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Herald Sun
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Herald Sun
Marvel Stadium ranked in 2025 Pollstar Mid-Year Top 50 Worldwide Stadium list
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News. Melbourne's Marvel Stadium has been ranked in the top five sport and entertainment venues in the world for the first time. The Herald Sun can reveal the AFL-owned ground has been ranked Australia's top stadium in a global study, outpointing the MCG, Adelaide Oval, SCG, Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane and Optus Stadium in Perth. The Docklands venue ranked in the top 10 in the 2025 Pollstar Mid-Year Top 50 Worldwide Stadium rankings for both tickets and gross sales. Marvel Stadium was ranked the highest Australian venue in Pollstar's top 50 list, joining the likes of Mexico's Estadio GNP Seguros, California's SoFi Stadium and Japan's Tokyo Dome as international venues in the top 10. Measured between November 14, 2024 and May 14, 2025, Pollstar ranked Marvel Stadium as fifth in the world for highest-grossing stadiums and seventh for highest stadium ticket sales. During that period, more than 111,200 fans packed Marvel Stadium to see US country artist Luke Combs, 54,600 flocked to see punk pop rockers Green Day, and 108,100 rocked out to Pearl Jam. The data crunch also took in patronage for AFL matches featuring the likes of Essendon, Western Bulldogs and St Kilda. Marvel Stadium general manager Scott Fitzgerald said the ranking reinforced the venue's place on the international touring map. 'To be named among the best stadiums on the global stage is a true testament to the investment and innovation that has gone into evolving Marvel Stadium into a world-class, 365-day multipurpose venue that is delivering unforgettable experiences for fans, artists, and athletes alike,' he said. The milestone marks the first time Marvel Stadium has been recognised in the top five venues for grossing stadiums, following its eighth position in the same list in 2023. Mr Fitzgerald said: 'Melbourne is a city that lives and breathes sport and live entertainment, and we're proud that Marvel Stadium is continuing to shine on an international stage and creating experiences that rival the world's best.' It was the highest Aussie stadium in Pollstar's top 50, surpassing fellow Australian sites Accor Stadium, Flemington Racecourse, Brisbane Showgrounds and ENGIE Stadium. And it is the second global ranking recognition Marvel Stadium has received in the past year after its number one top-grossing concert revenue result for October in the 2024 Billboard Boxscore rankings. Marvel trailed only Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City, SoFi Stadium in the US, Allianz Parque in Brazil and Mexico's Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for gross sales. It was the seventh top arena based on ticket sales, behind Estadio GNP Seguros, Allianz Parquel, Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and SoFi Stadium. While footy rules in Melbourne during winter, the venue will host some more big acts this year including Oasis, Metallica, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey and Wrexham AFC's tour Down Under.
The Advertiser
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Suns shine under roof to extend club record AFL start
Damien Hardwick will hope his Marvel Stadium hoodoo has finally been put to bed after Gold Coast ground out a 19-point win over St Kilda to extend their club-record start to an AFL season. Hardwick had a horror 1-9-1 record as coach at the AFL-owned venue since his infamous declaration - when in charge of Richmond four years ago - that he hated playing there. But Suns captain Noah Anderson and former skipper Touk Miller helped ensure Hardwick's fortunes were reversed in an important 12.8 (80) to 8.13 (61) victory on Sunday. In doing so, Gold Coast moved to 8-2 for the first time in the club's 15-year history and maintained third spot on the ladder in pursuit of a maiden finals berth. Hardwick's men have two further games at Marvel this season - against Essendon in round 17 and Carlton in round 22 - which could have a huge bearing on their top-four aspirations. Fans gave the Sunday evening timeslot the thumbs-down, with only 13,486 turning out. It was St Kilda's lowest home crowd in Melbourne since 2002, outside the pandemic-impacted 2020-21 seasons. Suns guns Anderson (36 disposals, 11 clearances) and Miller (30 touches, one goal) starred in the midfield and Ben Long kicked three majors against his former team, while Sam Collins marshalled the defence. The only sour note for the Suns was a suspected right ankle injury to key defender Mac Andrew, who limped off with five minutes left in his 50th game. Gold Coast had two goals on the board in the opening 90 seconds and never trailed, leading by 18 points at the first break and 29 at half-time. Their connection and conversion were features as they posted 7.2 to 0.2 from set shots in the first half, albeit with a couple more attempts that failed to score. St Kilda fought back into the contest in the third quarter and dominated possession for a period, but often let themselves down with poor execution in the front half. They posted a wasteful 1.6 to 0.2 for the term, trimming the margin to 19 points at the final change, and drew within 13 when Cooper Sharman opened the scoring in the last quarter. But Suns spearhead Ben King, who was otherwise blanketed by Callum Wilkie, replied with a steadying goal and the visitors hung on. King finished with two majors, giving him 31 for the