STADIUM Magazine - Winter 2016

WINTER 2016

IT'S COMING

SYDNEY

ANZ STADIUM TO BECOME A WORLD-CLASS RECTANGULAR STADIUM

STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT

SYDNEY’S NEW T OF SPORT ON TH

CONFIRMED: ANZ STADIUM TO BECOME ONE OF THE WORLD’S

THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN •

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NSW Premier Mike Baird and Sports Minister Stuart Ayres have confirmed the transformation of ANZ Stadium into a world-class rectangular stadium; Fans will enjoy the ultimate spectator experience for Rugby League, Football and Rugby Union, from seats significantly closer to the action; ANZ Stadium Members will enjoy some of the finest stadium Member facilities in the world; The NSW Government has commenced a detailed process on the redesign of ANZ Stadium.

ARTHUR STANLEY

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REMIER Mike Baird has confirmed that the NSW Government will transform ANZ Stadium – Sydney’s Olympic showpiece – into one of the world’s great rectangular stadiums.

Premier Baird and Sports Minister Stuart Ayres announced on Thursday 14 April that a large portion of the NSW Government’s allocated $1.6 billion investment in Sydney sporting infrastructure will go toward the redevelopment of ANZ Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park.

The Premier said the transformation of ANZ Stadium “will be fasttracked” and will begin “in the current term of Government”.

The NSW Government will now commence a detailed process on the redesign of ANZ Stadium.

ANZ Stadium Managing Director, Daryl Kerry, congratulated the

8-PAGE SPECIAL REPORT

THEATRE HE WAY

GREAT RECTANGULAR STADIUMS It's official . . . fans will soon be significantly closer to the action compared to the current Stadium design pictured here.

Picture: Dan Himbrechts

NSW Government on finalising its major investment in Sydney sporting infrastructure, saying it would bring enormous economic and social benefits to NSW. “By investing in the future of a network of stadiums in Sydney, the Government has ensured NSW will continue to attract world-class events, while also providing the best possible sport and entertainment facilities for fans of the major football codes,” Mr Kerry said.

“The planned investment in ANZ Stadium – Sydney’s Olympic stadium – will unlock the potential for major development throughout Greater Western Sydney, in particular Sydney Olympic Park and the Olympic Corridor through to Parramatta, earmarked as Sydney’s second CBD.” Mr Kerry said the transformation of ANZ Stadium would give Sydney one of the great rectangular stadiums of the world and, most importantly, was fantastic news for the fans who turn out week in

week out to watch their favourite sporting teams in action and at major sport and entertainment events.

“Once the ANZ Stadium redevelopment is complete, the fan experience will go to a completely new level, with the rectangular redesign bringing fans significantly closer to the action on the arena,” Mr Kerry said.

“Our valued ANZ Stadium Members will enjoy some of the best Stadium Member facilities anywhere in the world.

“Sydney will boast one of the great rectangular stadiums, which will be complemented by other major infrastructure projects including the WestConnex motorway project and the Western Sydney Light Rail network, which in turn will transform the transport experience to Sydney Olympic Park and the Stadium.”

The transformation of ANZ Stadium will begin in the current term of Continued Page 6

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STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT

Field of dreams . . . (from left) FFA Head of Corporate Affairs Kyle Patterson, Sports Minister Stuart Ayres, Premier Mike Baird, NRL CEO Todd Greenberg and ARU CEO Bill Pulver at the announcement of the ANZ Stadium redevelopment on 14 April. Picture: Phil Hillyard/The Daily Telegraph

CONFIRMED: SYDNEY’S NEW THEATRE OF SPORT From Page 5.

In conjunction with the Government’s government by 2019. The redeveloped major investment in Sydney stadiums, THERE WILL ALSO BE Stadium will be complemented by other Premier Baird also announced Sydney had IMPROVED TRANSPORT Government projects already announced secured long-term major events.

LINKS AND ACCESS, AND A that will supercharge the atmosphere in the “It means the country's premium sports SUPERCHARGED PRE-AND precinct and improve transport links from all content and major events will be showcased POST EVENT ATMOSPHERE in Australia’s global city for decades to come, over Sydney. These include: • The WestConnex Motorway Project as a result of our investment in world-class will connect the Sydney CBD, Sydney venues,” Premier Baird said.

Olympic Park and Parramatta with one continuous motorway.

The long-term content agreements secured with the NRL, ARU and The NSW Government has announced that ramps to and from FFA include: the widened M4 will connect to Sydney Olympic Park; • 20 years of NRL Grand Finals and State of Origin matches; • The NSW Government has announced that a new Western • 10 years of Bledisloe Cup and an additional test match each Sydney Light Rail service will connect Sydney's second CBD at year, a guaranteed Lions Tour Test match, along with Rugby Parramatta with the major events precinct of Sydney Olympic Sevens; and Park, continuing through to Strathfield. A Light Rail stop is • A 12 year agreement in principle with the FFA to host at least planned near the gates of ANZ Stadium; 12 Socceroos and 12 Matildas matches.

• Major commercial developments are planned in and around The upcoming redevelopment will transform Sydney’s Olympic Sydney Olympic Park, bringing new bars, cafes and eateries showpiece into one of the world’s great rectangular stadiums. to the precinct and development around the stadium that will It will allow Sydney to continue to compete nationally and supercharge pre-and-post-game atmosphere; internationally for the best major sports and entertainment events.

• The NSWRL, in conjuction with the NSW Government, has The Stadium has welcomed more than 23 million fans through the announced a $20 million High Performance Centre next to turnstiles since it was opened in 1999 in the lead-up to the Sydney the Blues' home ground ANZ Stadium. The NSWRL is moving Olympics. It has generated an estimated $5 billion for the NSW its administration offices to a new home at Sydney Olympic economy in economic revenue.

Park. The Blues will have their training field up and running A PriceWaterhouseCoopers report in 2014 showed ANZ Stadium for Origin 2017 and their High Performance Centre by 2018. contributes around $301 million annually to the NSW economy.

Players will enter the Stadium via the same tunnel Cathy An estimated 19 per cent of spectators in 2014 were international Freeman used during the Sydney Olympics. The entrance to the or interstate visitors – again emphasizing the importance of major tunnel will be inside the Blues' High Performance Centre. events to drive visitation, tourism and economic revenue.

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HOW THE BIG NEWS WAS

CELEBRATED

“A GLOBAL CITY LIKE SYDNEY NEEDS WORLD-CLASS SPORTING VENUES AND THIS INVESTMENT WILL ENSURE FANS AND SPORTING TEAMS HAVE THE FACILITIES THEY DESERVE. THIS HUGE INVESTMENT IN OUR STADIA WILL BOOST OUR CAPACITY TO ATTRACT BIG-TICKET EVENTS TO NSW, AS WELL AS CREATE AND SUPPORT THOUSANDS OF JOBS.” MIKE BAIRD, NSW PREMIER "THIS IS THE BIGGEST INVESTMENT IN SPORT AND MAJOR EVENT INFRASTRUCTURE IN NSW SINCE THE 2000 OLYMPICS. IT IS GREAT NEWS FOR THE CODES, BUT IT IS ALSO GREAT NEWS FOR THE NSW ECONOMY.” STUART AYRES, NSW SPORTS MINISTER "THIS IS AN HISTORIC DAY FOR RUGBY LEAGUE … ONE WHICH WILL GIVE OUR FANS THE COMFORT AND FACILITIES THEY DESERVE," TODD GREENBERG, NRL CEO “NSW PREMIER MIKE BAIRD WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED AS THE BUILDER OF A GOLDEN ERA FOR MAJOR EVENT SPORT IN SYDNEY." DAVID GALLOP, FFA CEO “WE ARE DELIGHTED THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS COMMITTED TO A STADIA NETWORK IN THE

WORLD’S GREATEST CITY . . . AND THE MAGNIFICENT REDEVELOPMENT OF ANZ STADIUM. BILL PULVER, ARU CEO “AS A PLAYER, I’M EXCITED ABOUT WHAT’S TO COME AT ANZ STADIUM – IT WILL SURPASS WHAT I’VE EXPERIENCED AS A PLAYER AND A FAN ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.” ISRAEL FOLAU, RUGBY SUPERSTAR “I’M THRILLED FOR SYDNEY, NOT JUST RUGBY LEAGUE. I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE A STATE OF ORIGIN GAME OR A GRAND FINAL PLAY IN THE NEW-LOOK RECTANGULAR STADIUM.” GREG INGLIS, RUGBY LEAGUE LEGEND “THIS WILL BE A STADIUM TO RIVAL WEMBLEY AND ALL THE GREAT RECTANGULAR STADIUMS OF THE WORLD.” STEVE MORTIMER, BULLDOGS CLUB LEGEND “THE INVESTMENT IN SYDNEY’S OLYMPIC STADIUM WILL HELP UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF THE OLYMPIC CORRIDOR THROUGH WESTERN SYDNEY." DAVID BORGER, WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CHAMBER

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STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT

WHAT REDEVELOPMENT M T

HE redevelopment of ANZ Stadium will transform the Members’ experience. Membership Manager JENNIFER DOWD answers the frequently asked questions.

