CommBank Stadium
Sydney, Australia
Capacity
82000
About this place
History
Stadium Australia was constructed for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and officially opened in March 1999. At the time, it was the largest Olympic stadium ever built, with a capacity of over 110,000. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, the athletics competitions, and the football final of the Games. Following the Olympics, the venue was reconfigured to better suit rugby, football, and cricket, reducing its capacity to around 83,500. Since then, it has staged Rugby World Cup matches, State of Origin rugby league games, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and some of the biggest concerts in Australia.
Architecture
The stadium was designed with a flexible and modern structure to host a variety of sports and events. Originally an open oval design, it now features a rectangular pitch configuration ideal for rugby and football, while still accommodating cricket and athletics when required. The seating capacity is 83,500, with extensive hospitality facilities, corporate boxes, and media areas. Its iconic arching roof structure provides partial cover and has become a recognizable feature of the Sydney skyline.
Location
Stadium Australia is located in Sydney Olympic Park, about 14 km west of central Sydney. The venue is well served by public transport, with train and bus connections providing easy access on event days. Its placement within the Olympic Park precinct means it is surrounded by other sporting and entertainment facilities, creating a hub for major events in New South Wales.
Why the Stadium is Special
Stadium Australia is special for its Olympic legacy and its ongoing role as a premier sporting venue in Australia. It hosted Cathy Freeman’s iconic 400m victory in 2000, one of the most memorable moments in Olympic history, and continues to stage top-level events such as the Rugby World Cup, FIFA qualifiers, and international concerts. Its sheer size, versatility, and historic importance make it one of the most significant stadiums in the world.