season to keep pace with Geelong's Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron, who has 33. Sharman was the Saints' most dangerous forward but hit the post twice in kicking 3.3 from 13 possessions. Nasaiah Wanganeen-Milera had a career-high 35 disposals and one goal, with Jack Steele (33 touches, one goal) and Jack Sinclair (29, one) also busy for St Kilda. Damien Hardwick will hope his Marvel Stadium hoodoo has finally been put to bed after Gold Coast ground out a 19-point win over St Kilda to extend their club-record start to an AFL season. Hardwick had a horror 1-9-1 record as coach at the AFL-owned venue since his infamous declaration - when in charge of Richmond four years ago - that he hated playing there. But Suns captain Noah Anderson and former skipper Touk Miller helped ensure Hardwick's fortunes were reversed in an important 12.8 (80) to 8.13 (61) victory on Sunday. In doing so, Gold Coast moved to 8-2 for the first time in the club's 15-year history and maintained third spot on the ladder in pursuit of a maiden finals berth. Hardwick's men have two further games at Marvel this season - against Essendon in round 17 and Carlton in round 22 - which could have a huge bearing on their top-four aspirations. Fans gave the Sunday evening timeslot the thumbs-down, with only 13,486 turning out. It was St Kilda's lowest home crowd in Melbourne since 2002, outside the pandemic-impacted 2020-21 seasons. Suns guns Anderson (36 disposals, 11 clearances) and Miller (30 touches, one goal) starred in the midfield and Ben Long kicked three majors against his former team, while Sam Collins marshalled the defence. The only sour note for the Suns was a suspected right ankle injury to key defender Mac Andrew, who limped off with five minutes left in his 50th game. Gold Coast had two goals on the board in the opening 90 seconds and never trailed, leading by 18 points at the first break and 29 at half-time. Their connection and conversion were features as they posted 7.2 to 0.2 from set shots in the first half, albeit with a couple more attempts that failed to score. St Kilda fought back into the contest in the third quarter and dominated possession for a period, but often let themselves down with poor execution in the front half. They posted a wasteful 1.6 to 0.2 for the term, trimming the margin to 19 points at the final change, and drew within 13 when Cooper Sharman opened the scoring in the last quarter. But Suns spearhead Ben King, who was otherwise blanketed by Callum Wilkie, replied with a steadying goal and the visitors hung on. King finished with two majors, giving him 31 for the season to keep pace with Geelong's Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron, who has 33. Sharman was the Saints' most dangerous forward but hit the post twice in kicking 3.3 from 13 possessions. Nasaiah Wanganeen-Milera had a career-high 35 disposals and one goal, with Jack Steele (33 touches, one goal) and Jack Sinclair (29, one) also busy for St Kilda. Damien Hardwick will hope his Marvel Stadium hoodoo has finally been put to bed after Gold Coast ground out a 19-point win over St Kilda to extend their club-record start to an AFL season. Hardwick had a horror 1-9-1 record as coach at the AFL-owned venue since his infamous declaration - when in charge of Richmond four years ago - that he hated playing there. But Suns captain Noah Anderson and former skipper Touk Miller helped ensure Hardwick's fortunes were reversed in an important 12.8 (80) to 8.13 (61) victory on Sunday. In doing so, Gold Coast moved to 8-2 for the first time in the club's 15-year history and maintained third spot on the ladder in pursuit of a maiden finals berth. Hardwick's men have two further games at Marvel this season - against Essendon in round 17 and Carlton in round 22 - which could have a huge bearing on their top-four aspirations. Fans gave the Sunday evening timeslot the thumbs-down, with only 13,486 turning out. It was St Kilda's lowest home crowd in Melbourne since 2002, outside the pandemic-impacted 2020-21 seasons. Suns guns Anderson (36 disposals, 11 clearances) and Miller (30 touches, one goal) starred in the midfield and Ben Long kicked three majors against his former team, while Sam Collins marshalled the defence. The only sour note for the Suns was a suspected right ankle injury to key defender Mac Andrew, who limped off with five minutes left in his 50th game. Gold Coast had two goals on the board in the opening 90 seconds and never trailed, leading by 18 points at the first break and 29 at half-time. Their connection and conversion were features as they posted 7.2 to 0.2 from set shots in the first half, albeit with a couple more attempts that failed to score. St Kilda fought back into the contest in the third quarter and dominated possession for a period, but often let themselves down with poor execution in the front half. They posted a wasteful 1.6 to 0.2 for the term, trimming the margin to 19 points at the final change, and drew within 13 when Cooper Sharman opened the scoring in the last quarter. But Suns spearhead Ben King, who was otherwise blanketed by Callum Wilkie, replied with a steadying goal and the visitors hung on. King finished with two majors, giving him 31 for the season to keep pace with Geelong's Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron, who has 33. Sharman was the Saints' most dangerous forward but hit the post twice in kicking 3.3 from 13 possessions. Nasaiah Wanganeen-Milera had a career-high 35 disposals and one goal, with Jack Steele (33 touches, one goal) and Jack Sinclair (29, one) also busy for St Kilda.
