View source for Docklands Stadium

{{Short description|Stadium in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia}}
{{Redirect|Telstra Dome|the stadium in Sydney previously known as Telstra Stadium|Stadium Australia}}
{{pp-move|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2012}}
{{Infobox venue
| name = Docklands Stadium<br/><small>Marvel Stadium</small>
| logo_image = Marvel_Stadium_logo.svg
| image = Marvel Stadium during curtain raiser.jpg
| caption = 
| location = [[Harbour Esplanade]], [[Docklands, Victoria|Docklands, Melbourne]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], Australia
| coordinates = {{Coord|37|48|59|S|144|56|51|E|display=it}}
| broke_ground = October 1997
| opened = 9 March 2000
| public_transit = {{plainlist|
* {{rint|Melbourne|tram}} Harbour Esplanade
* {{rint|Melbourne|met train}} {{rint|Melbourne|reg train}} {{rint|Melbourne|tram}} {{rint|Melbourne|met bus}} {{rint|Melbourne|coach}} {{rint|Melbourne|SkyBus}} {{rint|Melbourne|Sydney}} [[Southern Cross railway station|Southern Cross]]
* {{rint|Melbourne|ferry}} [[Melbourne Docklands|Docklands]]
}}
| owner = [[Australian Football League]]
| operator = Australian Football League (2020–present)<br />Melbourne Stadiums Limited (2000–2020)
| surface = Grass
| roof = [[Retractable roof|Retractable]]
| architect = [[Populous (company)|HOK Sport Venue Event]] in association with [[Daryl Jackson]]
| general_contractor = [[Baulderstone|Baulderstone Hornibrook]]
| capacity = 56,347 (venue capacity)<br />53,343 (seating capacity)<br />47,000 (cricket<ref>{{cite web |title=No place like a home BBL final for Renegades |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/no-place-like-a-home-bbl-final-for-renegades-20190131-p50uux.html |website=The Age |date=31 January 2019 |access-date=16 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/01/07/etihad-stadium-ready-bbl-record-crowd|title=Etihad Stadium ready for BBL record crowd|publisher=SBS|date=7 January 2016|access-date=7 January 2016}}</ref> and rectangular mode)<ref>{{cite web|last1=Windley|first1=Matt|title=Etihad Stadium expected to be at a capacity 47,000 for Saturday's Melbourne derby|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/a-league/etihad-stadium-expected-to-be-at-a-capacity-47000-for-saturdays-melbourne-derby/news-story/539947053c352361a58221b56ff97ac9?=|website=Herald Sun|access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref>
| record_attendance = 76,150<br />([[Adele]], March 2017)
| dimensions = {{cvt|160 x 129|m}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Atkinson |first1=Cody |last2=Lawson |first2=Sean |title=From the SCG to Kardinia Park — do ground sizes contribute to the end result in AFL games? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-16/cody-and-sean-afl-analysis-how-much-do-ground-sizes-matter/101154950 |website=ABC News |date=15 June 2022 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=19 February 2024}}</ref>
| tenants = ; [[Australian Football League]]

[[Essendon Football Club]] (2000–present)<br />[[St Kilda Football Club]] (2000–present)<br />[[Western Bulldogs]] (2000–present)<br />[[North Melbourne Football Club]] (2000–present)<br />[[Carlton Football Club]] (2005–present)

; Cricket

[[Melbourne Renegades]] ([[Big Bash League|BBL]]; 2011–present)

; Other

[[Melbourne Storm]] ([[National Rugby League|NRL]]; 2001, Finals 2006–09, 2010, 2023) <br /> [[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]] ([[A-League Men]]; 2006–2021) <br /> [[Australia men's national soccer team]] (selected matches) <br /> [[Australia women's national soccer team]] (selected matches) <br /> [[Australia national rugby union team]] (selected matches) <br /> [[Australia national rugby league team]] (selected matches)
| embedded = {{Infobox cricket ground
| embed         = yes
| end1          = Lockett End
| end2          = Coventry End
| international = true
| firstodidate  = 16 August
| firstodiyear  = 2000
| firstodihome  = Australia
| firstodiaway  = South Africa
| lastodidate   = 3 February
| lastodiyear   = 2006
| lastodihome   = Australia
| lastodiaway   = South Africa
| date          = 22 August
| year          = 2015
| source        = http://www.espncricinfo.com/srilanka/content/ground/56450.html ESPNcricinfo
}}
| website = {{URL|marvelstadium.com.au}}
| construction_cost = [[Australian dollar|A$]]460&nbsp;million
| former_names = {{Plainlist|
* Colonial Stadium (2000–2002)
* Telstra Dome (2002–2009)
* Etihad Stadium (2009–2018)
}}
}}
'''Docklands Stadium''', known by [[naming rights]] sponsorship as '''Marvel Stadium''', is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment [[stadium]] in the suburb of [[Docklands, Victoria|Docklands]] in [[Melbourne]], Victoria, Australia. Construction started in October 1997 and was completed in 2000 at a cost of [[Australian dollar|A$]]460&nbsp;million ($930&nbsp;million in 2023 terms<ref>{{Cite web |title=$460,000,000 in 1997 → 2023 {{!}} Australia Inflation Calculator |url=https://www.in2013dollars.com/australia/inflation/1997 |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=www.in2013dollars.com |language=en}}</ref>). The stadium features a [[retractable roof]] and the ground level seating can be converted from oval to rectangular configuration.<ref name="Marvel Stadium">{{cite web|url=https://www.austadiums.com/stadiums/marvel-stadium|title=Marvel Stadium|access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref>

The stadium is primarily used for [[Australian rules football]] and was originally built as a replacement for [[Waverley Park]].<ref name="Marvel Stadium"/> Offices at the precinct serve as the headquarters of the [[Australian Football League]] (AFL) which, since October 2016, has had exclusive ownership of the venue.<ref name="AFLOwners">{{cite web|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-10-07/done-deal-afl-signs-off-on-etihad-stadium-purchase|title=Done deal: AFL signs off on Etihad Stadium purchase|date=7 October 2016|work=Australian Football League|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007123015/http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-10-07/done-deal-afl-signs-off-on-etihad-stadium-purchase|archive-date=7 October 2016}}</ref> With a capacity for over 53,000 spectators for sports, it is the second-largest stadium in Melbourne after the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]]. It has hosted a number of other sporting events—including domestic [[Twenty20 cricket]] matches, [[Melbourne Victory]] [[soccer]] home matches, [[rugby league]] and [[rugby union]] matches, as well as special events and [[concert]]s.

