Stadium Australia Operations appointed to run Perth Stadium
The West Australian is reporting that Stadium Australia Operations, operator of Sydney’s ANZ Stadium, had been chosen as the preferred operator of the new Perth Stadium.
The battle for the operator contract was fought out between Perth Stadium Management, a vehicle of the WA Football Commission in partnership with Live Nation, Ticketmaster and Delaware North; AEG Ogden, which manages Perth Arena among its global portfolio of venues; Nationwide Venue Management, a division of Spotless which runs the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre; and Stadium Australia Operations, operator of Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.
Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies said AEG Ogden was also approved as reserve respondent, in the event the State Government could not conclude negotiations with Stadium Australia Operations.
The AFL website noted that the WAFC yields roughly $15 million net revenue from its current ownership of Domain Stadium that is directly invested back into football development in WA. There had been major concerns within the WAFC for the future financial model of WA football if Perth Stadium Management did not win the operating rights to the new stadium.
The Perth Stadium website announcement stated that Mr Barnett said the Government would ensure that the West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) would have a stream of revenue to continue to manage, support and grow local football at the West Australian Football League and community level.
“We are deeply disappointed about this decision and believe that football and its major international partners have the experience, skills and imagination to operate Perth Stadium on behalf of all West Australians.”
“We are now deeply concerned about the future financial model for WA football because stadium operations have been critical to the development and success of the game.”
“At all times during the development of Perth Stadium the State Government has reassured football that the sport will be no worse off as a result of the new venue. We now need the Government to show how this will be the case in order to safeguard the future of our game.”
Perth Stadium Management also released a short statement
“While we have not tendered for our stadium business before we believe PSM clearly demonstrated its skills and experience in managing a major stadium and are disappointed that we have not had an opportunity to discuss this in detail with Government during the submission process.”
“Despite the State’s decision we are committed to running Domain Stadium at the highest level and hosting AFL, entertainment and other major content at the venue into 2018 and beyond.”
