Stadium Australia rebranded Accor Stadium
Stadium Australia’s search for a new naming rights partner is over, with the Sydney Olympic Park venue to be known as Accor Stadium for the next seven years.
The 83,500-capacity venue had been without a commercial naming rights partner since December last year, ending a 12-year partnership during which time it was known as ANZ Stadium.
The transition of the iconic venue’s branding to Accor Stadium will commence from today.
The newly-named Accor Stadium will host its first event since June tomorrow, when the Matildas host the USA women’s national team in the first of two international friendly matches, in what is expected to attract a record crowd for the team. The second match will be played in Newcastle and is heading towards a sell-out.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the NSW Government was delighted to partner with Accor as the stadium’s naming rights sponsor.
“NSW is open for business and we are thrilled our local fans, along with interstate and international visitors, will be able to experience fantastic sporting and entertainment venues like Accor Stadium,” Mrs Ward said.
“Accor Stadium will have an important role to play in NSW in 2022 and beyond and I can’t wait to see the seats filled again by those enjoying the experience of a large-scale live event.”
Accor Stadium remains the home of NRL sides Canterbury Bulldogs and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and hosts regular major events including the NRL Grand Final, State of Origin, Wallabies Tests, FIFA World Cup qualifiers and major concerts.
While the venue’s major $810 million redevelopment was scrapped in May last year, recent talk has suggested $120 million in government funding could soon be spent on the stadium to construct a new retractable roof and upgrade corporate, bar and dining areas.
A new monster video screen is currently being installed at the stadium, which will be one of the world’s largest at 1200sq metres, to help enhance the fan experience.
Simon McGrath, CEO of Accor Pacific, said that it was a natural partnership for the leading hotel operator, expanding on Accor’s promise to give customers and loyalty member’s memorable experiences beyond their hotel stay.
“Accor is dedicated to creating incredible customer experiences, and Accor Stadium firmly aligns with this vision. We are immensely proud of this partnership, which is an investment in limitless experiences that bring people together, from world-class concerts, to sporting and family events,” said Mr McGrath.
“This commitment also expresses our support for tourism, hospitality, events and travel, which play a vital role in our culture.”
It’s believed members of Accor’s loyalty program will benefit through the new partnership with special offers and discounts at the stadium.
Stadium Australia CEO Daryl Kerry said the venue had already welcomed more than 30 million fans since it opened in the lead-up to the 2000 Olympic & Paralympic Games and it was now set for an exciting new era as Accor Stadium.
“We are delighted to partner with Accor as we welcome people back to watch world-class sport and entertainment events,” Mr Kerry said. “Accor Stadium will also play an important role in our community hosting a range of business, community and cultural events in the various function rooms and spaces inside the stadium.”