==History==
===Construction===
[[File:Docklands Stadium, Melbourne, Christmas 1998.jpg|thumb|left|Docklands Stadium under construction in December 1998]]
Plans for the stadium were announced in October 1996 as a more centrally located replacement for the much larger but ageing [[Waverley Park]] as a headquarters for the [[Australian Football League]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Victorian Venues|publisher=Australian Football League|url=http://www.afl.com.au/fixture/aflvenues/victoria/tabid/13533/default.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202111357/http://www.afl.com.au/fixture/aflvenues/victoria/tabid/13533/default.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 December 2008|access-date=8 May 2009}}</ref> It was built in the [[Docklands, Victoria|Melbourne Docklands]] to the immediate west of the CBD, a central but largely deserted industrial area which had just begun its own [[urban renewal]] project. Construction of the stadium by [[Baulderstone]] began in October 1997 under the working name "Victoria Stadium",<ref name="age150">{{cite news|url=http://150.theage.com.au/view_bestofarticle.asp?straction=update&inttype=1&intid=927|title=City to get $200m high-tech stadium|last1=Linnell|first1=Stephen|first2=Shane|last2=Green|date=31 October 1996|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=1 March 2009|location=Melbourne|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050618035646/http://150.theage.com.au/view_bestofarticle.asp?straction=update&inttype=1&intid=927|archive-date=18 June 2005}}</ref> and was completed ahead of the 2000 AFL season. The stadium was originally developed by the Docklands Stadium Consortium and thereafter controlled by the [[Seven Network]]. The remaining leasehold interest in the stadium was sold to James Fielding Funds Management in June 2006 for A$330&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|title=Seven sells Telstra Dome stake|date=21 July 2006}}</ref>

The stadium, like Waverley Park, was built primarily for [[Australian rules football]], unlike most grounds of a similar size in Australia which were originally designed for [[cricket]] then later developed for football. It was the first Australian rules football stadium built with a retractable roof, which throughout its history has usually been closed for night matches and for wet weather day matches; the roof closure policy for dry weather day matches has varied. It was the first stadium in Australia to have [[movable seating]]. All four level-one tiers of the stadium can be moved up to 18 metres forward into a rectangular configuration. Despite this being a key feature of the stadium design, it has rarely been used, due to damage to turf, time to deploy the seats, and a reduced capacity, since the corner bays of the stadium become unavailable in rectangular configuration.

===Development===
Construction was finished only weeks before the first match, and some scheduled pre-season matches were relocated as a result.<ref name="FS2000" /> The first match to be played at the ground was between {{AFL Ess}} and {{AFL PA}}, before a crowd of 43,012, on 9 March 2000. Essendon won the match by 94 points, and [[Michael Long (footballer)|Michael Long]] kicked the first goal at the ground.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2000/051320000309.html|title=Essendon v Port Adelaide|publisher= AFL Tables|date=9 March 2000|access-date=27 October 2015}}</ref><ref name="Marvel Stadium"/> The game was to have been played under the closed roof, but due to technical issues it remained open. Six days later, [[Barbra Streisand]] staged the venue's first concert.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Herald Sun|publication-place=Melbourne, VIC|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/were-in-trouble-20-years-ago-on-a-hot-chaotic-night-the-afl-changed-forever-at-colonial-stadium/news-story/94cd171517c501b2f248bd8fb0fe18f6|title='We're in trouble': 20 years ago on a hot chaotic night, the AFL changed forever at 'Colonial Stadium'|date=9 March 2020|access-date=29 March 2020|first=Tom|last=Morris}}</ref> The stadium's third football game, between Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions on 19 March, was the first to be played under the roof.<ref name="FS2000">{{cite web|url=http://footystats.freeservers.com/Special/2000review.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303184938/http://footystats.freeservers.com/Special/2000review.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 March 2016|title=2000 Review|publisher=Footy Stats|access-date=29 March 2020}}</ref> On 16 August 2000, the world's first indoor [[One Day International]] was held at the venue between [[Australian cricket team|Australia]] and [[South African national cricket team|South Africa]]. The first game played in the rectangular configuration was a [[Melbourne Storm]] game in July 2001. The first soccer match played was in round 5 2001 of the [[National Soccer League]] between [[South Melbourne FC]] and [[Melbourne Knights FC]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-02-07 |title=Soccer joins rush to Colonial |url=http://www.melbourneknights.com.au/news/club-news/soccer-joins-rush-to-colonial/ |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=Melbourne Knights FC |language=en-AU}}</ref>

From the beginning, the stadium's playing surface was criticized for its slipperiness, hardness and lack of grass coverage, and the increased risk of injury that this causes to players.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uninews.unimelb.edu.au/articleid_4166.html|title=Dried out grounds bring hard times|date=30 April 2007|publisher=The University of Melbourne Voice|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829061439/http://uninews.unimelb.edu.au/articleid_4166.html|archive-date=29 August 2007}}</ref> Maintaining surface quality remains one of the stadium's biggest challenges.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.austadiums.com/news/news.php?id=319|title=Surface Tension ends at Telstra Dome|date=24 June 2007|publisher=Austadiums.com}}</ref> The stadium's orientation and highly built-up grandstands mean that the Northern end of the stadium in particular receives only 6 weeks of sunlight a year. Concerts held at the stadium are also usually placed at the Southern end due to the ability for grass to recover more quickly.<ref name="turfsup">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22246546-2862,00.html|title=Turf's up at the Dome|date=15 August 2007|work=[[Herald Sun]] | first=Sam | last=Edmund}}</ref> The entire surface undergoes regular, expensive replacement during the season with turf grown externally, under contract by HG Turf, whereas the responsibility of laying and managing the turf lies with Docklands Stadium management.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.afana.com/drupal/node/223|title=Turf Experiment for Dome|date=27 August 2006|publisher=[[Australian Football Association of North America]]}}</ref> Since 2007, elaborate heating and lighting to better allow grass to be grown and managed within the stadium have been in use.<ref name=turfsup/>

The venue was damaged by a thunderstorm in March 2010 during the [[2010 Victorian storms]]. The external roof at Gate 2 caved in, causing damage and flooding inside the entertainment area. That evening's pre-season match between {{AFL Stk}} and {{AFL Fre}} was delayed due to WorkSafe inspections, but it still went ahead before a small crowd of 5,000.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/storm-brings-chaos-to-melbourne-20100306-ppn0.html |title=Storm brings chaos to Melbourne|work=The Age|date=7 March 2010|access-date=20 January 2014}}</ref>

[[File:Marvel Stadium from an aerial perspective. Feb 2019.jpg|thumb|right|Marvel Stadium pictured from above (February 2019)]]
In 2015, LED electronic advertising was added around the perimeter of the ground on level 1 and 2, as well as a strip synthetic turf around the edge of the fence, outside the boundary line. The synthetic strip was narrowed after [[Brisbane Lions]] player [[Michael Close]] suffered a season ending ACL injury on the uneven surface during a game in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Age|last=Wilson|first=Caroline|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/etihad-stadium-afl-face-compensation-claims-over-artificial-turf-20150414-1mktho.html|title=Etihad Stadium, AFL face compensation claims over artificial turf|date=14 April 2015|access-date=13 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Phelan|first=Jason|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-05-17/etihad-stadium-surface-dangerous-says-freo-coach-ross-lyon-after-win-over-bulldogs|title=Etihad Stadium surface 'quite dangerous' says Ross Lyon after win over Dogs|website=AFL.com|publisher=[[Australian Football League]]|date=17 May 2015|access-date=13 June 2015}}</ref>