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Why do we want to redevelop the Stadium?

ANZ Stadium – Sydney’s Olympic Stadium – has served NSW well since it opened in 1999, but it needs to be significantly upgraded to ensure it maintains its position as a market leader in the industry and continues to attract major events for Sydney.

The NSW Government has locked in significant content with the major sporting codes as a result of its $1.6 billion investment in Sydney stadium infrastructure, the highlight of which is the planned redevelopment of ANZ Stadium.

What will the redevelopment achieve?

ANZ Stadium will be transformed into one of the great rectangular stadiums of the world. It will offer a spectacular new event experience with Members and fans significantly closer to the action, greatly enhancing the game-day experience.

When does the redevelopment start and finish?

The redevelopment will start in the current term of government (by 2019). The redevelopment of ANZ Stadium will be coordinated with the completion of Parramatta Stadium, delivering the best results for spectators and sporting codes.

Will ANZ Stadium close during the building works?

There are no plans at this stage to close the Stadium during the redevelopment.

Will ANZ Stadium lose events during the construction period?

The Stadium team will do everything it can to minimize disruption to the ANZ Stadium Event Calendar.

How will the redevelopment improve Members’ seating?

A priority of the redevelopment will be to ensure ANZ Stadium Members enjoy the best seats in the house with improved seating options and greater freedom to move within the Stadium so as to enjoy the facilities.

While the western grandstand is redeveloped, where will Members be relocated?

Future Members’ experience . . . ANZ Stadium Members will enjoy some of the finest stadium Member facilities anywhere in the world.

Pictures: Brendon Thorne.

MEANS FOR MEMBERS It is still too early to understand the seating arrangements that may be required to cater for ANZ Stadium Members. Members will be kept up to date at all times on the redevelopment plans.

What will the capacity drop to during the redevelopment?

The designs for the stadium development have not been finalised.

We will consult with Members and other key stakeholders to understand their needs and use their input to help inform the Project Brief. The Project Brief will inform the designs for the stadium redevelopment.

What other facilities will be offered post redevelopment?

Major commercial developments are planned in the Sydney Olympic Park village. New shops, cafes, bars, eateries and restaurants will re-energise the Sydney Olympic Park town centre and create a lively Stadium precinct pre-and-post-event. By 2030, Sydney Olympic Park will have a daily population of 50,500 residents, workers and students, plus 25,000 visitors a day. A lively precinct will add further colour, energy and excitement to the pre-and-post-event experience.

The Premier announced that the NSW Government will buy back

the lease of the Stadium: why is Government doing this and what will a change of ownership mean for Members?

The NSW Government was due to assume ownership and control of ANZ Stadium upon the expiry of the existing lease in 2031.

By returning ANZ Stadium to public ownership early, the NSW Government will take full advantage of the benefits of ownership of ANZ Stadium 15 years ahead of schedule.

The State can now realise the full potential of its investment in the redevelopment of the Stadium.

Stadium Australia Group and the NSW Government are working toward a seamless transition of the lease.

Who will run the Stadium after the NSW Government acquires the ANZ Stadium business from the current lease?

While the ownership of the Stadium will change, the management and day-to-day operations will stay the same – keeping everything running as normal. It should be business as usual for ANZ Stadium Members with no noticeable change or impact.

Your future event experience: Pages 10-11.

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STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT

GOLDEN GLOW OF OLYMPIC CORRIDOR YOUR FUTURE EVENT EXPERIENCE

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HE REDEVELOPMENT OF ANZ STADIUM WILL BE COMPLEMENTED BY A SERIES OF MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES IN GREATER SYDNEY – PROVIDING GAME-CHANGING TRANSPORT ACCESS TO SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK AND SUPERCHARGING THE EVENTDAY EXPERIENCE. CRYSTELLE CORDERO TAKES US ON A JOURNEY INTO THE (NEAR) FUTURE.

LIGHT RAIL Fans will get to ANZ Stadium faster and easier than ever before using the new Western Sydney Light Rail service. The NSW Government has confirmed that the Western Sydney Light Rail service will be fast-tracked and will link the city’s major events precinct of Sydney Olympic Park with Westmead, Parramatta, Camellia, Carlingford, Lidcombe and Strathfield. A Light Rail tram stop is planned near the gates of ANZ Stadium.

BETTER ROADS Forget the horrors of Parramatta Road. Work is well underway on the $3.8 billion Stage 1 of the WestConnex motorway project which will substantially cut the travelling time between the CBD and Sydney Olympic Park. Fans who elect to drive will travel on four lanes to Sydney Olympic Park, bypassing more than 30 sets of traffic lights on a journey from the city. New on and off-ramps from the M4 will also deliver fans to and from Sydney Olympic Park easier and faster.

LIVELY VILLAGE The event experience at Sydney Olympic Park will soon feature exciting new cafes, bars, eateries and restaurants which will reenergise the Sydney Olympic Park town centre. By 2030, Sydney Olympic Park will have a daily population of 50,500 residents, workers and students, plus 25,000 visitors a day, which in itself will bring further life to the precinct.

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NEW BRIDGE LINKS URBAN PRECINCTS The $60 million Bennelong Bridge spanning Homebush Bay is now OPEN for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. It links two of Sydney’s most exciting new communities, Rhodes and Wentworth Point. Thousands of fans living in Western Sydney will access ANZ

Stadium easier by using the bridge. Building work on another new suburb is soon to get underway at Carter St (just behind the western gates of ANZ Stadium). These new urban areas will bring thousands of new residents and new commercial and retail developments to the Olympic Corridor.

IMPROVED PEAK RAIL SERVICES ANZ Stadium already features a peak rail service that can move as many as 27,600 fans per hour before and after major events.

Transport research shows that almost 76 per cent of all fans who attend major events at ANZ Stadium use public transport, with 62 per cent using the train service to Olympic Park. The NSW Government is committed to improving and streamlining the rail services to Sydney Olympic Park, both from the CBD and from Greater Western Sydney.

NEW HOME OF THE BLUES Laurie Daley has led his NSW Blues home to Sydney Olympic Park.

The NSW Rugby League is now officially housed in Sydney Olympic Park in temporary offices until its new $20 million NSWRL Centre of Excellence is built in Fig Grove on Dawn Fraser Avenue, next to ANZ Stadium. The Blues’ full-length training field will be up and running for 2017 with the new home of the Blues to be unveiled in 2018. NSW Blues players will be able to access ANZ Stadium via the tunnel that was used by athletes at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

SURF & TURF Feel like a swim or surf before the big game? Sydneysiders will be flocking to a giant wave park just a short walk from the gates of ANZ Stadium by 2018. The NSW Government has confirmed a $26.5 million wave lagoon will be built on the current P5 carpark at Sydney Olympic Park. UrbnSurf Sydney will create waves ranging between 1.7m and 0.6m high, allowing all levels of surfers to practice and enjoy their sport, without fear of sharks, jellyfish or dangerous rips. The surfing lagoon will feature Wavegarden wave-generating technology which will deliver authentic surfing waves, offering high-quality surfing experiences for beginners through to experts.