Perth Now
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Suns shine under roof to extend club record AFL start
Damien Hardwick will hope his Marvel Stadium hoodoo has finally been put to bed after Gold Coast ground out a 19-point win over St Kilda to extend their club-record start to an AFL season. Hardwick had a horror 1-9-1 record as coach at the AFL-owned venue since his infamous declaration - when in charge of Richmond four years ago - that he hated playing there. But Suns captain Noah Anderson and former skipper Touk Miller helped ensure Hardwick's fortunes were reversed in an important 12.8 (80) to 8.13 (61) victory on Sunday. In doing so, Gold Coast moved to 8-2 for the first time in the club's 15-year history and maintained third spot on the ladder in pursuit of a maiden finals berth. Hardwick's men have two further games at Marvel this season - against Essendon in round 17 and Carlton in round 22 - which could have a huge bearing on their top-four aspirations. Fans gave the Sunday evening timeslot the thumbs-down, with only 13,486 turning out. It was St Kilda's lowest home crowd in Melbourne since 2002, outside the pandemic-impacted 2020-21 seasons. Suns guns Anderson (36 disposals, 11 clearances) and Miller (30 touches, one goal) starred in the midfield and Ben Long kicked three majors against his former team, while Sam Collins marshalled the defence. The only sour note for the Suns was a suspected right ankle injury to key defender Mac Andrew, who limped off with five minutes left in his 50th game. Gold Coast had two goals on the board in the opening 90 seconds and never trailed, leading by 18 points at the first break and 29 at half-time. Their connection and conversion were features as they posted 7.2 to 0.2 from set shots in the first half, albeit with a couple more attempts that failed to score. St Kilda fought back into the contest in the third quarter and dominated possession for a period, but often let themselves down with poor execution in the front half. They posted a wasteful 1.6 to 0.2 for the term, trimming the margin to 19 points at the final change, and drew within 13 when Cooper Sharman opened the scoring in the last quarter. Malcolm Rosas just flipped him over 😳#AFLDeadly | #AFLSaintsSuns AFL (@AFL) May 25, 2025 But Suns spearhead Ben King, who was otherwise blanketed by Callum Wilkie, replied with a steadying goal and the visitors hung on. King finished with two majors, giving him 31 for the season to keep pace with Geelong's Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron, who has 33. Sharman was the Saints' most dangerous forward but hit the post twice in kicking 3.3 from 13 possessions. Nasaiah Wanganeen-Milera had a career-high 35 disposals and one goal, with Jack Steele (33 touches, one goal) and Jack Sinclair (29, one) also busy for St Kilda.
The Guardian
10-02-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
AFL welcomes six more players to millionaires' club as market booms for top-end talent
Six more AFL players have elevated themselves into the millionaires' row after the league announced its 2024 financial results and reported a surplus of $45.4m. Twenty-five players earned $1m or more last season, an increase on the 19 reported for the previous year, in a trend that highlights the impact of the long-term growth in the size of the salary cap but also the booming market for top-end talent. AFL Commission chair Richard Goyder cited record attendance and membership and the launch of the Tasmania Devils as major achievements during 2024. 'The game is strong across Australia thanks to every fan and every person who chooses to be involved in our sport, and there is a place for everyone in our game,' he said. Players received $296.3m last year, up from $280.9m in 2023. The amount of money each club can spend on players – known as the total player playments limit or salary cap – reached $15.8m per club, an increase of $800,000 on the previous year. The AFL only releases the number of players in each band and not the identity of players who are in each band. Established stars such Melbourne's Christian Petracca, Richmond's Tom Lynch, Carlton's Patrick Cripps and Western Bulldogs' Marcus Bontempelli are among the game's highest earners, but the league is quickly moving towards a dynamic where clubs will regularly field two or even three players on $1m and above. In 2021, just five players were above the $1m threshold. The new $4.5bn broadcast deal comes into effect this year, handing the league a bump in revenues which will flow through to player payments, further fuelling this trend. The collective bargaining agreement between the AFL and players runs until 2027. AFL chief financial officer Matthew Chun said the results in recent years have helped return cash to the business after the pandemic, and there is now $186.7m held in reserves. 'While a new broadcast deal comes in this year, it is important that we continue to drive cost discipline to ensure that we are able to continue to invest in all levels while ensuring the game remains affordable and accessible for everyone,' he said. The price of general admission tickets at the AFL-owned Marvel Stadium and the MCG were frozen in 2025 for the seventh season in a row. Payments to AFL executives declined from $13.6m in 2023 to $10.8m in 2024.
