AFL to proceed with upgrade plan for Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium

May 18, 2020

Despite financial uncertainty resulting from the Coronavirus crisis, the AFL is to proceed with the $225 million overhaul of Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium into what League Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan says will create “the most fan-friendly multipurpose stadium in the world”.

Plans for the 56,000-capacity venue in Melbourne’s Docklands will see it transformed into a seven-day destination with a new waterside hotel, rooftop bar and ballroom, a wing expansion, upgrades around the venue and a new public space.

Confirmed in April 2018 by the Victoria Government, the project has been delayed due to the AFL parting with it chief architect, while the Coronavirus has seen the League suspend its season, stand down 80% of its workforce and seek a $600 million loan.

However, the Victorian Government has assured AFL House of its backing with both parties saying work is certain to go ahead, with funding fully budgeted and revised redevelopment plans being drawn up.

AFL spokesman Jay Allen recently advised “the Marvel Stadium and surrounding Docklands precinct upgrade is a self-contained project, with funding committed specifically.

“And as such it continues to function, all be it remotely for the interim as the community faces an unprecedented challenge.’’

The Victorian Government committed to the project in April 2018 in exchange for a guarantee that the AFL grand final stays in Melbourne until 2057.

Owned by the AFL since 2016, having been acquired in a deal believed to be worth around $200 million, the venue, then known as Colonial Stadium, opened in March 2020.

Since then it has been a catalyst in the revitalisation of Melbourne’s Docklands precinct.

Details of the redevelopment masterplan are expected to be announced in the near future.

Image: The 2018 concept for the redevelopment of the then Etihad Stadium.

15th May 2020 - AFL announces that season will restart from 11th June

13th May 2020 - AFL announces protocols for return to training and play

11th May 2020 - Victorian Government clears AFL clubs to train in groups of 10 from Wednesday

2nd May 2020 - AFL Chief Executive suggests 2020 season could resume in June

10th April 2020 - AFL faces up to post lockdown changes

30th March 2020 - AFL looks to secure $600 million loan

29th March 2020 - AFL and players agree pay-cut deal through Coronavirus shutdown

22nd March 2020 - AFL suspends season until end of May in response to Coronavirus

17th March 2020 - Coronavirus fears sees AFL announce plan to cut season to 17 rounds

13th March 2020 - AFL and NRL seasons to go ahead behind closed doors due to Coronavirus fears

4th March 2020 - Coronavirus fears sees AFL cancel Shanghai fixture

7th April 2020 - TEG Live to refund thousands of basketball fans over Marvel Stadium fiasco

26th February 2020 - Marvel Stadium delivers hospitality upgrades ahead of 2020 AFL season

14th February 2020 - AFL and Ticketmaster move to scrap ticket booking fees at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium

20th December 2019 - New Spartan Race format to make Australian debut at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium

25th November 2019 - Rugby Australia takes 2020 Bledisloe Cup Test to Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium

4th November 2019 - AFL announces new management arrangements for Marvel Stadium

21st August 2019 - Report suggests TEG considering refunds for disappointed Marvel Stadium basketball fans

28th June 2019 - Marvel Stadium roof to remain closed for AFL games

5th June 2019 - Marvel Stadium, the SCG and Nick Sautner announced winners at TheStadiumBusiness Awards 2019

30th May 2019 - Marvel Stadium congratulates Eray Saban on VMA Young Achiever of the Year Award

2nd May 2019 - Quayclean prepares for AFL triple header at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium

24th May 2018 - Disney secures naming rights at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium

30th April 2018 - Etihad Stadium welcomes 40-millionth event patron

7th October 2016 - AFL agrees Etihad Stadium purchase

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