In summary, combined with the exciting redevelopment of ANZ Stadium, these major projects through the Olympic Corridor promise to electrify the event experience at Sydney Olympic Park.

LIGHT RAIL TO GATES OF ANZ STADIUM

BENNELONG BRIDGE CONNECTS RHODES WITH SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

CATCH A WAVE BEFORE THE GAME

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STADIUM OF OUR DREAMS THIS is the Stadium redevelopment that Sydney deserves.

A city that lives and breathes sport and loves world-class entertainment needs a major-events stadium in the geographical heart of the metropolis.

In this winter edition of STADIUM magazine, we report on Premier Mike Baird’s widely celebrated announcement (on Thursday 14 April) that a large portion of the NSW Government’s $1.6 billion in allocated funding for stadia upgrades will be used to take ANZ Stadium into a bold new era.

The Stadium that was constructed for the 2000 Sydney Olympics will again become the iconic building it was built to be, with the NSW Government committed to the transformation of ANZ Stadium into one of the great rectangular stadiums of the world.

“A global city like Sydney needs worldclass sporting venues and this investment will ensure fans and sporting teams have the facilities they deserve,” the Premier said.

While everyone in Sydney is excited for the future, we are also witnessing a year to remember in the sporting arena.

And the sequence of blockbusters is set to continue, with Awesome August ready to deliver a much-anticipated Bledisloe Cup Test match, plus a historic opening round game of the US College Football season.

The big events keep rolling at ANZ Stadium. Your Olympic Stadium.

- Arthur Stanley

STADIUM Editor-In-Chief Arthur Stanley Art Director Chloe Xuereb Managing Editor Jennifer Dowd Digital Editor Daniel Farrar Features Editor Crystelle Cordero Sports Writer Julian Keith Special Guest Writers Dean Richie, Greg Growden Marketing Jessica Shomar Membership Jennifer Dowd Corporate Hospitality Shane Stoddard Advertising Chris Silver

ANZ Stadium Managing Director Daryl Kerry Chief Operating Officer Steve Heytman Event & Business Development Greg Sleigh

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ANZ Stadium Contact Details T: 02 8765 2000 W: anzstadium.com.au Postal Address: Locked Bag 1999, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, 2127

SOCCEROOS V GREECE SATURDAY 4 JUNE AUSTRALIA 1 GREECE 0 CROWD: 38,682

WEEK OF BLOCKBUSTERS STADIUM STATE OF ORIGIN I WEDNESDAY 1 JUNE QLD 6 NSW 4 CROWD: 80,251

Picutres: Brendon Thorne

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STADIUM NRL GRAND FINAL

WHY YOU CAN’T MISS THE 2016 NRL GRAND FINAL Arthur Stanley

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THIS is No.1 all-time for me. This is what we do. We set out every year as a team to win a premiership and I couldn’t be any happier than I am right at this moment.”

The great Johnathan Thurston summed up just how special a Grand Final triumph is for the players after steering his North Queensland Cowboys to a heart-stopping extra-time victory in the 2015 Grand Final – rated by many as the greatest NRL decider of all time.

It’s not as if Thurston hasn’t had his share of big moments in a glittering footy career.

Last year he became the first ever four-time Dally M Medallist for the NRL season's best player. He also became the first ever three-time winner of the Golden Boot Award for the world's best player.

After kicking the high-pressure field goal that gave the Cowboys their unforgettable 17-16 victory in front of 82,758 fans in a golden moment at ANZ Stadium, the man they call JT was also awarded the Clive Churchill Medal as man of the match.

But, in Thurston’s eyes, all of these personal accolades take a back seat to the North Queensland Cowboys’ cherished first NRL premiership win.

For JT, there is no better reward than making other people’s dreams

'WE HAVE JUST WITNESSED ONE OF THE GREATEST GRAND FINALS OF ALL TIME.'

RABBITOHS 2014

ROOSTERS 2013

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come true. “I couldn’t be prouder of the boys and I am just really happy for the people of North Queensland who love their rugby league. It’s good for the fans and it’s good for the community. It makes people feel proud,” JT added.

The allure of a Grand Final victory is, ultimately, the driving force behind the countless hours of relentless training and preparation undertaken by NRL footballers each year.

“The Grand Final is the pinnacle,” says Canterbury-Bankstown playmaker Josh Reynolds, who has experienced the heartbreak of being on the losing side in two Grand Finals (2012, 2014).

“As a footy team, we start training in November and do a full preseason before playing week in week out during the season proper.

"You become like one big family, so you want to win for your teammates, your coach, everyone associated with the club and, especially, all the fans. Looking back, just to make the Grand Final is a great achievement. But to lose really is heartbreaking . . . and it’s why there is such a burning hunger in the Bulldogs camp to go one better. ”The Grand Final itself is such a spectacle. It’s a big week and the fans just get so passionate.”

It’s that passion that ensures rugby league fans clamor to be part of the big day. Each and every season we witness a golden NRL Grand Final story unfold.

Who will ever forget the heroics of JT and the Cowboys in 2015?

South Sydney fans will certainly never forget 2014 when their team broke a 43-year premiership drought. And then there was Sonny Bill Williams helping the Roosters lift the trophy in 2013.

All special days. So where will you be on Sunday 2 October this year? When #historyhappens.

2016 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final Sydney Sunday 2 October Member bookings close 12 Aug. See page 37 for Member dining options and Paying Guest prices.

COWBOYS 2015

Picutre: Crystelle Cordero

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STADIUM FOOTBALL

ARSENAL ON THE WAY Julian Keith

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IT’S been 40 years in the making, and now the dreams of Gunners fans across the nation are finally coming true.

English Premier League giants Arsenal are set to play back-to-back blockbusters at ANZ Stadium in 2017 against Sydney FC on Thursday 13 July at ANZ Stadium and Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday 15 July.

“It’s 40 years since Arsenal last visited Australia, so we’re delighted to partner with and play in one of the world’s great cities where we have a very strong and loyal Arsenal following,” said Gunners’ legendary manager, Arsene Wenger.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres, estimates the two matches will attract more than 28,000 domestic and international visitors to Sydney, with a total visitor spend of $18.6 million.

“Football fans around Australia and indeed the world should have the Arsenal tour dates in their diary, and book their trip to Sydney’s ANZ Stadium for two blockbuster matches,” Mr Ayres said.

“The Arsenal tour has been secured exclusively for Sydney by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, and I can’t wait to welcome Arsenal to our shores in 2017.

“General public tickets will go on sale on 19 July 2016, and I encourage all sports fans to come to Sydney and enjoy our great State. Arsenal will be bringing their first team squad, and going head-to-head with our two biggest local sides.”

Arsenal Chief Executive Officer Ivan Gazidis added: “Our pre-season matches enable the squad to complete final preparations ahead of a new campaign, and Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers will provide a strong test for the team.”

“The trip also gives our travelling squad a wonderful opportunity to see our loyal supporters in a country so passionate about football; it’s set to be a truly special trip and everyone at Arsenal Football Club is already looking forward to it.”

Visit the dedicated website arsenalinsydney.com to stay abreast of all Arsenal tour activities, dates and locations.

GUNNERS DOWN UNDER CARLY ADNO Life-long Gunners fan & Football Writer at The Daily Telegraph, Sydney

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HILE the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool make regular appearances all over the world, the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Arsenal outside of Europe is still somewhat of a rarity.

Which is why football fans in Sydney are in for a treat when the Gunners travel Down Under in 2017 to take on Sydney FC on Thursday 13 July and the Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday 15 July at ANZ Stadium. What a prospect!

The English Premier League giants, consistent in their title aspirations, top four finishes and Champions League appearances, are the ultimate entertainers when everything clicks.

With superstars all over the park and a cluster of little magicians in the midfield, Arsenal regularly draw comparisons with Barcelona when they drop their guard and are at their free-flowing best.