The stadium became unpopular with many of its tenant clubs, especially {{AFL Stk}}, {{AFL NM}} and {{AFL WB}}, as high operating costs and the high proportion of gate revenues which were paid back to the stadium meant that clubs earned much lower returns for a game at Docklands than they would have earned from the same attendance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. At least 20,000 spectators were usually required to break even on a game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.footyindustry.com/?page_id=447|title=AFL Stadium deals|access-date=1 April 2020|publisher=Sports Industry AU}}</ref> Those three clubs all received compensation payments from the AFL to balance the weak deals,<ref>{{cite web|title='The worst stadium deal in the history of world sport': Brayshaw slams Etihad|date=18 March 2015|access-date=1 April 2020|first=Nick|last=Bowen|publisher=Australian Football League|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/202110/brayshaw-slams-etihad-deal}}</ref> and sold occasional home matches to small interstate or international venues for greater financial returns than they could earn at Docklands.<ref name="betterdeal">{{cite news|newspaper=Herald Sun|publication-place=Melbourne, VIC|title=Etihad Stadium clubs could reap millions of dollars in new gate receipts deals|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/north-melbourne/etihad-stadium-clubs-could-reap-millions-of-dollars-in-new-gate-receipts-deals/news-story/d1a4ddd3a707e62f2ff27077eadceb29|access-date=1 April 2020|date=4 March 2018|first=Jon|last=Ralph}}</ref>

The stadium and broader precinct underwent a $225 million redevelopment, funded by the AFL and [[Government of Victoria|Victorian Government]], between 2021 and 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.austadiums.com/news/859/225m-marvel-stadium-redevelopment-plans-revealed|title=$225m Marvel Stadium redevelopment plans revealed|date=20 November 2020|work=Austadiums}}</ref><ref name=videoscreen/><ref name=AnnOne>{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/andrews-government-set-to-splash-cash-on-footy-stadiums-20180412-p4z9bg.html|title=Etihad Stadium set for major upgrade in Andrews government cash splash|date=12 April 2018|work=The Age}}</ref> This included two new video screens, which hang underneath the stadium's roof and were installed behind the goal at each end of the stadium ahead of the [[2022 AFL season]].<ref name=videoscreen>{{cite web|url=https://www.austadiums.com/news/1154/new-marvel-stadium-video-screens-to-be-in-place-for-afl-season|title=New Marvel Stadium video screens to be in place for AFL season|work=Austadiums|date=1 March 2022}}</ref> The rest of the redevelopment upgraded stadium infrastructure, connected the precinct to the Melbourne CBD and opened up access to the Docklands waterfront.<ref name=AnnOne/><ref name=EndOfMSLmanagement/> The redevelopment was completed in March 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.austadiums.com/news/1373/marvel-stadium-redevelopment-officially-opens|title=Marvel Stadium redevelopment officially opens|work=Austadiums|date=23 March 2024}}</ref>

In May 2023, Docklands Stadium opened The Runner, becoming the first venue in the Southern Hemisphere to utilize Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology for checkout-free purchases.<ref>{{cite web |title=AFL and Amazon to introduce Just Walk Out technology at Marvel Stadium |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/896835/afl-and-amazon-to-introduce-just-walk-out-technology-at-marvel-stadium |publisher=Australian Football League |access-date=5 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Be among the first to trial The Runner at Marvel Stadium |url=https://nmfc.com.au/news/1333550/be-among-the-first-to-trial-the-runner-at-marvel-stadium |publisher=North Melbourne Football Club |access-date=5 November 2024}}</ref> The Runner outlets, consisting of one bar and one food kiosk, work by having attendees scanning their credit or debit card, or mobile wallet payment option at the entry, entering to collect their items, and then leaving the outlet without having to wait in line to checkout.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Burt |first1=Sarah |title=Footy pies at lightning speed as Marvel Stadium makes game-changing move |url=https://7news.com.au/sport/footy-pies-at-lightning-speed-as-marvel-stadium-makes-game-changing-move-c-10245415 |website=Seven News |publisher=Seven Network |access-date=5 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Rory |title=Marvel Stadium becomes first Australian venue to add Amazon’s Just Walk Out kiosks |url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/marvel-stadium-afl-amazon-just-walk-out-north-melbourne-essendon-st-kilda/ |website=Sports Pro Media |access-date=5 November 2024}}</ref> The outlets utilizes cameras, sensors, machine learning algorithms, motion tracking and artificial intelligence like computer vision and deep learning techniques, including generative AI, to accurately determine who took what in any retail environment.<ref>{{cite web |title=How AI helps footy fans grab a pie in less time than a goal break |url=https://www.aboutamazon.com.au/news/aws/how-ai-helps-footy-fans-grab-a-pie-in-less-time-than-a-goal-break |publisher=Amazon |access-date=5 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Just Walk Out Technology at Marvel Stadium |url=https://www.marvelstadium.com.au/just-walk-out-technology |publisher=Marvel Stadium |access-date=5 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=New 'Just Walk Out' technology launches at Marvel Stadium (Ch 7 National News) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-kEIuI8d38 |website=YouTube |publisher=Michael McQueen |access-date=5 November 2024}}</ref>

===Ownership===
Under the terms of the agreement governing construction and operation of the venue, in 2025 the [[Australian Football League|AFL]] was to win ownership of the stadium for a nominal $30 fee;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-06-25/afl-will-fight-docklands-all-the-way-demetriou/1332468|title=AFL will fight Docklands all the way: Demetriou|work=ABC News|date=25 June 2009}}</ref> but the [[AFL Commission]] opted to purchase exclusive ownership of the stadium earlier than this, in October 2016, for approximately $200 million.<ref name="AFLOwners"/> This purchase left the stadium's tenant AFL clubs millions of dollars better off, as they and the AFL arranged more favorable tenancy agreements;<ref name="betterdeal" /> although clubs continue to make more money at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, leading to a push from tenant clubs {{AFL Car}}, {{AFL Ess}} and {{AFL Stk}} to reduce their annual matches at the ground.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Niall |first1=Jake |title=Grounds for complaint: Why Dons, Blues and Saints want fewer Marvel games |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/grounds-for-complaint-why-dons-blues-and-saints-want-fewer-marvel-games-20240523-p5jfz7.html |website=The Age |date=24 May 2024 |access-date=26 May 2024}}</ref> The stadium was eventually integrated into the AFL structure several years later, ending the independent management of the venue by Melbourne Stadiums Limited.<ref name=EndOfMSLmanagement>{{cite web|url=https://www.austadiums.com/news/news.php?id=813|title=Management of Marvel Stadium integrated into AFL as part of restructure|date=25 August 2020|work=Austadiums}}</ref>

The purchase also soon proved critically important to the AFL's finances during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], when it was able to leverage its ownership of the stadium in obtaining a $500–600 million line of credit to cover cash flow shortages when the [[2020 AFL season]] was suspended.<ref name="Marvel">{{cite news|newspaper=The Australian|publication-place=Melbourne, VIC|title=$600m lifeline via Marvel Stadium saves AFL but where will they play?|date=30 March 2020|access-date=1 April 2020|first=Sam|last=Landsberger|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/600m-lifeline-via-marvel-stadium-saves-afl-but-where-will-they-play/news-story/e69a5c7e16dd32a25321dec9dbe15e2f}}</ref>

