Fans heading to Optus Stadium for AFL matches this season will notice some significant changes designed to enhance their matchday experience and reduce environmental impact.
From the Fremantle versus Melbourne clash on Saturday, March 21st, followed by the West Coast versus North Melbourne match on Sunday, March 22nd, full-strength beer will be available throughout the stadium’s general public areas for the first time, bringing the venue in line with other major Australian stadiums.
The change follows a comprehensive review and consultation process with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, suppliers, and hirers. While 13.5 per cent wine has been available across all areas of the venue, 4.5 per cent beer has previously only been served in specific member and hospitality areas, which can serve up to half of attendees at some events. Full-strength beer will now be available alongside existing mid-strength options, giving fans more choice regardless of where they’re seated.
Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti said the changes would improve the fan experience while maintaining a strong focus on safety and responsible service.
“Optus Stadium is a world-class venue, and these changes are about improving the experience for fans and offering more choice, wherever they’re seated,” Saffioti said.
Australia’s first major stadium with fully reusable cups
In a groundbreaking sustainability initiative, Optus Stadium will simultaneously become Australia’s first major stadium to offer 100 per cent reusable drink cups to all patrons.
Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn highlighted the environmental benefits of the initiative, which grew out of the Cook Labor Government’s Plastic Free Riverpark Grant Program.
“When changes like this are applied at scale, across tens of thousands of fans at a venue located right on the river’s edge, they deliver real environmental benefits and show how major venues can operate more sustainably,” Swinbourn said.
Following a competitive tender process, the stadium’s operator VenuesLive has awarded the contract to Western Australian business FSG NickNack, a division of FrothStop Group, to supply and manage the reusable cup system. Dedicated return bins will be located throughout the venue, with cups collected, washed, sanitised, and reused for future events.
FSG NickNack’s cup and washing equipment technology has proven itself internationally, successfully supplying cups for more than 100,000 people at a single-day event and washing 700,000 cups during a five-day festival.
Strong fan support during trials
The reusable cup initiative builds on sustainability measures already in place at the stadium and supports the WA Government’s Plan for Plastics. A trial conducted during the 2024 AFL season showed strong patron support, with most fans reporting a better drinking experience compared with disposable cups.
With the introduction of the reusable cups, the price of a beer at the stadium will rise by 40 cents.
