Optus locks in Perth Stadium naming rights

Perth’s new state-of-the-art sporting facility will be known as Optus Stadium after the telecommunications giant signed a 10-year naming rights deal with the state government.

While the financial details of the contract have not been disclosed, the government expressed strong satisfaction with the terms of agreement.

Optus has also created the Optus Stadium Ap, which will provide patrons with stadium-related information aimed at improving user experience.

Optus managing director of product and marketing, Ben White, said the naming rights deal, along with the company’s $275 million expansion program in Western Australia, highlighted their commitment to the state.

“We are continuing to evolve from a traditional telco provider to a mobile-led entertainment company and what better way to illustrate that with a combination of mobile network expansion, coupled with game-changing entertainment experiences for events at the new Optus Stadium,” he said

“Visitors and spectators to Optus Stadium will have access to the latest technology, including the release of a new mobile app, which will provide a truly enhanced game-day experience and deliver the world’s best fan engagement experiences through a smartphone or tablet.

Perth Stadium chief executive Mike McKenna, Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray and Optus managing director of product and marketing Ben White survey the new stadium. Photo: Attila Csaszar 

“Optus started a $275 million state-wide program of work two and half years ago to build more than 90 new sites and upgrade 233 sites to improve mobile coverage and experience as customers shift from traditional voice calls to data and entertainment streaming services.

“Work will be completed by July next year and will ensure people in Perth and regional WA can stay connected when at home, at work, or travelling,”

Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray said the deal would help balance the budget.

“This naming rights deal is about sensible financial management and delivers a substantial, ongoing revenue stream back to the people of WA,” he said

“The deal is critical to the stadium being financially self-sustaining, making sure there is no additional burden put on taxpayers to cover ongoing running costs.

“The value of the deal has far exceeded expectations, delivering a higher than expected return to taxpayers - above what we estimated in opposition and at the start of the tender process."

The naming rights for Perth Arena are still up for grabs with Bankwest considered a front-runner after missing out on Perth Stadium. 

Mr Murray said it was common practice to keep the details of a naming rights contract private.

“We can’t reveal the exact value of the deal," he said

"We must protect the value of the naming rights to ensure that when this contract expires, the future value is not capped by an expectation of what it sold for previously, ensuring the best value for all Western Australians."

The 60,000-seat stadium is set to be officially opened in January next year