Optus Stadium
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| Optus Stadium | |
|---|---|
| Name | Optus Stadium |
| Fullname | Optus Stadium |
| Location | Burswood, Perth, Western Australia |
| Broke ground | 2014 |
| Opened | 2018 |
| Owner | VenuesWest |
| Operator | VenuesWest |
| Surface | Grass |
| Capacity | 60,000 (expandable) |
| Architect | Cox Architecture, Hassell, HKS, Arup |
| Structural engineer | Arup |
| Services engineer | Aurecon |
| General contractor | Lendlease |
Optus Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Burswood, Western Australia, serving as a venue for Australian rules football, cricket, rugby union, soccer (association football), concerts, and cultural events. Located on the north bank of the Swan River near the Perth central business district, the venue replaced the aging Subiaco Oval as Perth’s principal large-capacity stadium and forms part of a precinct including the Perth Arena and Burswood Park. The stadium is operated by VenuesWest and was developed during the 2010s with public and private partnerships involving major construction firms and architectural studios.
History
The project was announced amid debates involving the Government of Western Australia, the City of Perth, and community groups about a new major sport facility to host the Australian Football League season and international touring teams such as England cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team. Site selection followed comparisons with alternatives like Subiaco Oval and proposals tied to redevelopment plans for the Burswood Peninsula. Political stakeholders including premiers and ministers negotiated funding arrangements while cultural organisations and heritage bodies assessed impacts on the Swan River foreshore. Construction commenced in 2014 under arrangements with contractors such as Lendlease and consultants including Arup and Aurecon, concluding with an official opening in 2018 which featured sporting fixtures and concerts involving touring artists and national teams.
Design and construction
Design teams led by firms such as Cox Architecture, Hassell and HKS developed a bowl-shaped stadium with sightlines arranged for both Australian rules football and cricket. Structural engineering was delivered by Arup with services by Aurecon; the build was managed by Lendlease in joint venture arrangements. The design emphasised views toward the Swan River and the Perth CBD, incorporating a cantilevered roof, modular seating, and plazas linking to the Burswood Park precinct. Environmental assessments referenced guidance from agencies including Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and sustainability consultants; construction used prefabricated elements and local materials where possible. Community consultation processes engaged stakeholders such as the Western Australian Football Commission and cultural heritage groups representing Indigenous interests.
Facilities and features
The stadium includes tiered seating, corporate suites, public concourses, and broadcast facilities compatible with networks like Seven Network, Nine Network and international broadcasters for events such as ICC Cricket World Cup fixtures and international concerts. Player facilities cater to teams from organisations like the Australian Football League and national rugby unions including Rugby Australia. Hospitality spaces host corporate clients, while public amenities provide food and retail options operated by local vendors and hospitality groups. The venue integrates ticketing and security systems coordinated with services such as Ticketmaster and local police commands. Accessibility features adhere to standards promoted by bodies including the Australian Human Rights Commission and disability advocacy organisations.
Events and usage
Since opening, the stadium has hosted Western Australian Football League and Australian Football League matches featuring clubs such as the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Football Club, international cricket including tours by the India national cricket team and domestic fixtures like Big Bash League, rugby internationals featuring teams from France national rugby union team and England national rugby union team, and global music tours by performers similar to those who frequent stadiums worldwide. The venue has been used for cultural festivals, community events, and occasionally for ceremonies linked to state celebrations. Event scheduling involves coordination with sporting bodies, artist promoters, and the City of Perth to manage crowd flows and precinct activation.
Transport and access
The stadium is served by public transport infrastructure including the Perth Stadium station, upgraded rail lines on the Mandurah railway line and bus services coordinated by Transperth. Road access improvements and parking management plans were implemented in consultation with the Western Australian planning agencies and local councils. Active transport options such as pedestrian routes and cycling connections tie into the Swan River Cycleway and regional trails. Event-day logistics are coordinated with emergency services including Police Force of Western Australia and transport operators to manage patron dispersal and safety.
Awards and recognition
The project received awards and professional recognition from industry bodies such as the Australian Institute of Architects, International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS), and engineering groups acknowledging aspects of design, sustainability, and construction innovation. Architectural journals and trade publications cited the stadium for its sightlines, urban integration with the Perth CBD, and multi-use flexibility. The precinct has been featured in case studies by universities and planning institutes examining large-scale sporting infrastructure and urban regeneration.