==Naming rights history==
[[File:Docklands Stadium being renamed to Marvel Stadium from Etihad Stadium.jpg|thumb|Docklands Stadium being renamed from Etihad Stadium to Marvel Stadium]]
The stadium has never operated under the name 'Docklands Stadium', having been covered by naming rights deals throughout its entire operating history. When it opened, the [[Colonial State Bank]] paid $32.5&nbsp;million for 10 years of naming rights, and the stadium opened as '''Colonial Stadium'''.<ref>{{cite news|title=International Naming Rights|url=http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/12444|publisher=SportsBusiness Daily|date=19 February 2001}}</ref> The same year, [[Commonwealth Bank]] took over the Colonial State Bank and began to discontinue the brand. Commonwealth then sold the balance of the naming rights contract to [[Telstra]] for about $50&nbsp;million, and the stadium's name was changed to '''Telstra Dome''' in October 2002. During this time it was colloquially referred to as "The Dome" – a colloquialism used actively by clubs which were sponsored by rival telecommunications companies (such as {{AFL Ess}} with [[Hutchison 3G|3]] and {{AFL Car}} with [[Optus]]).{{cn|date=July 2025}}

In March 2009, the naming rights transferred to [[Etihad Airways]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.etihadstadium.com.au/news-display/ETIHAD-New-Naming-Rights-Partner/146 |title=ETIHAD: New Naming Rights Partner |date=23 October 2008 |access-date=23 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214035853/http://etihadstadium.com.au/news-display/ETIHAD-New-Naming-Rights-Partner/146 |archive-date=14 February 2009}}</ref> The venue became known as '''Etihad Stadium''' under a five-year deal, which was later extended to ten years, at a cost estimated at between $5–$8&nbsp;million per year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.etihadstadium.com.au/about/naming-rights-partner |title=Naming Rights Partner - About Us - Etihad Stadium - Major Sporting & Entertainment Events Venue |access-date=17 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216114955/http://www.etihadstadium.com.au/about/naming-rights-partner |archive-date=16 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,27574,25613331-2862,00.html|title=Naming lights sponsor at MCG?|date=10 June 2009|access-date=9 June 2009|first=Mark|last=Dunn}}</ref> This once again caused problems, as the AFL would not initially recognize the new name due to its deal with rival airline [[Qantas]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Ralph |first=Jon |date=25 February 2009 |title=AFL refuses to acknowledge Etihad Stadium |url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,25107632-5016169,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527224220/http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,25107632-5016169,00.html |archive-date=27 May 2009 |access-date=25 February 2008 |work=[[The Courier-Mail]]}}</ref> The league recognized the new name only after further negotiation between the two parties.{{cn|date=July 2025}}

In September 2018, the stadium was renamed '''Marvel Stadium''' after the stadium operators negotiated an eight-year deal with [[the Walt Disney Company]], the parent company of [[Marvel Entertainment]], to change the naming rights and install a Marvel retail store at the venue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/may/24/marvel-ous-entertainment-etihad-stadium-re-named-after-walt-disney-deal|title=Marvel-lous idea? Etihad Stadium renamed after Walt Disney deal|work=The Guardian|date=24 May 2018}}</ref>

==Stadium features==
*Oval-shaped, turf playing surface of {{convert|19053|m2|sqft}} or {{convert|170|by|140|m|ft|abbr=on}}
*[[Retractable roof]] {{convert|38|m|ft}} above the playing surface, opens east–west, and takes eight minutes to fully open or close.<ref name="commgames06" />
*[[Movable seating]] (4 sections of the lower tier can move 18 metres forward to give a rectangular configuration)
*Two large internal video screens, one behind each goal (installed 2022); and two smaller internal video screens on opposite flanks of the field (original construction) – displaying scores, video replays and advertisements.
*1,000 video seats
*13 function rooms
*66 corporate boxes
*Premium Club membership area, [[The Medallion Club]]
*1700 car parking spaces across 3 levels beneath the playing surface.<ref>{{cite web |title=Covid-Safe Plan |url=https://www.marvelstadium.com.au/covid-safe-plan/ |website=Marvel Stadium Website |publisher=Melbourne Stadium Limited |access-date=29 February 2024}}</ref>
*Over 700 2,000-watt lights for arena illumination
*A varying capacity of between 12,000 and 74,000, depending on the event. For example, seats can be laid on the ground.
*An [[Australian Football League|AFL]] capacity of 53,359
*Dimensions of playing area are 159.5 metres by 128.5 metres (174.4 yards by 140.5 yards)
The ends of the ground, where the [[Australian Football League|AFL]] goal posts are located, are named after the two leading goalkickers in [[VFL/AFL]] history: the northern end is the Lockett End, after [[Tony Lockett]]; and the southern end is the Coventry End, after [[Gordon Coventry]]. Some clubs informally use alternative names during their home games in place of those to honour their own histories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/fanzone/a---z-fan-guide |title=A - Z Fan Guide - westernbulldogs.com.au |access-date=19 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326181835/http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/fanzone/a---z-fan-guide |archive-date=26 March 2014}}</ref>

<gallery class="center">
File:Marvel_Stadium_during_curtain_raiser.jpg|Marvel Stadium in oval configuration in 2022
File:Melbourne Derby December 2014.jpg|Docklands Stadium in rectangular configuration in 2015
File:Docklands Stadium movable seating.jpg|A section of the movable seating
File:Aflgame.jpg|One of the original, smaller [[LCD]]s at Docklands Stadium
File:Marvel Stadium 2019.jpg|Exterior view of the stadium as seen from the harbour side
</gallery>

==Use==
[[File:Panorama of Marvel Stadium 2025.jpg|thumb|A panoramic view of Marvel Stadium during an AFL match in May 2025]]

===Australian rules football===
[[File:Marvel Stadium before Hawthorn Hawks vs Brisbane Lions - 26 May 2024.jpg|thumb|Docklands Stadium prior to an AFL match in May 2024]]
As of 2024, five [[Australian Football League|AFL]] teams have deals in place to play home games at Docklands Stadium:<ref>{{cite web|title=Tenant Clubs|url=http://www.etihadstadium.com.au/about/tenant-clubs|publisher=Etihad Stadium|access-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
*{{AFL Stk}} – ten home games per year. The club has played almost all home games at the venue since it opened in 2000.<ref name="FS2000" />
*{{AFL WB}} – nine home games per year. The club has played almost all home games at the venue since it opened in 2000.<ref name="FS2000" />
*{{AFL NM}} – seven home games per year. The venue has been the club's primary home ground since 2005, but it had previously played about five games per year from 2000 to 2004.
*{{AFL Ess}} – seven home games per year. The club has a 25-year deal, which has been in place since the stadium opened in 2000.<ref name="FS2000" />
*{{AFL Car}} – six home games per year. The club has a deal for six home games per year in place since 2005, with the exception of 2015–2017 when five home games were played.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Herald Sun|publication-place=Melbourne, VIC|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/carlton/carlton-will-play-six-home-games-at-the-mcg-in-2015-despite-campaign-for-more/news-story/f8561f2200f1dbad3b7d2f3b428150c4|first=Sam|last=Edmund|date=18 September 2014|access-date=31 October 2014|title=Carlton will play six home games at the MCG in 2015 despite campaign for more}}</ref> 

All Victorian-based AFL teams, including those not listed here, have played some home games at the ground during its history, owing to a contractual requirement between the AFL and the stadium's original owners to stage at least 46 AFL matches per year until 2013, and 40 matches per year thereafter. {{AFL Gee}} and {{AFL Col}} both had deals to play around four home matches per year during the 2000s,<ref name="FS2000" /> with the latter playing two home games per year at the ground since 2014. Most other clubs still play one or two home matches there per year to make up the numbers; for example, {{AFL Ric}} have played one home game per year at the ground since 2011 and {{AFL Haw}} have played one home game per year at the ground since 2017. 

