AusLeisure

VenuesWest, the Western Australian Government’s venue owner and operator, has enjoyed its most successful year ever, breaking records for attendances, events held, and funding reinvested in support of elite sport.

According to its latest Annual Report, during the 2018/19 financial year, VenuesWest welcomed more than six million patrons and hosted 156 sporting and entertainment events - the organisation's best ever results in both categories.

The record-breaking success has resulted in the organisation contributing an all-time high $148 million to Western Australian elite sports training and competition.

RAC Arena hosted a record 111 events in a bumper year for the venue - including the final Hopman Cup featuring Roger Federer and Serena Williams, another NBL Championship season for the Perth Wildcats, and the West Coast Fever's inaugural Super Netball Grand Final appearance.

HBF Park delivered 18 A-League and Global Rapid Rugby games, while HBF Stadium hosted the world's best water polo players for the World League Intercontinental Cup.

Optus Stadium hosted State of Origin II, two Manchester United matches, the Perth Glory A-League Grand Final, a Bledisloe Cup match, international cricket, and the AFL and Big Bash League seasons.

New Western Australian attendance records were set for AFL, rugby league, football, tennis and netball.

VenuesWest also hosted a diverse range of world-class entertainment acts over the year, including Taylor Swift, Eminem, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pink and The Wiggles.

The organisation attracted 2.4 million visitors for sport and fitness activities across its venues. VenuesWest customers reported a 92% average satisfaction rating for the year.

$11.5 million was reinvested back into capital upgrades at the venues, further supporting WA's high performance athletes and enhancing customers' experiences.

VenuesWest also contributed more than $40,000 in donations, sponsorship, and event tickets to Western Australians through its Community Partners Program.

Commenting on the successful year, Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister, Mick Murray stated "in just 10 years, VenuesWest has grown from six venues with two million visitors annually to 13 venues with over six million customers.

"This year's record-breaking results are testament to how well this transition has been managed, and support the McGowan Government's continued investment in sport and entertainment on behalf of Western Australians.

"RAC Arena continues to go from strength to strength, hosting a record number of events this year and shoring up its status as a truly world-class indoor venue.

"At a community level, VenuesWest venues provide quality places for people to play and recreate - helping to build healthy, connected communities through grassroots sport and community activities.

Importantly, every dollar spent at a VenuesWest venue translates to direct financial support for WA's elite athletes, ensuring ongoing support for future generations of sporting champions."

Images: The Perth Wildcats at the RAC Arena (top), HBF Park (middle) and Optus Stadium (below).

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