- Optus Stadium hosts a total attendance of more than two million people
- Stadium plays host to visitors from all over Australia and the world, delivering a boost to tourism and supporting WA's economy
- Western Australian businesses supply food, beverages and other services to the stadium
- Optus Stadium attendees overwhelmingly satisfied with public transport options, with fans boarding services more than 2.8 million times in the past year
On the week marking the first anniversary of the opening of Optus Stadium, Premier Mark McGowan said Western Australians can be proud of their facility, which has played host to some of the biggest events in WA history, and has become a tourism drawcard for our State.
Since it was opened in January 2018 by Mr McGowan and former Premier Colin Barnett at the hugely successful community open day, the 60,000-seat stadium has hosted a total attendance of more than two million people including more than 120,000 visitors from outside of Perth.
The facility has created new opportunities to attract and host major international events, providing a boost to the economy through visitor spend and showcasing Western Australia to the rest of the world through international media coverage.
The AFL season associated visitation alone contributed more than $60 million to the State's economy.
In its first year, Optus Stadium recorded Western Australia's highest ever sporting attendance, with 59,608 at the AFL Preliminary Final in September, as well as the 55,522 patrons at the Chelsea vs Perth Glory match.
It played host to a NRL double header; Australia vs England One-Day International cricket match; and the Big Bash League cricket semi-final.
The venue also hosted three huge stand-out performances by international pop sensations Ed Sheeran, with the British pop star drawing 120,000 across two nights, and Taylor Swift.
Optus Stadium operator VenuesLive also hosted almost 1,000 community focused events that attracted about 30,000 patrons, including a weekend of fitness known as the Wellness Walkabout.
The stadium has been a driver of local jobs, sourcing three-quarters of its food from Western Australian-owned and operated companies.
The venue buys food and beverages from about 30 local small businesses - from family-owned Morley Growers Market, to WA pizza company Cheeky Brothers, and small South-West business Lotsa Lollies.
On an AFL game day, Optus Stadium supports an average of 2,100 jobs.
Optus Stadium attendees boarded Transperth bus and train services more than 2.8 million times in the past year, with about 76 per cent of all event attendees using a bus or train.
One year into operations at Optus Stadium, 54 per cent of fans caught the train and 22 per cent have taken advantage of special event bus services.
AFL fans are the biggest public transport users, with an average of 79 per cent of attendees catching the train or bus to the game.
An average of 92 per cent of passengers surveyed said they were satisfied with public transport to Optus Stadium events.
As noted by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Optus Stadium has been an overwhelming success and I'm extremely proud of the countless Western Australians who have worked hard to deliver this world-class facility.
"I also acknowledge the work of the former Premier Colin Barnett, who oversaw the design and construction phase of the project. I was pleased he joined me and the tens of thousands of Western Australians for the opening of this facility just a year ago.
"The stadium is something all Western Australians can be proud of. It has played host to some of the biggest events this State has seen, and I look forward to seeing Western Australians enjoy their facility long into the future."
As noted by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
"One year in, Western Australians can be assured when they visit Optus Stadium they are supporting local jobs, small businesses, farmers, food producers and the hospitality industry.
"The first year has not only been a huge success inside the venue - the State Government has worked hard to ensure Western Australians from around the State have also shared in the benefits."
As noted by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"Securing world-class events is a key part of Tourism WA's Two-Year Action Plan to grow the number of visitors to the State and diversify the economy.
"This winter, Perth is set to take the sporting capital crown off Melbourne. We have secured blockbuster sporting events for Optus Stadium including the State of Origin, AFL grand final rematch, Bledisloe Cup and of course the Manchester United visit."
As noted by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The past year has shown what our public transport system is capable of, and I think Transperth staff deserve a huge thanks for the hard work they've put into making the services run as smoothly as possible.
"The past year was a test for Perth's public transport and the community has embraced the new stadium event services, with a lot of good feedback received.
"We'll continue to refine and optimise services to Optus Stadium to ensure fans have the best experience possible."