In 2020, to mark 20 years of AFL football at the ground, the AFL named the 20 biggest moments and stories involving games played at the stadium in a video.<ref>{{cite web |title=Twenty years at Docklands: The 20 most memorable moments and biggest stories |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_AhETwWGRU |website=YouTube |publisher=Australian Football League |access-date=4 November 2022 |date=8 March 2020}}</ref> The top 5 were as follows:

# [[Jason McCartney (footballer)|Jason McCartney]]'s AFL return after nearly dying in the [[2002 Bali bombings]] – North Melbourne vs Richmond, Round 11 (6 June), 2003
# [[Lance Franklin]] completing a 100-goal season in 2008 – Hawthorn vs Carlton, Round 22 (30 August), 2008
# [[Wayne Carey]]'s return to face North Melbourne after his extramarital scandal involving former teammate [[Anthony Stevens]] – North Melbourne vs Adelaide, Round 6 (2 May), 2003
# [[James Hird]] leading a final-quarter comeback with 15 touches and the winning goal – Essendon vs West Coast, Round 3 (10 April), 2004
# St Kilda and Geelong facing off after both clubs started the 2009 season 13–0, the latest meeting of unbeaten teams in a season – [[St Kilda vs Geelong (2009 AFL season)|St Kilda vs Geelong, Round 14 (5 July), 2009]]

===Cricket===
The venue's major summer tenant is [[Big Bash League]] side [[Melbourne Renegades]], which has played its home games at the Docklands Stadium since the league's inception in 2011/12. A [[drop-in pitch]] is used to facilitate cricket at the venue. At the end of the 2016/17 Big Bash, the stadium was rated the most entertaining venue for T20 cricket in Australia.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Finder.com.au|url=https://www.finder.com.au/big-bash|title=Big Bash T20 Statistics – Most entertaining BBL teams, stadiums and games revealed|date=15 December 2017|access-date=18 December 2017|first=Chris|last=Stead}}</ref>

In 2016, [[Chris Gayle]] of the Renegades and the West Indies tied the record for the fastest T20 half century (12 balls) during the last round of [[2015-16 Big Bash League season|BBL 5]] at the ground against the [[Adelaide Strikers]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/big-bash-league-2015-16/content/story/963257.html|title=Chris Gayle blasts 12-ball fifty|work=ESPN CricInfo |publisher=ESPN Sports Media|date=18 January 2016|access-date=18 January 2016}}</ref>

Although rare, multiple players have hit the roof during a game, which is 38 metres (125 feet) above the playing surface.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marvel Stadium {{!}} Western Bulldogs |url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/about-us/venues/marvel-stadium |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=westernbulldogs.com.au |language=en}}</ref> For example, in 2018, [[Perth Scorchers]] batsman [[Ashton Turner]] hit a [[Dan Christian]] delivery into the roof; under the [[Big Bash League|BBL]] rules, such a hit is considered to be [[Boundary (cricket)|six runs]], with the ball being considered dead and unable to be caught for the purpose of getting the batsman out.<ref>{{Citation |title=Turner handed six runs after hitting roof | date=20 December 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oeo0lBs0yUY |language=en |access-date=2023-02-10}}</ref>

===Soccer===
The first time it was used for soccer was in 2001 between South Melbourne and Melbourne Knights in the NSL. [[A-League Men|A-League]] team [[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]] played home matches at the stadium between 2006–07 and 2020–21. Originally, the plan was that the stadium would only be used for games against its biggest rivals, [[Sydney FC]], in the 2006–07 A-League; but after the success of that game, the club shifted permanently from [[Olympic Park Stadium (Melbourne)|Olympic Park Stadium]] to Docklands from the 2006–07 season until the 2009–10 season. This gave the stadium its first major summer tenant. After the opening of the [[Melbourne Rectangular Stadium]] in 2010, the club played only high-drawing games and finals at Docklands, with all other games being played at the new stadium; and as of the 2022–23 season, Victory ceased playing home matches at the stadium.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-13|title=Victory returns to spiritual home|url=https://www.melbournevictory.com.au/news/victory-returns-spiritual-home|access-date=2021-07-13|website=Melbourne Victory|language=en}}</ref> The stadium hosted the 2024 [[A-Leagues All Stars Game|A-Leagues All Stars Games]] on 24 May 2024, as part of [[Global Football Week Melbourne]].

===Rugby league===
In the 2001 [[National Rugby League]] season, the stadium was the permanent home ground for the [[Melbourne Storm]], but this deal lasted only one year. The club occasionally hosted high-drawing home games and finals at Docklands after that, including their first three home games of the [[2010 NRL season]] while awaiting the completion of their then new home ground [[Melbourne Rectangular Stadium|AAMI Park]]. In 2023, the Storm returned to play two games at the ground, while AAMI Park was unavailable in July–August due to the [[2023 FIFA Women's World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zerotackle.com/storm-confirm-replacement-venue-for-fifa-world-cup-period-123530/|title=Storm confirm replacement venue for FIFA World Cup period|publisher=Zero Tackle|first=Scott|last=Pryde|date=28 September 2022|accessdate=3 October 2022}}</ref>

Docklands has also hosted interstate and international rugby league games. As Telstra Dome, Docklands hosted its first [[State of Origin (rugby league)|State of Origin]] game in [[2006 State of Origin|2006]] as it hosted the deciding third game. As Etihad Stadium, the stadium also hosted Origin games in [[2009 State of Origin series|2009]] and [[2012 State of Origin series|2012]]. The 2012 match attracted 56,021, a new record for rugby league at the stadium.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=6 July 2013|title=Docklands|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/venues/docklands/results.html|publisher=Rugby League Project|first1=Shawn|last1=Dollin|first2=Andrew|last2=Ferguson|first3=Bill|last3=Bates}}</ref>

