Kostya Tszyu vs Jesse James Leilya, 2003). Docklands Stadium is the only stadium in the world that has hosted One Day International cricket indoors as it is the only fully enclosed stadium in any major cricket playing country with a playing surface large enough to accommodate a conventional cricket match.
The ground hosted two quarter finals of the 2003 Rugby World Cup and the Rugby 7s at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The stadium was also used in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup for the Australia vs England game and is expected to be included in an Australian bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In the summer months it is used as the home ground for Melbourne Victory games in the A-League and the AFC Champions League.
Docklands Stadium pics