ARSENALINSYDNEY.COM #ARSENALINSYDNEY ARSENAL FC V SYDNEY FC THURSDAY 13 JULY, 2017 ARSENAL FC V WANDERERS SATURDAY 15 JULY, 2017 ANZ STADIUM MEMBERSHIP SALES (02) 8765 2600 ANZ STADIUM OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY 1300 13 40 10 TICKETS ON SALE 10AM TUESDAY 19 JULY, 2016

Pictures courtesy of Arsenal Football Club

And there’s little doubt they will bring their best to Sydney, both in terms of players and style.

A wily Alexis Sanchez weaving through the Sky Blues defence, Mesut Ozil unlocking the Wanderers’ organised structure with a through ball only he could conjure, and Olivier Giroud rising to meet the ball (without disturbing his "gorgeous" hair). But both Sydney FC and the Wanderers will have plenty of opportunities themselves – Arsenal rarely sit back, even when there’s much at stake, even when some would argue that they should know better.

While Sydney FC have links to Arsenal – many of the club’s fans support both teams and striker Shane Smeltz is a Gunner – the Wanderers are even more closely associated with the team from north London. There is a passionate Arsenal fan-base in Western Sydney . . . and then there’s Tony Popovic’s assistant coach, Andres Carrasco.

Carrasco spent 14 years at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and discovered Hector Bellerin, the former Barcelona youth player who went on to sign a professional contract with Arsenal at just 17 years of age. In a frustrating season for Arsenal fans, the right back Bellerin was a consistent shining light. Carrasco also spent time at Malaga when Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal were there.

Things change quickly in professional football; players come and go, so too do managers. Unless you’re Arsene Wenger, that is. Wenger is the longest serving manager in the Premier League having joined Arsenal 20 years ago. He’s the club’s most successful manager.

Sydney-based Arsenal fans will love the opportunity to see Wenger patrol the sideline alongside Graham Arnold and Tony Popovic.

Arsenal in Sydney in back-to-back games at ANZ Stadium.

It’s a dream for Gunners fans on this side of the world.

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STADIUM FOOTBALL

BRING ON SYDNEY DERBY WANDERERS TO OLYMPIC PARK •

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Western Sydney Wanderers to play FIVE blockbusters at ANZ Stadium in season 2016/17, and their other home games at neighbouring Spotless Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park; The 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season to kick off with Sydney Derby at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 8 October; Wanderers to host TWO Sydney Derbies at ANZ Stadium in 2016/17 - plus play EPL giants Arsenal in July 2017; ANZ Stadium Members get priority seats to all games at ANZ Stadium, including the two Sydney Derbies and the two Arsenal football classics.

Julian Keith

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HE Sydney Derby is poised to grow into one of the great traditional derbies in world football when the Western Sydney Wanderers host their cross-city rivals Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium this coming season.

Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop admits his organisation still does not know how big the Sydney Derby can be, having watched the event sell out smaller venues at Parramatta and Moore Park.

On Saturday 8 October, the Wanderers will host the first Sydney Derby of the 2016/17

season at ANZ Stadium in a match that could potentially set a new attendance record in the Hyundai A-League.

The early-season blockbuster is expected to smash the existing A-League crowd record of 55,436.

The Wanderers will play five A-League games at ANZ Stadium in the 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season – including two Sydney Derbies against Sydney FC. The Wanderers have announced that they will be based at Sydney Olympic Park from next season, with matches to be played at ANZ Stadium and the neighbouring boutique venue Spotless Stadium.

Stadium Australia Operations Managing Director, Mr Daryl Kerry, said: “In just four seasons, the Western Sydney Wanderers have established themselves as one of Australia's outstanding sporting clubs.

WANDERERS @ ANZ STADIUM 2016/17 Sat 8 Oct v Sydney FC *Sydney Derby Sat 10 Dec v Melbourne Victory Sunday 1 Jan v Perth Glory Saturday 18 Feb v Sydney FC *Sydney Derby Sat 8 April v Melbourne Victory

“We look forward to welcoming the Wanderers and their passionate supporters to Sydney’s Olympic stadium.

"In particular, we’re excited to be hosting our first Sydney Derby in October and giving everybody in Greater Sydney the opportunity to experience this magnificent event.

“There is no doubt the Sydney Derby – played in the city’s major events stadium – has the potential to build into one of the world’s great football contests.

“Having the Western Sydney Wanderers calling Sydney Olympic Park home is further great news for our ANZ Stadium Members and Corporate Guests.”

Wanderers CEO, Mr John Tsatsimas, said the decision to move to venues at Sydney Olympic Park while Parramatta Stadium is rebuilt was based on strong member feedback and the best interests of the

sustainability and growth of the Wanderers club. “The overwhelming response from our Members was they wanted a central location that has good public transport and access, not only to cater for our current 18,431 members but indeed have room to grow,” Mr Tsatsimas said.

“Sydney Olympic Park offers two exceptional venues in ANZ Stadium and Spotless Stadium which will best serve our current member base and provide a major growth opportunity for the club, which allows us to offer a greater number of Wanderers fans access to our blockbuster matches both now and into the future.

“We look forward to creating an environment at both venues that will retain the atmosphere that has become synonymous with Wanderers matches, as well as creating a new standard in our delivery of match days

to our members, new fans and corporate partners.”

Greg Sleigh, ANZ Stadium’s General Manager of Event & Business Development, said: “The announcement by the Western Sydney Wanderers is great news for all sports fans in Greater Sydney.

“We have a vision for the Sydney Derby becoming one of the world’s great football derbies and one of the great sporting events in Australia when it is played in front of a massive crowd at Sydney’s Olympic stadium . . . the venue for so many of Australian football’s greatest moments.”

Adding to a packed 2016/17 events calendar at ANZ Stadium, the Wanderers will also feature in a football classic against English Premier League giants Arsenal on Saturday 15 July 2017 – just 48 hours after Sydney FC line up against the Gunners.

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STADIUM COLLEGE FOOTBALL

BATTLE OF THE GIANTS JULIAN KEITH

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F anyone has the authority to talk American Football, it’s Colin Scotts. The first Australian to receive a scholarship to play NCAA College Football and the first Australian to be drafted into the NFL. When it comes to gridiron, Scotts knows his stuff.

So it’s no surprise to see him beating the drum as the opening game of the 2016 NCAA College Football season comes to Sydney in August.

“There’s going to be fireworks,” says Scotts, “you’ve got two great historical colleges going at it on the field and then there’s the cheerleaders, the bands and the fans off it – it’s going to be a one hell of an atmosphere.

“It’s just a magical, magical game. The passion, the love and the spirit of College Football is unbelievable. It’s just huge and I can’t wait for Aussies to get a taste of it.”

It’s no wonder Scotts is excited: the game he loves is coming to town and will see his story come full circle.

Back in the 1980s, a young and talented Colin Scotts went on a

whirlwind Rugby Union tour of the United States. By chance, a coach from the University of Hawaii spotted him playing and decided this young kid from Sydney was worth a shot.

And now, 30 years later, Scotts’ old school is making the 8000km journey in the other direction and coming to Sydney to take on one of the best talent-producing colleges in America.

While the University of California, Berkeley has the pedigree, Hawaii has the passion, with an entire island fanatical about their University football team. And Scotts has no doubt you’ll see all that passion, pedigree and more on Saturday 27 August when the Cal Bears take on the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in the College Football Sydney Cup. “In America the fans get to the stadium four or five hours before the game starts and stay four or five hours after it finishes.

“The College game is faster, more free, more explosive – these are kids playing for their future and they really go after it.

“It’s just a really exciting thing for Sydney and for Australia. The players are going to light it up so it’s on us as the fans to get to ANZ Stadium, have a big party and embrace what this great sport is all about.”

Picture: Cameron Richardson/The Daily Telegraph

College Football Sydney Cup Saturday 27 August 2016 University of California, Berkeley v University of Hawaii Kick-off:12 noon

Huge pre and post-game party planned in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct.

Member bookings close 26 Aug. See page 37 for Member dining options and Paying Guest prices.

