undefined

Telstra Stadium

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.

Telstra 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 Colonial Stadium which is now the Telstra Dome.