Massive new 'Great Southern Screen' to be installed at Stadium Australia
Stadium Australia is set to receive a giant new video screen at its southern end ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
A statement on the stadium's website says that the new screen, dubbed the Great Southern Screen, will be the "world's longest straight-run stadium video screen". Work on the 120x10m display is expected to commence after this year's NRL Grand Final and complete before the 2022 season.
NSW State Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the installation of the screen would create an "unmatched experience" for attendees at the many sporting events the stadium hosts.
“The NSW Government is continuing to invest in Sydney's mega-event venue and home of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup to ensure it delivers the ultimate live experience for the people of NSW."
The planned completion date means it would be finished more than a year before Australia hosts the Women's World Cup, at which Stadium Australia will host the final.
Part of $10 million worth of planned works on the 22-year-old venue, it will be the first upgrade to Stadium Australia since plans to completely rebuild it were cancelled last year.
Some seating will be lost at the back of the southern end to allow for the screen's "seamless" incorporation into the stadium, with its capacity to remain above 80,000.
As one of Australia's largest venues, Stadium Australia hosts many high-profile sporting events every year. However, as a non-rectangular stadium, it has been derided in the past for a lacklustre viewing experience, particularly at its rounded ends where fans are far away from the action.
It was due to be demolished last year with plans to build a 70,000 capacity rectangular stadium at the site, before the pandemic forced plans to be scrapped.
Al Baxter, a Senior Principal at Populous which is involved in the planning of the video screen, says the installation of the Great Southern Screen would have a "major impact" on the fan experience at events.
“Every person in the Stadium will be immersed in live feeds, replays, split-screen programming or social media chats.
“Adding the Great Southern Screen seamlessly into the stands takes the view from a 200sq/m screen to a monumental 1200sq/m, creating opportunities for greater event branding, spectator engagement and potential revenue for the stadium hirers.”