Tickets on sale now ticketek.com.au

SYDNEYSIDER TO LINE UP FOR RAINBOW WARRIORS Iain Payten The Daily Telegraph

COLLEGE FOOTBALL BIG-GAME GUIDE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY • • • • • •

Nickname: Golden Bears (#GoBears) Team colours: Berkeley Blue and California Gold Five National Championships 14 Conference Titles Head Coach: Sonny Dykes Mascot: Oski the Bear

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII • • • • •

Nickname: Rainbow Warriors (#GoBows) Team Colours: Green, white and black Four Conference Titles Head Coach: Nick Rolovich Mascot: Vili the Warrior

MAX Hendrie was expecting to be lining up for tickets to the historic College Football clash at ANZ Stadium on 27 August.

But he won’t need to queue up now.

Hendrie will be out on the field instead.

The Sydney teenager has recently signed on a football scholarship to attend the University of Hawaii, who will face off against the University of California in the college football season opener.

Hendrie is hoping to follow in the footsteps of former NRL star Jarryd Hayne and transition from the rugby codes into the world of college football, which almost rivals the NFL for popularity in the US. Weighing 112kg and standing 194cm, Hendrie was a powerhouse winger for the Scots College school in 2014 but he had an ambition to study in the US and give gridiron a crack.

Assisted by the contacts and training of mentor Paul Manera — who also played for the University of Hawaii in the 1980s — Hendrie impressed recruiters before signing an official letter of intent to play for the “Rainbow Warriors”.

Hendrie is a versatile athlete considered for both offensive and defensive roles.

He is already dreaming big.

“I want to take the ball as far as I can. I am going over there to study, but I am also going to make a success of football,” Hendrie said.

“It is what I love doing. I love the training.

There is just supreme athleticism in the NFL, to be a part of that one day would be a dream.”

Hendrie will be the latest in a line of Australians to play for University of Hawaii, after Colin Scotts, Mat McBriar, Scott Harding, Alex Dunnachie and Paul Manera.

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STADIUM BLEDISLOE CUP

RUGBY'S GREAT

RIVALRY Bledisloe Cup Saturday 20 August See Page 37 for Member booking and dining options.

22

T

HERE are some fantastic rugby myths – one of the best involving how the 15-man code was supposed to have begun.

The town of Rugby, near Birmingham in the United Kingdom, has long celebrated the game, centring on the playing fields at its famed school, where in 1823 one of its students, William Webb Ellis, during a game of football, apparently picked up the ball and ran towards the opposition.

At the end of Rugby School’s impressive playing fields, a plaque set in a brick wall says: “This stone commemorates the exploits of William Webb Ellis who, with a fine disregard for the rules of football as played in his time, first took the ball in his arms and ran with it, thus organising the distinctive feature of the Rugby game.”

And so Webb Ellis has been celebrated ever since as the founder of the game. At the World Cup, the teams play for the William Webb Ellis Trophy.

However, it is a dubious story, passed off by many rugby historians as a silly tale, especially as it didn’t surface until several years after Webb Ellis died.

The origins of the game are far more complex.

Another contentious story revolves around how the almighty New Zealand team – one of the superstar line-ups to appear at ANZ Stadium this year – became known as the All Blacks.

The often repeated story revolves around a newspaper error during New Zealand’s epic tour of Britain, France and the United States in 1905-06.

So it goes, after New Zealand defeated Hartlepool, J.A Buttery, the London Daily Mail reporter covering the game, wrote that the visiting team played with such speed and precision it was as if they were “all backs”.

However, a printer’s error saw an “I” inserted and ‘all backs’ became “All Blacks”. The real story, which has strong Australian undertones, is that they were called the All Blacks a long, long time before they arrived in Britain.

As Ron Palenski writes in his outstanding Rugby: A New Zealand History, the first known published reference was in the Sydney sporting newspaper The Referee on June 26, 1889 when the New Zealand Natives team played NSW in Sydney.

The unnamed reporter described “a grand and exciting match”, which was played in front of “a splendid attendance, between 7000 and 8000 well-dressed citizens”.

“Intense excitement prevailed during the greater portion of the match, and when I saw that NSW led by 9 points to love up to the first few minutes of the second spell, it can be imagined how the All Blacks played up during the last term to turn the tables as they did.”

Over the next few years there were references to the New Zealand rugby team being the All Blacks, including by the Sydney correspondent of The Evening Post in Wellington, NZ, who assessing its chances of beating the British team which had just played NSW, wrote: “If the New Zealand forward team is as good as it ought to be, I think the chances favour the All Blacks."

Nowadays, the All Blacks brand is near priceless.

However, it all could have been far different if a proposed rugby amalgamation involving New Zealand, NSW, Queensland and Victoria had occurred.

In 1893, New Zealand team manager George Campbell, while in Sydney, suggested to NSW officials the idea of one major Trans-Tasman union.

This frothed along for several years, until a motion was moved at a special general meeting of the New Zealand union in 1899 that an Australasian union be formed “to have entire control of the game in the Australasian colonies”. The motion lost by 21 votes to six.

Four years later, New Zealand and Australia were tussling each other at Test level.

A century on, everyone who attends the Bledisloe Cup match at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 20 August can cherish and enjoy one of world sport’s richest of duels. *Greg Growden is one of the most respected voices in Australian rugby: a former Sydney Morning Herald sportswriter who is now Rugby Correspondent for ESPN scrum.com

Picture: Brendon Thorne.

GREG GROWDEN

23

STADIUM MONSTER JAM

GET READY TO RUMBLE REV YOUR ENGINES! MONSTER JAM IS RETURNING TO ANZ STADIUM THIS OCTOBER 24

NEED TO KNOW What: An awesome night of high-octane family entertainment When: Saturday 22 October Offficial Hospitality: 1300 13 40 10 ANZ Stadium Members: anzstadium.com.au/members or call 1300 136 006 option 1

T

HE world’s biggest and baddest monster trucks are set to battle for supremacy as Monster Jam roars into Sydney on Saturday 22 October, with the ultimate dirt-flying, car-crushing explosive event.

Returning in 2016 will be fan-favourite trucks Grave Digger, Monster Mutt Dalmatian and Max-D, alongside new additions Alien Invasion, Pirates Curse and the yellow El Toro Loco, who will pump up the crowd with breathtaking stunts.

The show will feature four unique Monster Jam driver competitions – Monster Jam Wheelies, Racing, Donuts and the coveted Freestyle competitions, with the Freestyle Motocross and Quad Wars also set to return. Plus, fans can get up close to their favourite trucks and meet the superstar drivers at the pre-event Party in the Pits kicking off from 2pm.

The ANZ Stadium pitch will be transformed in to a Monster Jam playground for the event – dumped with 7500 tonnes of dirt to create a centre stage of spectacular jumps and obstacles.

The stars of the show are the Monster Jam trucks, massive customdesigned racing machines up to 4m tall and 4m wide, which weigh-in around 5500kg.

Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, the powerful beasts perform breathtaking stunts and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in under three seconds.

They literally fly – covering up to 50m in a single leap (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 12m skywards.

Bookings are now open for Monster Jam 2016, so make sure you’re here to witness all the jaw-dropping action of these daredevil trucks!

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ACCESS ALL AREAS ACCESS ALL AREAS ERO D R O C E L L CRYSTEYOU BEHIND THE TAKES

S

SCENE

TRY ME! PREMIUM WINE EXPERIENCE Available in Arena Restaurant, Gold Members Brasserie, Stadium Café and Platinum Café.

“Add some indulgence and flair to your game day dining experience with ANZ Stadium’s Premium Wine Experience.

Not only will you enjoy some very special wines, your premium wine will be decanted and served from one of our Riedel Crystal Wine Decanters and served into our Riedel varietal glassware at your table. Just ask one of our friendly staff for the Premium Wine Menu on your next visit.”

– Andreas Breitfuss, Head of Catering.