===Other sports===
The stadium has been converted to host several other sporting events. In its early years, the stadium was used for off-season [[one day international]] cricket matches, but has also held some summer matches, particularly in 2006 when the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] was unavailable due to preparations for the [[2006 Commonwealth Games]]. The venue has also hosted international rugby union – including being Melbourne's venue during the [[2003 Rugby World Cup]] – although the [[Melbourne Rectangular Stadium]] now hosts most such games. The venue has hosted international basketball,<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2018/11/2019-mnt-melbourne-exhibition-sold-out.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116012318/https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2018/11/2019-mnt-melbourne-exhibition-sold-out.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 November 2018 |title=USA vs. Australia Men's National Team August 24 Exhibition Game Sold Out |publisher=[[USA Basketball]] |date=15 November 2018 |access-date=18 May 2019}}</ref> Rugby 7s at the [[2006 Commonwealth Games]],<ref name="commgames06">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/columns/200602/s1580123.htm|title=2006 Commonwealth Games venues – Docklands Stadium|website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=28 February 2006|access-date=11 June 2008}}</ref> a 2002 non-televised [[WWE]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liveaudiowrestling.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=5550|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021105144144/http://www.liveaudiowrestling.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=5550|title=Wrestling Observer - headlines|archive-date=5 November 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/42664-thurs-update-more-from-nxt-takeover-samoa-joe-deal-notes-what-tna-talent-has-been-told-white-predicts-2-million-buys-for-rousey-vs-cyborg-lawler-angle-|title=WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results}}</ref> [[House show|live event]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/wwe-corporate-wwe-brings-global-warning-tour-to-australia|title=WWE Brings 'Global Warning Tour' to Australia |work=WWE Corporate|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520210130/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/wwe-corporate-wwe-brings-global-warning-tour-to-australia|archive-date=20 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/wwe-corporate-world-wrestling-entertainments-global-warning-tour-sets-attendance-record-in-australia|title=World Wrestling Entertainment's Global Warning Tour Sets Attendance Record in Australia |work=WWE Corporate|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520211646/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/wwe-corporate-world-wrestling-entertainments-global-warning-tour-sets-attendance-record-in-australia|archive-date=20 May 2015}}</ref> as part of the [[WWE Global Warning Tour: Melbourne]], the 2015 [[UFC 193]]<ref>{{cite web|title=UFC193|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC193|website=UFC|access-date=5 October 2015|ref=UFC193}}</ref> in front of a then-record UFC attendance of 56,214 fans,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/11/15/9737826/ufc-193-sets-all-time-attendance-record-melbourne-australia-toronto-canada-mma|title= UFC Sets All-Time Attendance Record in Melbourne|date=15 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015}}</ref> a [[motorcycle speedway]] event (when it played host to the [[2015 Speedway Grand Prix of Australia]] on a {{convert|346|m|yd|abbr=off}} long temporary track), and a controversial international darts event in 2015 in which spectators seated on the arena started throwing chairs and furniture.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/chairs-fly-in-chaos-at-darts-tournament-at-etihad-stadium/news-story/630df82c0a30a60d80090e9e12013d08|title=Chairs fly in chaos at darts tournament at Etihad Stadium|date=11 January 2015|access-date=1 April 2020|first=Sophie|last=Aubrey}}</ref>

===Non-sports events===
[[File:Docklands Stadium Dec2022.jpg|thumb|left|Docklands Stadium being used for a RMIT University graduation ceremony in 2022]] 
Outside of sporting events, the stadium hosts special events and concerts. [[Adele]] holds the record for the largest concert attendance at the stadium, on the [[Adele Live 2016|Adele Live 2017]] tour. [[Ed Sheeran]] holds the record for the largest concert series attendance at the stadium, on the [[÷ Tour|Divide World Tour]].<ref>{{cite web |title=History - Marvel Stadium |url=https://www.marvelstadium.com.au/history |website=www.marvelstadium.com.au |access-date=14 July 2024 |language=en |date=25 August 2023}}</ref> In November 2023, the stadium was the first in Australia to hold a [[K-pop]] concert and the first in Australia to be headlined by a female group, when [[Twice]] held their [[Ready to Be World Tour]] concert at the stadium.<ref name="Billboard2">{{cite magazine |last1=Brandle |first1=Lars |date=August 29, 2023 |title=TWICE Set to Make History With Australian Stadium Show |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/twice-history-australia-stadium-show-1235402469/ |magazine=Billboard |language=en-AU |access-date=August 29, 2023}}</ref>

