ICC praises Optus Stadium

The International Cricket Council has given a glowing report on the soon-to-be-opened Optus Stadium, while approving all international fixtures to be played at the venue.

The 60,000-seat stadium is set to open on January 28 with a one-day international between Australia and England, and ICC match referee Richie Richardson gave the venue high praise during his inspection.

“This is by far the most impressive and well laid out stadium I have ever visited,” Mr Richardson said

“The comprehensive amenities, along with the quality and functionality of the facility, surpasses the required standard to host any international cricket match.

“The layout of the stadium provides convenient easement within and around the facility and it is located within close proximity of the city centre.”

Mr Richardson confirmed all three formats of international cricket could be played at the stadium.

At a cost of around $1.5 billion, the multi-purpose venue includes a range of features including more than 1,000 televisions, a lightweight fabric roof covering 85 per cent of the ground, and state-of-the-art team facilities.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said the positive report from the ICC was a testament to the organisations involved.

“The ICC report provides a glowing preview of the stadium and the government of WA, VenuesLive and those who built the stadium should be extremely proud,” he said

“The stadium is a magnificent asset for the state of WA and its sports fans.”

WACA chief executive Christina Matthews also praised the venue stakeholders.

“The WA state government has worked closely with the Western Australian Cricket Association and Cricket Australia to create a stadium which puts fans at the forefront, and we can’t wait to share the new world-class facilities with Western Australia’s cricket fans,” she said.

Acting Sport Minister Peter Tinley said the ICC validation was a testament to stadium project team.

After initial tickets for the January 28 fixture sold out within 24 hours, additional tickets will go on sale on Friday from 10am WST.