SPORTS IQ 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

HATS OFF TO CHEF

F

ROM humble beginnings growing up on a farm in Ireland, to running the kitchens at the Sydney Olympics and Rugby World Cup, ANZ Stadium Executive Chef John Deane (pictured above) has a plethora of talent and experience under his chef’s whites - so it's no surprise he has been named a Finalist for 2016 Executive Chef of the Year by the prestigious Executive Chefs Club.

Having worked at ANZ Stadium for the past 12 years, Deane knows exactly what it takes to successfully run 27 kitchens and deliver to over 80,000 fans on major event nights.

“Consistency and constantly trying to improve the little things is the secret. You can’t just turn on and off – you have to be consistent. And that’s the food, the staff, the service, the standard, everything,” says Deane.

Chef and his team are constantly creating, reinventing and evolving the whopping 3500 recipes in their collection. The result? The best Stadium fare you’ll find in Australia, whether it’s a gourmet meat pie for the average punter or a roast beef fillet and braised beef daube with beetroot puree, horseradish cream and pistachio orange crumble for the Premier of NSW. Through to the final round of the Executive Chef of the Year competition, Deane now has to prepare an 8-course tapas-style menu for the judges. Best of luck to our amazing Chef!

RECKON YOU’RE A SPORTING GENIUS?

HOW MANY MINOR PREMIERSHIPS HAVE THE SHARKS WON? WHICH EPL TEAM DID TIM CAHILL PLAY FOR? NAME THE 2000 SYDNEY OLYMPIC MASCOTS? THE BLEDISLOE CUP IS NAMED AFTER LORD BLEDISLOE. WHAT WAS HIS ACTUAL NAME? HOW MANY POINTS IS A TOUCHDOWN WORTH IN AMERICAN FOOTBALL?

CHECK YOUR ANSWERS IN THE MARGIN OF THE PAGE.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

THE PIC-WORTHY HIGHLIGHTS THAT HAD OUR SOCIAL TRIBES TALKING . . .

JOIN THE TRIBE TODAY @ANZSTADIUM #ANZSTADIUM

d ANZ Stadium: HOW goo s one Thr of e Gam is this! on star Alfie Allen AKA The s tos n coi the ng doi y Greyjo wn for Canterbury-Banksto Eels Bulldogs v Parramatta tonight!

ACCESS ALL AREAS ACCESS ALL AREAS KID COURAGEOUS I

Answers: Two, Everton, Ollie / Syd / Millie, Charles Bathurst, Six.

T was an evening to showcase the heroes of Australian sport. But it was the courage of a humble 12-year-old boy that stole the show Over 700 ANZ Stadium Members and guests turned out for the 6th Annual Members’ Dinner on Tuesday 10 May, excited to meet the legends of Aussie sport.

Selfies, autographs and conversations about Origin were all on the cards. But not many guests (if any) expected to find inspiration and a shining example of bravery, resilience and courage to come from the littlest guest in the room.

Western Sydney boy Thomas Wells (pictured right with Israel Folau) was born with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease which has seen him undergo three separate liver transplants in his 12 years of life.

Despite all of this, Thomas was quite possibly the happiest guest of the night, sitting stoically among the crowd, beaming at the prospect of meeting his sporting heroes. “It puts everything in perspective, doesn’t it?” said a noticeably moved Izzy. “They talk about courage.

That’s real courage.”

After speaking about Bledisloe on stage, Izzy invited Thomas up and presented him with a Wallabies No.15 jersey. His Dad Steve struggled to hold back tears.

“Thomas had an absolutely fantastic time,” Steve said the next day. “He still can’t get the smile off his face.”

GET SOCIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO GREG SMITH, THIS EDITION’S SOCIAL STAR!

Rove & Sam : We are here at @ANZSta dium and ri ght behind our @NRL_Bulld ogs!! #proudtobea bulldog

Craig Wing: Had fun today reuniting with some old team mates, throwing on the sky blue and going for a trot one more time on @ANZStadium.

Thanks @nswrl1908 True Blues Touch Day #blues #origin

Share your favourite moments at the Stadium by tagging @ANZStadium on Twitter and Instagram for your chance to win a $50 Food & Beverage voucher and be featured in Stadium magazine.

Instagram: mencarecc: Great to get two in a row! #proudtobeabulldog

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STADIUM MEETINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

GIDDY UP TO THE THERE’S NO BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE THE SPORT OF KINGS THAN TO EAT, DRINK AND PARTY LIKE ROYALTY AT ANZ STADIUM’S MELBOURNE CUP LUNCH, SAYS CRYSTELLE CORDERO 28

W

ITH Flemington Racecourse over 800km away, the office kitchen or local pub are too often the last-minute options in Sydney for watching The Race That Stops A Nation.

But here’s a guaranteed winner for the first Tuesday in November this year: ANZ Stadium’s inaugural Melbourne Cup Lunch will be off and racing from 12 noon on Tuesday 1 November.

Guests will be treated to sparkling wine and delicious canapés upon arrival, with a custom Melbourne Cup menu created by Executive Sous Chef, Craig Veigel. “We’ve put together a fantastic spring menu for the event, with a focus on culinary delights designed from the freshest seasonal and regional produce Australia has to offer.”

Located on The Cauldron Terrace, the luncheon will feature a sweeping panorama of the arena and, of course, ANZ Stadium’s two 23

MELBOURNE CUP metre super-sized screens that will showcase the big race live.

A Sound Agents DJ will be spinning the tracks over the fourhour lunch, with lucky door prizes, racing sweeps and other live entertainment taking place throughout the event.

And make sure your fashion game is on point, with prizes for winners of the Best Dressed competition.

With on-site TAB outlets at your service, you’ll thankfully have plenty of change for a flutter, with Lunch packages starting from just $99 for canapÊs, main, dessert and a glass of sparkling.

ANZ Stadium Members and Suite Holders are entitled to receive 10 per cent off the premium package ($150.00pp) when booking a table of 10.

So be part of a great Melbourne Cup function this November!

OFF AND RACING MELBOURNE CUP LUNCH Tuesday 1 November To book: Call (02) 8765 3032

MEETINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS To find out more about hosting your next event at ANZ Stadium: visit anzstadium.com.au/the-stadium/conferences-events

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STADIUM OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY

FOOTBALL SUITE LIFE WATCH UPCOMING BLOCKBUSTERS IN STYLE BY ENTERTAINING YOUR CLIENTS IN AN ANZ STADIUM PRIVATE SUITE. CRYSTELLE CORDERO REPORTS.

T

30

HE opening round Sydney Derby, any one of the five Western Sydney Wanderers’ home games this summer, or the Big Daddy of them all . . . English Premier League giants Arsenal at ANZ Stadium.

If you are a football follower, this is your opportunity to kick a winning goal with your most important clients by entertaining and engaging them at an event they will long remember.

With spectacular views, a private balcony, gourmet dining, premium beverages and dedicated concierge and wait staff, private suites are the ultimate corporate experience.

“The feedback we receive from private suite clients is that they can never go back to normal seats,” says Shane Stoddard, General Manager of Sales and Sponsorship.

“The biggest advantage is that inside the luxury of your own suite

you can spend quality one-on-one time with your clients, while outside on the balcony you get to experience all the action,” says Stoddard.

Located on levels three and five, ANZ Stadium’s 110 Private Suites can host between 14 and 40 people and can be purchased on an annual or event-by-event basis.

“Off the back of the recent Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Socceroos blockbusters, our clients have been screaming out for more quality football content at the Stadium, so we’re thrilled to announce these exciting new football fixtures.”

NEED TO KNOW

Corporate Hospitality bookings are now open for the two must-see Arsenal clashes and all five Wanderers home games.

Call 1300 13 40 10 to design a package with our Corporate Hospitality team now, or visit anzstadium.com.au/official-hospitality

MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

A LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN JOHN CLARKE, CHAIRMAN STADIUM AUSTRALIA CLUB

AS an ANZ Stadium Member, your ticket to every game is included in your Membership.

Want to be part of the action? Become an ANZ Stadium Member today at anzstadium.com.au/membership or call (02) 8765 2600.

play, and there will be significant upgrades to Members’ facilities. The announcement also confirmed that the major events that Members have enjoyed since the Stadium opened in 1999, will continue to be played at ANZ Stadium.

