Optus Stadium has been a hive of activity the last 18 months despite COVID-19 restrictions, as it continues to establish itself as a popular meetings and special events venue.
For many, Optus Stadium means one thing – a trip to the footy. But that’s not the only thing on offer at the Stadium which operates 365 days a year.
The Stadium is increasingly developing a reputation in Perth’s business community as a world-class meetings and special events hub, just a stone’s throw from the city centre.
It’s hardly surprising, given Optus Stadium was voted the Most Beautiful Sports Facility in the World in the Prix Versailles 2019 international architecture awards.
AFL Masters WA’s Rob Cox said the location and the design is just the start, with value for money and quality food and beverages sealing the deal.
“There is a magnificent outlook from the many function rooms and it’s a great location for guests being central and with accommodation options close by,” he said.
“The service from the time you make the initial contact, during the lead up and to the end of your event is six-star.”
Nathan Dixon of Westfarmers Chemicals Energy & Fertilisers said the stadium team and their can-do attitude make the experience memorable for both organisers and guests.
“The overall experience, from planning to execution and the response from guests who are blown away with the event during the event and very complimentary after the event. The staff make the organiser look good.”
In the last year, the Stadium has hosted 390 corporate and private events, up 16 per cent on 2019.
Meetings & Special Events Manager Nadia Owen said even though the Stadium’s AFL fixtures were disrupted in 2020, special event bookings increased.
“As a state facility we are able to offer peace of mind to guests about the way we manage and adhere to COVID-19 protocols, from hygiene protocols to spacing of chairs and seating which can be scaled depending on current health advice.” Ms Owen said.
“We know the last year has been really difficult to plan an event, and so we have adapted our cancellation policies to give clients as much peace of mind as possible, in the event that their function needs to change because of health advice.
“We’ve also have a range of different event spaces, indoors and out, that can be scaled and decorated depending on each client’s needs.
Add our incredible views and our amazing catering, and you can see why we have become the go-to place for businesses to host anything from off-site board meetings and strategy sessions to industry awards and black-tie events.”
There’s something else that helps Optus Stadium stand out from the crowd. Events of more than 800 guests are invited to personalise the Stadium’s world-class LED lighting system and light the Stadium’s exterior and interior with their preferred colours.
All of the Stadium’s banquet food is produced in-house and made with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Complimentary menu tastings are available for gala dinners of 500 or more guests.
For smaller groups, there is also the opportunity to include a bespoke tour experience – of the stadium itself, an Aboriginal Cultural Tour or even the HALO rooftop tour.
The addition of these options at Optus Stadium is just one way the stadium is positioning itself as Perth’s premier entertainment destination. There are plans afoot to increase visitation to the area and activate the stadium precinct all year around.
