- Optus Stadium introducing two measures to enhance fan experience from start of the 2026 AFL season
- Full-strength beer will be available in general public areas, bringing the venue in line with other major stadiums across Australia
- Venue will become Australia's first major venue to offer reusable drink cups to all patrons
Fans attending events at Optus Stadium will soon have more choice and an improved experience, with changes to beverage offerings to be introduced from the start the 2026 AFL season.
From the Fremantle vs Melbourne clash on Saturday 21 March, followed by the West Coast vs North Melbourne clash on Sunday 22 March, full-strength beer will be available in general public areas for most major events, alongside existing mid-strength options.
While 13.5% wine has been available across all areas of the venue, 4.5% beer is currently only available in specific member and hospitality areas, which can serve up to half of attendees at some events.
The change follows a comprehensive review and consultation process with key stakeholders including regulatory bodies, suppliers and hirers and brings Optus Stadium in line with other major stadiums across Australia.
Following a competitive process, the stadium's operator VenuesLive has awarded a tender to Western Australian business FSG NickNack, a division of FrothStop Group, to supply and manage the reusable cup system. Dedicated return bins will be located throughout the venue, with cups collected, washed, sanitised and reused for future events.
The change will make Optus Stadium Australia's first major stadium to utilise a 100 per cent reusable drink cup that is available to all patrons.
The reusable cup initiative builds on sustainability measures already in place at the Stadium and supports the WA Government's Plan for Plastics. A trial conducted during the 2024 AFL season showed strong patron support, with most fans reporting a better drinking experience compared with disposable cups.
FSG NickNack's cup and washing equipment technology has been successfully used internationally to supply cups for more than 100,000 people at a single day event, as well as a five-day festival that involved the washing of 700,000 cups.
With the introduction of the reusable cups, the price of a beer at the stadium will rise by 40 cents.
Delivering world-class events and promoting Perth as a premier destination for entertainment and sport is part of the Cook Government's strategy to diversify the economy.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Optus Stadium is a world-class venue, and these changes are about improving the experience for fans and offering more choice, wherever they're seated.
"This update brings Optus Stadium into line with other major venues across the country, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, responsible service and well-trained staff.
"It's great to see a Western Australian company, FSG NickNack's, playing a key role as our stadium becomes the first major stadium in Australia to roll out a fully reusable cup system for all fans.
"The stadium's beer partner, Gage Roads, is a Western Australian success story and their continued growth is supporting more local jobs at their Palmyra brewery and right through their WA-based supply chain."
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"Rolling out reusable drink cups for all patrons at Optus Stadium shows how large venues can cut waste in a practical way, without detracting from the fan experience.
"This initiative grew out of the Cook Labor Government's Plastic Free Riverpark Grant Program, which is focused on reducing single-use plastics and protecting the Swan and Canning Riverpark.
"When changes like this are applied at scale, across tens of thousands of fans at a venue located right on the river's edge, they deliver real environmental benefits and show how major venues can operate more sustainably."