With the 2016 football season in full swing we have already enjoyed some great action at the Stadium this year, highlighted by a bumper Easter weekend of NRL featuring four of our home teams the Rabbitohs,

Bulldogs, Eels and Tigers. Then it was the return of State of Origin I, followed by the Socceroos v Greece international in June.

The second half of the year is set to be just as thrilling. Members can look forward to the third game in the State of Origin series, the only Bledisloe Cup on Australian soil on 20 August, the opening game of the 2016 NCAA College Football Championships on 27 August and, of course, the NRL Grand Final. Plus, there is the added bonus of NRL finals (should our home teams qualify to host).

We look forward to continuing to deliver Australia’s best and most diverse calendar of events along with outstanding services and value to Members.

I look forward to seeing you at the Stadium.

Membership Renewals Pay your annual subscription 24 hours a day anzstadium.com.au/members Option 3

Mail ANZ Stadium Member Services Locked Bag 1999, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, 2127

Members’ Ticketing Event booking and all ticketing enquiries.

Book online at: anzstadium.com.au/members Option 1

Member Services For all other Membership enquiries anzstadium.com.au/members Email: membership@anzstadium.com.au Option 2 Fax: +61 2 8765 2999

Member Services Contact Hours Non Event Days: Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays) 9am to 5.30pm.

Major Event Days: By telephone 2 hours prior to gate opening. Box office opens 30 minutes prior to gate opening time.

Members’ Dining To book your dining, book online at: anzstadium.com.au/members Option 1

Membership Sales Call our sales team today on 02 8765 2600

General Admission Event Days Box Office M/N only, 30 minutes prior to gate opening time.

W

elcome to Members’ Central – the dedicated Members’ section of STADIUM magazine. ANZ Stadium Members will find essential information here about booking events, Member dining, attending matches and exclusive Member offers.

I take great pleasure to confirm the NSW Government’s recent announcement that it is committed to the transformation of ANZ Stadium into what I have no doubt will be the best rectangular configured stadium in Australia, if not the world.

The redevelopment of the Stadium will bring fans significantly closer to the field of

MEMBER SERVICES CONTACTS Member Services Online anzstadium.com.au/members ANZ Stadium Members’ Information Line 1300 136 006

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MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

MAX YOUR MEMBERSHIP WE ASKED ANZ STADIUM MEMBERSHIP MANAGER JENNIFER DOWD TO GIVE US THE LOWDOWN ON HOW YOU CAN MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP.

32

As Membership Manager, what questions do you get asked the most?

“One of the most frequent questions we’re asked is ‘Can I bring guests?’ Members can purchase up to three Paying Guest tickets per Membership right. This is a great way for your friends to experience all the perks of being a Member for a day.

‘What’s the dress code?’ is another common question. Dress code in the Members areas is smart casual, so that means no thongs, tracksuits, torn or dilapidated clothing. The good news is that team jerseys are more than welcome!

Finally, we’re often asked where Members’ seats are located. The 18,400 seats that make up the Members Reserve are situated on Levels One, Four and Six, on the western side of the Stadium. The seats run from the centre of the field out to the dead-ball line, with easy access to Members facilities such as Members Lounges and Terraces.”

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a Member?

“The fact that you’ve got a guaranteed seat to every regular sporting event held at ANZ Stadium, which includes blockbusters like State of Origin, Bledisloe and the NRL Grand Final. The 47 events held at the Stadium in 2015 represented over $2500 worth of tickets, which Members’ enjoyed for just $743. Members also have access to exclusive facilities, dining and bars, entertainment and special offers.”

Tell us how dining works?

“ANZ Stadium Members can choose to dine in three exclusive Member restaurants: our fine-dining restaurant Arena; the á la carte Members’ Restaurant; or buffet-style dining in the Members’ Brasserie. Members’ dining is hugely popular, so my advice is to get in early and always make a reservation at the same time as you book your tickets for major events. You can do this either online at anzstadium.com.au/members or call 1300 136 006 – Option 1.”

What Member perks do most people forget about?

“Members can purchase a Members’ Fan Pass which allows you to bring a guest all year round to NRL regular season games. Essentially, this means for just $113, you can bring a partner or friend to over 26 matches. The best bit: you only have to use it four times to get your money’s worth.

Another fantastic perk is our reciprocal rights program, which gives you access to Members facilities at other sporting venues across Australia and New Zealand, including the MCG, the Australian Turf Club, the ‘Gabba, Westpac Stadium in Wellington, Eden Park in Auckland and more.”

How does the seating rotation work?

“For major events such as Bledisloe Cup and NRL Grand Final, seats are allocated in advance using a seating rotation system (thanks to a clever algorithm), to provide a fair and equal opportunity for all Members to experience the best seats in the Members' Reserve.

The feedback we’ve received is that this is Members’ preferred method, as Members can arrive at the venue and enjoy the Members’ facilities at their leisure rather than having to rush for a seat as soon as gates open.”

MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

ICING ON THE CAKE THE MEMBER BENEFITS KEEP ROLLING WITH THESE FOUR AWESOME ADDITIONS TO THE MASSIVE SEASON OF EVENTS AT ANZ STADIUM JENNIFER DOWD REPORTS.

match Sydney Swans membership by visiting the ‘Benefits and Offers’ page at www.anzstadium.com.au/members. This offer is valid until 15 July 2016.

SYDNEY THUNDER ANZ Stadium Members can enjoy free access to three of the Sydney Thunder’s home games at neighbouring Spotless Stadium in the 2016/17 season. Members will also have access to a special prepurchase window for the big Sydney Smash against cross-city rivals the Sydney Sixers. Details about the upcoming Big Bash season will be available soon.

GWS GIANTS and ANZ Stadium have partnered to offer ANZ Stadium Members an exclusive three game GIANTS Membership for only $15.

That’s a saving of $64! Members receive a Member Card valid for entry to any three regular GIANTS home games played at Spotless Stadium.

Members also receive a GIANTS Member pack. Offer closes Friday 8 July 2016.

SYDNEY SWANS

ANZ Stadium Gold Members can access a complimentary Sydney Swans Red 3 Membership in 2016, 2017 and 2018. This includes access to any three of the 11 home matches played at the SCG and access to exclusive dining and bar facilities. Gold Members who want to attend Swans matches in 2016 can register to receive the three

GWS GIANTS

NSW WARATAHS

In 2016 Waratahs Rugby and ANZ Stadium partnered to offer Members a complimentary NSW Waratahs 3 Game Flexi Membership which entitled Members to attend any three Waratahs home games played at Allianz Stadium. A suite of Member benefits were also included. Stay tuned for another Tahs offer in 2017.

Look out for additional benefits and offers in Members' eNews.

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MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

A NIGHT WITH THE STARS Crystelle Cordero

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34

HE stars were shining bright on Tuesday 10 May – both in the sky and on the field for the 6th Annual ANZ Stadium Members' Dinner.

Mingling with over 700 Members and guests were some of the heroes of Australian sport and the ANZ Stadium Ambassadors: Rabbitohs captain and Maroons legend Greg Inglis, Wallabies and Waratahs superstar Israel Folau, Bulldogs favourite Josh Reynolds, Wests Tigers young gun Luke Brooks, and Dragons champion Benji Marshall.

Special guests included Blues coach Laurie Daley, Blues captain Paul Gallen, Maroons coach Kevin Walters, former All Black Daryl Gibson, and the larger-than-life former NFL player Colin Scotts.

Drinks, photos and catch-ups on the hallowed turf were followed by a three-course dinner in the Millennium Dining Room.

Members were treated to insights on State of Origin, Bledisloe

Cup and the upcoming College Football Sydney Cup clash from the masterminds of the games, and Managing Director Daryl Kerry shared exclusive Stadium redevelopment news and plans with guests.

James Stormon, the Clinical Program Director at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, shared the story of young Thomas Wells, a 12-year-old patient who has battled through and survived three separate liver transplants – reminding us all of the most important aspect of the evening – raising money for sick children who need it most.

