Docklands Stadium facts for kids

Etihad Stadium

Docklands Stadium, also known as Etihad Stadium, is a huge sports and entertainment place in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It's in an area called Docklands. Since 2009, it has been named after Etihad Airways, an airline from the United Arab Emirates. Before that, it was called Colonial Stadium and Telstra Dome. The stadium opened on March 9, 2000. It took two years to build and cost about AU$450 million.

The stadium can hold over 56,000 people, with more than 53,000 seats. It is mostly used for Australian rules football. It is also where the main office for the Australian Football League (AFL) is located. People also use the stadium for cricket games and big music concerts.

What Makes This Stadium Special?

The stadium has a special roof that can open and close. This means games can be played no matter the weather! The roof is the biggest opening roof in the Southern Hemisphere. It takes about 8 minutes to open or close.

How Big Is the Stadium?

The playing field is very large, covering 19,000 square meters. There is also car parking right underneath the stadium. A footbridge connects the stadium to Southern Cross Railway Station, making it easy to get there.

Who Plays Here?

Many Australian Football League teams call this stadium home. These teams include:

• Carlton
• North Melbourne
• Essendon
• St Kilda
• Western Bulldogs

The stadium has also hosted important rugby matches. For example, it was used for several games during the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Music and Entertainment

Besides sports, the stadium is a popular place for music concerts. Many famous performers have played here. Some of these include:

• Andre Rieu
• Bruce Springsteen
• Green Day
• Barbara Streisand
• Bon Jovi
• Ricky Martin

Images for kids

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  Docklands Stadium under construction in December 1998

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  Interior of Docklands Stadium with the roof closed in 2005

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  Marvel Stadium pictured from above (February 2019)

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  Docklands Stadium being renamed from Etihad Stadium to Marvel Stadium

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  A 2008 AFL match at Docklands Stadium

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  Record setting attendance at the 23 May 2012 State of Origin match between Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues

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  Marvel Stadium in oval configuration in 2022

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  Docklands Stadium in rectangular configuration in 2015

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  A section of the movable seating

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  One of the original, smaller LCDs at Docklands Stadium

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  Exterior view of the stadium as seen from the harbour side

See also

In Spanish: Estadio Docklands para niños