Perth’s Optus Stadium has been crowned Australia’s best stadium for a third consecutive year in the 2022 Austadium Awards. The state’s largest stadium received the accolade just this weekend after receiving 42% of the public vote in last year’s polls. The MCG came in second place with 19% of the votes, and Accor Stadium in Sydney placed third with 10%.
Acting Sport and Recreation Minister Stephen Dawson said the win was a collective effort.
“The success of the stadium is a collective effort – from VenuesWest, Public Transport Authority, VenuesLive the operator, the players, entertainers, support staff, broadcasters, suppliers, partners, security and food and beverage staff and other stakeholders such as the Burswood Park Authority, Tourism WA and Town of Victoria Park to name a few,” he said.
“Since opening, the Stadium and Stadium Park have evolved into a 365-day-a-year destination with a seven day a week café, expansive parklands, and The OZONE, which is home to the Stadium’s Behind the Scenes Tours, Indigenous Cultural Tours and the HALO and VERTIGO rooftop experiences, which [have] been enjoyed by 118,000 locals and tourists alike.”
Notably, the title of Australia’s Best Stadium marks the 60th award Optus has received since opening in 2018. Other awards include the Most Beautiful Sports Facility in the World (Prix Versailles) in 2019 and the International Venue of the Year in 2022.
The award came just before the stadium celebrated its fifth birthday on Saturday, a fitting birthday present for the venue. Since opening on January 21st, 2018, the stadium has played host to more than 180 major events, 6,435 tours, and 2,000 meetings and special events.
The Austadium Awards determine the best stadiums in Australia — as voted by the public — across seven categories. This year, categories included Best Cricket Ground, Best Regional Stadium, and Best Rectangular Stadium.
The MCG won the Best Cricket Ground category – just edging out Optus with 29%. The new Allianz Stadium in NSW won the Best Rectangular Stadium, narrowly beating Perth’s HBF Park, while Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium won the Best Regional Stadium category.
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