More than $32,000 was raised on the night, which will go towards traction beds, cardiac monitors, urodynamic machines to prevent kidney damage, and dermatome machines used to make skin grafts.

Israel Folau summed up the special night after meeting with young Thomas and presenting him with a signed Wallabies jersey: "They talk about courage . . . but that's real courage. This is a great night not just for the Members, but for a really important cause."

MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

Pictures: Brendon Thorne.

35

MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

Pictures courtesy of Arsenal Football Club

ARSENAL FC IN SYDNEY 2017 MEMBERS’ PRIORITY BOOKING PERIOD A

rsenal FC play Sydney FC on Thursday 13 July 2017 and the Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday 15 July 2017.

We are pleased to offer an exclusive priority booking period for ANZ Stadium Members for the Arsenal Tour. Members can secure their seat now, before the general public, but should take note that the booking period will close earlier than usual on 31 December 2016.

Gold Members must have paid their 2017 Annual Subscription by 1 January 2017 to retain their booking. 2017 Annual Subscription invoices will be sent in early November 2016. BOOK NOW anzstadium.com.au/members

MEMBER DIRECTOR ELECTION SS FAN PA 2016

FAN PASS J UNIO

R - 20

16

027462 0274

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ADULT CHILD

1 Pass $113.00 1 Pass $67.00

MEMBERS’ FAN PASS STILL AMAZING VALUE Enjoying the season of NRL? Share the Member experience with a friend with a Members’ Fan Pass.

This pass is valid for all remaining season NRL matches held at ANZ Stadium in 2016!

2 Passes $200.00 2 Passes $113.00

3 Passes $277.00 3 Passes $164.00

Purchase online at anzstadium.com.au/members or call 1300 136 006 (Option 2)

36

Exclusive to ANZ Stadium Members. Each Members’ Fan Pass acts as a Paying Guest ticket for valid events.

Three guests may access each event per the number of Rights a Member holds. Not valid for finals matches.

Congratulations to Steve Mortimer, Alby Taylor and David Tierney who were recently re-elected as the Member Elected Directors of the Stadium Australia Club Board at the Annual General Meeting on 10 May. We are constantly looking to improve the Member experience at the Stadium and encourage you to provide any Member related feedback to the Member Services Department (details listed on Page 36).

MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

MEMBERS' BOOKING GUIDE EVENT

BOOKING CLOSE DATE*

PAYING GUEST TICKET PRICE

ARENA*

$190

Five-courses - $160^ Junior - $50

$164

Five-courses - $160^ Junior - $50

MEMBERS’ RESTAURANT*

* State of Origin III 13 July Bledisloe Cup 20 August College Football Sydney Cup 27 August NRL Grand Final 2 October 2016 NRL Season Club Home Games

Arsenal FC v Sydney FC 13 July Arsenal FC v Wanderers 15 July

Closed - Waitlist Now

* Three-courses - $128 Junior - $50

* 8 July 26 August or from Members’ Box Office M/N on match day

$149

MEMBERS’ BRASSERIE*

*

Bistro-style meals $13.00 - $18.50

Meals, bar and snacks

Bistro-style meals $13.00 - $18.50

Meals, bar and snacks

Bistro-style meals $13.00 - $18.50

Meals, bar and snacks

Bistro-style meals $13.00 - $18.50

Meals, bar and snacks

* Adult - $120^ or - $90 Junior - $45

*

Brunch $55

MEMBER TERRACES

* Adult - $120^ or - $90 Junior - $45

Three-courses - $128 Junior - $50

PLATINUM CAFÉ

* Brunch $55

FULLY BOOKED

*

* Three-courses - $128 Junior - $50

Adult - $120^ or - $90 Junior - $45

*

12 August

$260

Five-courses - $160^ Junior - $50

No booking required

Adult $30 / Junior $15 or purchase a Members’ Fan Pass

STADIUM CAFE $21- $33

1 JANUARY 2017

$199

Five-courses - $168^ Junior - $52.50

Three-courses - $135 Junior - $52.50

Adult - $126^ or - $94.50 Junior - $47.50

Bistro-style meals

Meals, bar and snacks

1 JANUARY 2017

$199

Five-courses - $168^ Junior - $52.50

Three-courses - $135 Junior - $52.50

Adult - $126^ or - $94.50 Junior - $47.50

Bistro-style meals

Meals, bar and snacks

TWO SITTINGS

Bar and snacks 2017 EVENTS+

ARENA

MEMBERS’ BRASSERIE

MEMBER TERRACES

The ultimate Members’ dining experience located on Level 5. Platinum Member priority.

A magnificent menu of enticing, immaculately prepared cuisine, matched with outstanding wine and exemplary service.

Sumptuous hot and cold buffet featuring our chef’s specialities from seafood to carved roasts, a range of desserts and cheeses.

Available to all Members and their guests.

Beverage package optional.

The Member Sin Bin and Cauldron Terraces offer fast gourmet meals with great views of the field of play. Access from the Level 1 concourse. Full range of fast food and snacks.

PLATINUM CAFÉ

STADIUM CAFÉ

Outstanding pre-match dining featuring a seasonally designed set menu incorporating the finest Australian produce. Available to all Members and their guests.

The southern end of the Lounge is exclusive to Platinum Members to enjoy a café meal or drink from the Platinum Bar. Quick and relaxed, bistro-style meals.

Quick and relaxed pre-match dining with a view of the field. Serving bistro favourites complemented by an extensive range of premium beer and wine.

MEMBERS’ RESTAURANT

+ Member priority bookings now open. Members must have paid their 2017 Annual Subscription by 1 January 2017 to retain booking. ^ Beverage package included, featuring premium wines and beer. * Bookings essential.

Members’ dining bookings, cancellations and amendments - A 100% cancellation fee will be incurred if a reservation is not cancelled or amended 5 full working days prior to the event. For example, for an event held on Sunday 2 October, cancellations or amendments must be made in writing by 5pm, Friday 23 September. This will also apply if you do not attend to dine on the day of the event.

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MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

NRL FINALS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER A

s a Member you will have access to any NRL matches that are scheduled at the Stadium. An unpredictable NRL season will keep us guessing until the end and ANZ Stadium will host NRL finals should the Stadium’s home teams the Rabbitohs, Dragons, Bulldogs, Tigers or Eels qualify. Given the short notice for confirmation of finals matches, any finals held at the Stadium, will operate as either General Admission events or First To Book events.

Should ANZ Stadium be confirmed as the host venue for any finals, be sure to check Members’ eNews and our website. We will

HOLDEN STATE OF ORIGIN SOCIAL

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confirm Member access (General Admission or First To Book), which seating sections of the Members’ Reserve will be open, the price and availability of guest tickets, and what dining and facilities will be available. Please note that this information is unlikely to be available any earlier than the week before any potential matches.

So keep cheering for the Sydney teams as all finals hosted by Sydney teams in any week of the Finals series will be played at either ANZ Stadium or the Sydney Football Stadium.

* The Members’ Fan Pass is not valid for NRL finals matches.

DISCOVER A

NEW DIGITAL EXPERIENCE AT 20 MARTIN PLACE

anz.com Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. Item No. 94002A 05.2016 W538005

REDEFINING THE GREAT STADIUM More than 23 million fans have taken a seat in history since ANZ Stadium was purpose-built for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. They remember where they were when Cathy ran, when Aloisi scored, or when unforgettable NRL Grand Finals, State of Origin games, FFA blockbusters and Bledisloe Cup matches unfolded. Now Sydney’s Olympic stadium is to undergo a major redevelopment: the NSW Government confirming it will be transformed into a worldclass rectangular stadium. Fans will be dramatically closer to the action for Rugby League, Rugby Union and Football – supercharging the game-day atmosphere. And there’s more . . . better transport, new cafes, bars & restaurants.

A lively Stadium precinct for pre-and-post-game festivities. This will be a sports and entertainment precinct to define the Greater Sydney area. The new-look ANZ Stadium . . . it’s about to change the game.