[[RMIT University]] uses the stadium as the site for its graduation ceremonies annually.<ref>{{cite news |title=Paralympian Jessica Gallagher awarded RMIT Honorary Doctorate |url=https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/all-news/2023/dec/jess-gallagher-hon-doc |access-date=14 July 2024 |work=www.rmit.edu.au |language=en}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+List of all concerts held at Docklands Stadium
!Date
!Performer(s)
!Attendance
!Event
!{{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||15 & 17 March 2000
||[[Barbra Streisand]]
| style="text-align: left;" |70,000
||[[Timeless (Barbra Streisand)|Timeless Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||1 December 2002
||[[Red Hot Chili Peppers]]
| style="text-align: left;" |21,729 
||[[By The Way Tour]]
|
|-
| style="text-align: left;" |28 February 2003
| style="text-align: left;" |[[Kiss (band)|KISS]]
| style="text-align: left;" |33,000
| style="text-align: left;" |Recording of [[Kiss Symphony: Alive IV]]
|
|-
| style="text-align: left;" |20 March 2003
| style="text-align: left;" |[[Bruce Springsteen|Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band]]
| style="text-align: left;" |—
| style="text-align: left;" |[[The Rising Tour|Rising Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
| style="text-align: left;" |10 December 2003
| style="text-align: left;" |[[Robbie Williams]]
| style="text-align: left;" |57,027 
| style="text-align: left;" |2003 Tour 
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||17 December 2005
||[[Green Day]]
| style="text-align: left;" |8,439
||[[American Idiot World Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||18 & 19 November 2006
||[[U2]]
| style="text-align: left;" | 127,275
||[[Vertigo Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||17 & 18 December 2006
||[[Robbie Williams]]
||125,274
||[[Close Encounters Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||13–15 November 2008
||[[André Rieu]]
||38,605
||Stadium tour with the [[Johann Strauss Orchestra]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||20 November 2009
||[[Pearl Jam]]
||45,000
||[[Backspacer Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||3 March 2010
||[[George Michael]]
||47,000
||[[George Michael Live in Australia]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||11,13 & 15 February 2010
||[[AC/DC]]
||181,495
||[[Black Ice World Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||1 & 3 December 2010
||[[U2]]
||105,312
||[[U2 360° Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||11 December 2010
||[[Bon Jovi]]/[[Kid Rock]]
||54,414
||[[The Circle Tour|Circle Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||31 December 2010
||[[Armin van Buuren]]
||15,000
||Armin Only Mirage
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||1 December 2011
||[[Eminem]]
||61,405
||[[The Recovery Tour|Recovery Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||13 November 2012
||[[Coldplay]]
||63,378
||[[Mylo Xyloto Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||5 January 2013
||[[Mariah Carey]]
||46,500
|One-off performance
|
|-
| style="text-align: left;" |5 & 6 March 2013
| style="text-align: left;" |[[Kiss (band)|KISS]]/[[Mötley Crüe]]
| style="text-align: left;" |—
| style="text-align: left;" |[[Monster Tour (Kiss)|Monster Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||7 & 8 December 2013
||[[Bon Jovi]]
||91,505
||[[Because We Can: The Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||14 December 2013
||[[Taylor Swift]]
||47,257
||[[Red Tour]]
|
|- style="text-align: left;" 
||19 February 2014
||[[Eminem]]
||59,675
||[[Rapture Tour]]
|
|-
||18 & 19 September 2014
||[[Justin Timberlake]]
||41,777
||[[The 20/20 Experience World Tour|20/20 Experience World Tour]]
|
|-
||14 & 15 February 2015
||[[One Direction]]
||59,253 
||[[On the Road Again Tour]]
|
|-
||28 February 2015
||[[Foo Fighters]]
||56,981
||[[Sonic Highways World Tour]]
|
|-
||6 & 8 December 2015
||[[AC/DC]]
||100,000
||[[Rock or Bust World Tour]]
|
|-
||12, 13 & 14 February 2016
||[[Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo]]
||152,673
||One-off performance
|
|-
||9 & 10 December 2016
||[[Coldplay]]
||109,492
||[[A Head Full of Dreams Tour]]
|
|-
|10 March 2017
|[[Justin Bieber]]
||54,821
|[[Purpose World Tour]]
|
|-
|18 & 19 March 2017
|[[Adele]]
|152,300
|[[Adele Live 2016|Adele Live 2017]]
|
|-
|30 January 2018
|[[Foo Fighters]]
| —
|[[Concrete and Gold Tour]]
|
|-
|9, 10, 11 & 12 March 2018
|[[Ed Sheeran]]
| 256,622
|[[÷ Tour]]
|
|-
|26 October 2018
|[[Taylor Swift]]
| 63,027
|[[Reputation Stadium Tour]]
|
|-
|10 November 2018
|[[Usher (musician)|Usher]]
|51,104
| rowspan="2" |[[RNB Fridays Live]]
|
|-
|9 November 2019
|[[Janet Jackson]]
|23,205
|
|-
|15 November 2019
|[[U2]]
|59,726
|[[The Joshua Tree Tour 2019|Joshua Tree Tour 2019]]
|
|-
|7 & 9 February 2023
|[[Red Hot Chili Peppers]]
|104,535
|[[Red Hot Chili Peppers 2022 Global Stadium Tour]]
|
|-
|24 & 25 February 2023
|[[Harry Styles]]
|114,829
|[[Love on Tour]]
|
|-
|21 October 2023
|[[Paul McCartney]]
|52,000
|[[Got Back|Got Back Tour]]
|
|-
|4 November 2023
|[[Twice]]
|—
|[[Ready to Be World Tour]]
|<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Brandle |first=Lars |date=2023-08-29 |title=TWICE Set to Make History With Australian Stadium Show |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/twice-history-australia-stadium-show-1235402469/ |access-date=2024-08-03 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|14 November 2023
|[[Def Leppard]] and [[Mötley Crüe]]
|—
|[[The World Tour (Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe)|World Tour]]
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Friedlander |first=Matt |date=2023-11-16 |title=Mötley Crüe Drummer Tommy Lee Celebrates End of Band's World Tour with Def Leppard |url=https://americansongwriter.com/motley-crue-drummer-tommy-lee-celebrates-end-of-bands-world-tour-with-def-leppard/ |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=American Songwriter |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|23 & 24 February, 12 & 13 March 2024
|[[Pink (singer)|Pink]]
|228,000
|[[Summer Carnival (tour)|Summer Carnival]] tour
|<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Brandle |first=Lars |date=2024-03-19 |title=Pink's 'Summer Carnival' Tour of Australia Smashes Records |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/concerts/pink-summer-carnival-tour-australia-smashes-records-1235636133/ |access-date=2024-08-03 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|5 & 6 October 2024
|[[The Weeknd]]
|112,694
|[[After Hours til Dawn Tour]]
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varvaris |first=Mary |title=The Weeknd Announces Return To Australia |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/the-weeknd-announces-return-to-australia/_fRDERATEhU/19-08-24 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=The Music |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|19 October 2024
|[[Stray Kids]]
|—
|[[Dominate World Tour]]
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-23 |title=Stray Kids Announce Australian Tour |url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/stray-kids-australian-tour-2024-tickets-64645/ |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=Rolling Stone Australia |language=en-AU}}</ref>
|-
|22 & 23 October 2024
|[[Travis Scott]]
|—
|[[Circus Maximus Tour]]
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Ellie |title=Travis Scott Adds New Melbourne Date To 2025 Australian Tour |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/travis-scott-adds-new-melbourne-date-to-2025-australian-tour/LCeSPiEgIyI/01-08-24 |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=The Music |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|30 & 31 October, 2 & 3 November 2024
|[[Coldplay]]
|227,000
|[[Music of the Spheres World Tour]]
|<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=3 November 2024 |title=Coldplay Smash Australian Attendance Record with Music of the Spheres Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-australian-attendance-record-music-of-the-spheres-tour-1235818854/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241104171318/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coldplay-australian-attendance-record-music-of-the-spheres-tour-1235818854/ |archive-date=4 November 2024 |access-date=4 November 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
|-
|16 & 18 November 2024
|[[Pearl Jam]]
|116,000
|[[Dark Matter World Tour]]
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varvaris |first=Mary |title=Pearl Jam Announce Highly Anticipated Australian Tour |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/pearl-jam-announce-highly-anticipated-australian-tour/RHj6VllYW1o/14-02-24 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=The Music |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|7 & 8 February 2025
|[[Luke Combs]]
|—
|Live in Australia 2025
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varvaris |first=Mary |title=Luke Combs Announces 2025 Australian Stadium Tour |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/luke-combs-announces-2025-australian-stadium-tour/_529ExIVFBc/19-09-24 |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=The Music |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|1 March 2025
|[[Green Day]]
|—
|[[The Saviors Tour]]
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varvaris |first=Mary |title=Green Day To Play 'Dookie' & 'American Idiot' On March 2025 Australian Tour |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/green-day-dookie-american-idiot-march-2025-australian-tour/GoagDA8OMTA/12-09-24 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=The Music |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|31 October, 1 & 4 November 2025
|[[Oasis (band)|Oasis]]
|—
|[[Oasis Live '25 Tour]]
|<ref>{{cite web |last=Varvaris |first=Mary |date=8 October 2024 |title='We Are Coming': Oasis Announce 2025 Australian Tour |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/oasis-announce-2025-australian-tour/lZcriYiLio0/08-10-24 |access-date=8 October 2024 |work=The Music}}</ref>
|-
| 8 November 2025
|[[Metallica]]
|60,000
|[[M72 World Tour]]
|<ref>{{cite web |last=Varvaris |first=Mary |date=24 October 2024 |title=Metallica Announce 2025 Australian Tour |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/metallica-announce-2025-australian-tour/8jhI5Ofm6eg/24-10-24 |access-date=24 October 2024 |work=The Music}}</ref>
|-
|5 & 6 December 2025
|[[Lady Gaga]]
|—
|[[The Mayhem Ball]]
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lady Gaga: The MAYHEM Ball |url=https://www.livenation.com.au/show/1580526/lady-gaga-the-mayhem-ball/melbourne/2025-12-05 |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=Live Nation Australia}}</ref>
|-
|26, 27 & 28 February 2026
|[[Ed Sheeran]]
|—
|[[Loop Tour]]
|
|}{{clear}}

