Optus Stadium to host 2021 AFL Grand Final

By Mel Hopkins

In 2017, Optus embarked on a long-term partnership with the Government of Western Australia to secure the naming rights for the, then, Perth Stadium. In the years and sporting seasons that followed, Optus Stadium has seen its fair share of iconic sporting moments.

2021 will bring another such moment with the world-class entertainment venue set to host this year’s AFL Grand Final on 25 September.  The final, traditionally played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), was moved to Perth following the decision to extend Victoria’s lockdown due to COVID and ensures the game can be played in front of an unrestricted, capacity crowd.

In January of this year, we switched 5G on at Optus Stadium in all Stadium seating areas and the Stadium pitch. It was the first location, outside of our Optus retail stores, in Australia to be equipped with in building 5G coverage.

The full scale 5G connectivity means footy fans with 5G capable handsets on the Optus network in open seating areas and corporate hospitality areas have access to blindingly fast 5G performance, ensuring they capture every thrilling moment of the game and connect with friends and family to share in the celebrations.

It’s not the first time Optus Stadium has partnered with the AFL to bring a prestigious event to spectators and fans, with the Stadium hosting the Dreamtime match between the Richmond and Essendon teams earlier this year and we’re looking forward to delivering another world-class in-person AFL experience at Optus Stadium come that one day in September

Named the ‘Most Beautiful Stadium in the World’ in 2019, Optus Stadium will be able to hold 61,266 footy fans for the Grand Final, many of which are expected to travel from regional Western Australia, giving a much needed boost to hotels, restaurants and bars in the Perth region.

Optus Stadium also looks forward to hosting the Optus WAFL Grand Final on October 2, Guns n Roses in November, and a bumper cricket season commencing from December.