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Marvel Stadium has won Global Venue of the Year at this year’s TheStadiumBusiness Awards, the venue industry’s most respected awards program. This is the first time an Australian venue has been named Venue of the Year, with the award dominated by the USA in the last four years, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Levi's Stadium in San Francisco, and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey previously taking out the title.

Held at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester, UK, TheStadiumBusiness Awards celebrate the most innovative and leading sports facilities from around the world.

Renowned for the diverse mix of world-class events held at the stadium across sport, music and entertainment, Marvel Stadium has been recognised for its outstanding achievements throughout 2018.

Across the year, the stadium celebrated its 18th birthday, while also welcoming over two million patrons through the turnstiles, including the stadium’s 40-millionth visitor.

Its annual calendar saw Marvel Stadium transform itself to host AFL, A-League and BBL matches, alongside world-class, large-scale concerts by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, with the latter ranking second in the world for ticket revenue at $US20.8 million.

With over 55 on-field events held throughout the calendar year, Marvel Stadium was just as busy off-field hosting over 400 weekday events and conferences in 2018 making use of the 15 dedicated function spaces available inside the venue.

Notably, last year saw the announcement of a world first naming rights partnership with the largest entertainment company on the planet, The Walt Disney Company ANZ. This partnership has enabled the stadium to take a new direction of fan engagement while continuing to deliver brilliant events and memorable fan moments.

Marvel Stadium continues to be a world-leader in 2019 with it hosting the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest basketball event. In August, the stadium will welcome the USA basketball team and the Australian Boomers for two matches with a crowd anticipated to be the biggest either team has ever played in front of.

Ian Nuttall, founder of TheStadiumBusiness, says that the awards put Marvel Stadium in a league of its own, commenting "TheStadiumBusiness Awards are about recognising leadership, innovation, and achievement in the delivery, operation, and management of sports and entertainment facilities globally.

“Since 2010 we have given awards to some of the top venues from around the world and this year is no exception."

Receiving the award on the night on behalf of Marvel Stadium, was the venue’s Chief Executive Michael Green, who advised "it’s an honour for Marvel Stadium and our team to be recognised on the world stage.

“We work hard to make sure that our fans have a great experience at the stadium, and our talented team go above and beyond week in, week out to keep everything running smoothly.

“Often we only have a short period of time to transform the stadium for an event, for example last year after Ed Sheeran we only had 9 days to get ready before the first game of the AFL season.

“Since our opening in 2000, we have been committed to delivering brilliant events and creating memorable experience for our millions of patrons, and 2018 was no exception."

Senior Vice President & Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company, ANZ, Kylie Watson-Wheeler added “I’m really proud of the Marvel Stadium partnership, one that takes sponsorship and experiences to a whole new level.

"Marvel is known for epic storytelling and this collaboration, the first of its kind in the world, allows Australian Marvel fans to immerse themselves in Marvel stories and characters. Dynamic elements such as Thor’s hammer, interactive screens, Spider-Man climbing wall and art installations combine to create special moments alongside compelling sports and entertainment.”

The award winners were announced at TheStadiumBusiness Awards 2019 Gala Evening on Tuesday, 4th June in Manchester, UK with Marvel Stadium nominated alongside other outstanding international venues including State Farm Arena, USA, Etihad Stadium, UK and Banc of California Stadium, USA.

Related Articles

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

26th April 2019 - Australasian events and executives shortlisted for 2019 StadiumBusiness Awards

26th March 2019 - Marvel Stadium’s ‘absolutely atrocious’ turf areas to be replaced

8th March 2019 - AFL growth initiatives result in profit increase

12th November 2018 - RnB Fridays Live music fans claim ‘worst concert ever’ at Marvel Stadium

20th September 2018 - AFL seeks project manager for Marvel Stadium upgrade

20th August 2018 - Money In Sport conference delegates to learn about Disney’s Marvel Stadium naming rights deal

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

23rd July 2016 - Michael Green named Chief Executive at Etihad Stadium

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