==Records==
===Attendance===
[[File:AFLmatch.jpg|thumb|A 2008 [[Australian Football League|AFL]] match at Docklands Stadium]]
[[File:Match Attendance Docklands Stadium Melbourne State of Origin.JPG|thumb|Record setting attendance at the 23 May 2012 State of Origin match between [[Queensland]] Maroons and the [[New South Wales]] Blues]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Sport
!Date
!Crowd
!Event
|-
|UFC 
|6 October 2019
|57,127
|[[UFC 243]]
|-
|Rugby union
|29 June 2013
|56,771
|[[2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia]]: [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] vs [[British & Irish Lions]]
|-
|WWE
|10 August 2002
|56,734
|[[WWE Global Warning Tour: Melbourne]]
|-
|State of Origin
|23 May 2012
|56,021
|[[2012 State of Origin series|2012 State of Origin Game I]]: [[Queensland rugby league team|Queensland]] vs [[New South Wales rugby league team|New South Wales]]
|-
|A-League
|18 February 2007
|55,436
|[[2007 A-League Grand Final]]: [[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]] vs [[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]]
|-
|AFL
|5 July 2009
|54,444
|[[St Kilda vs Geelong (2009 AFL season)|2009 AFL season: St Kilda vs Geelong]]
|-
|International Football (Womens)
|28 February 2024
|54,120
|[[2024 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament|2024 Olympics Qualification Playoff 2nd Leg]]: [[Australia women's national soccer team|Australia]] vs [[Uzbekistan women's national football team|Uzbekistan]]
|-
|International Football (Mens) 
|6 February 2008
|50,969
|[[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC third round|2010 World Cup Qualification Third Round]]: [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australia]] vs [[Qatar national football team|Qatar]]
|-
|International Rules
|28 October 2005
|45,428
|[[2005 International Rules Series|2005 International Rules Series 2nd Test]]: [[Australia international rules football team|Australia]] vs [[Ireland international rules football team|Ireland]]
|-
|Big Bash League
|12 January 2018
|44,316
|[[2017–18 Big Bash League season|2017–18 Big Bash League Round 7]]: [[Melbourne Renegades]] vs [[Melbourne Stars]]
|-
|Boxing
|5 June 2022
|41,129
|[[George Kambosos Jr. vs. Devin Haney]]
|-
|One Day International
|
|38,364
|[[Commonwealth Bank Series]]
|-
|NRL
|23 September 2007
|33,427
|[[2007 NRL season|2007 NRL Preliminary Final]]: [[Melbourne Storm]] vs [[Parramatta Eels]]
|}

===AFL records===
====Players====
*Most games played: [[Nick Riewoldt]] ({{AFL Stk}}), 184
*Most goals kicked: [[Nick Riewoldt]] ({{AFL Stk}}), 452
*Most goals kicked in a match: [[Mark LeCras]] ({{AFL WC}}), 12.2 (74), vs {{AFL Ess}} 17 July 2010
*Most disposals in a match: [[Bailey Dale]] ({{AFL WB}}), 49 vs {{AFL Ess}}, 17 May 2025
*First AFL goal kicked: [[Michael Long (footballer)|Michael Long]] ({{AFL Ess}}), 9 March 2000

====Teams====
*Highest winning percentage: {{AFL Gee}} at 66.50% from 68 wins, 34 losses and one draw
*Lowest winning percentage: {{AFL GC}} at 27.27% from 9 wins, 24 losses
*Most wins: {{AFL Stk}} with 160 wins, 6 draws and 126 losses at 55.82%
*Highest score: {{AFL Gee}} 35.12 (222) defeated {{AFL Ric}} 9.11 (65), 6 May 2007
*Lowest score: {{AFL Ade}} 2.9 (21) defeated by {{AFL Ess}} 11.18 (84), 9 July 2021
*Highest margin: {{AFL Gee}} (vs {{AFL Ric}}), 157 points, 6 May 2007
*Highest score in a quarter: {{AFL Ess}} 15.4 (94) vs. {{AFL GC}} 0.1 (1), 1 May 2011

Last updated 28 August 2023.<ref name=rleague1>{{cite web|url=http://afltables.com/afl/venues/docklands.html|title=AFL Tables - Docklands|work=AFL Tables|access-date=12 December 2011}}</ref>

===International cricket===
The following table summarises the ODI centuries scored at Docklands.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:95%"
! No. !! Score !! Player !! Team !! Balls !! Inns. !! Opposing team !! Date !! Result
|-
| 1 || {{ntsh|1230}} 106 || [[Michael Bevan]] || {{cr|AUS}} || {{ntsh|1250}} 125 || 1 || {{cr|SA}} || {{dts|format=dmy|2000|August|16}} || Won
|-
| 2 || {{ntsh|1230}} 114* || [[Steve Waugh]] || {{cr|AUS}} || {{ntsh|1250}} 103 || 1 || {{cr|SA}} || {{dts|format=dmy|2000|August|16}} || Won
|-
| 3 || {{ntsh|1230}} 103 || [[Adam Gilchrist]] || {{cr|AUS}} || {{ntsh|1250}} 79 || 1 || [[2005 ICC Super Series|ICC World XI]] || {{dts|format=dmy|2005|October|7}} || Won
|}{{More citations needed section|date=August 2024}}
==Transport access==
Docklands Stadium is serviced primarily by trains at [[Southern Cross Station]], which is located on the [[City Loop]] and is serviced by most major [[Metro Trains Melbourne|metropolitan]] and [[V Line|country]] train and coach lines. The stadium is located on a public pedestrian concourse adjoining the northern end of the station.

The stadium is serviced by several tram routes:
*On Harbour Esplanade: [[Melbourne tram route 70|Route 70]], [[Melbourne tram route 75|Route 75]] and [[Melbourne tram route 35|City Circle]]
*On La Trobe St: [[Melbourne tram route 86|Route 86]], [[Melbourne tram route 30|Route 30]] and [[Melbourne tram route 35|City Circle]]
The stadium has a 500-vehicle carpark underneath the field, which is accessible by the public for event days.

==In popular culture==
The venue appeared in the 2007 film ''[[Ghost Rider (2007 film)|Ghost Rider]]''. Its name, wherever visible, was digitally changed to the ''[[SoBe]] Dome''. It can be seen in the video for [[Jessica Mauboy]]'s single "[[Running Back (Jessica Mauboy song)|Running Back]]", as well as some television shows, such as the [[Seven Network]]'s ''[[City Homicide]]'' and [[Network Ten]]'s ''[[Rush (Australian TV series)|Rush]]''.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Docklands Stadium}}
*[http://www.etihadstadium.com.au/ Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703231519/http://www.etihadstadium.com.au/ |date=3 July 2014 }}
*[https://maps.google.com/?ll=-37.816649,144.947798&spn=0.007594,0.014462&t=k&om=1 Satellite photo of Docklands Stadium]
*{{Austadiums|120}}

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