What is Marvel Stadium?
Marvel Stadium is a 53,000-seat stadium in Docklands, Melbourne, with a retractable roof. Opened in 2000, it hosts AFL matches, cricket, concerts and other events. It was originally called Colonial Stadium.
The stadium was built on former railway yards in Docklands, close to Southern Cross Station. It has had several names, including Colonial Stadium, Telstra Dome and Etihad Stadium, before being named Marvel Stadium in 2018.
The retractable roof allows events to proceed in any weather. The stadium was also one of the first in the world to have retractable seating that can be moved to suit cricket or football.
Home of football
Marvel Stadium is home to several AFL clubs, including Essendon, St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and Carlton, which play many home games there. It also hosts Big Bash League cricket matches for the Melbourne Renegades.
The stadium has hosted international cricket, including one-day matches and Twenty20 games, as well as rugby, soccer, concerts and boxing.
The AFL owns the stadium, having bought it in 2016. A major redevelopment has been undertaken to improve the stadium and its connection to the surrounding Docklands precinct.
Did You Know?
Marvel Stadium is within walking distance of the Melbourne central business district.