Perth Stadium has successfully activated its 15,000-strong LED lighting system simultaneously for the first time.
The system is the biggest of its kind in the world, with the capability to project any team’s colours onto the stadium roof.
Australia’s Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray flipped the switch during the first full test, which illuminates the halo roof lights, sports lights, two 340spm super screens and sound system in unison inside the stadium.
At the same time outside the stadium, 1.4km of LED lighting was lit on the façade, while all 43 arches of the 450m arbour were illuminated.
The 60,000-capacity stadium will officially open on January 21 with a free public open day and it is hoped the venue will be ready to stage the England-Australia ODI cricket match a week later.
“The lighting component of Perth Stadium is one of the most stunning features of this state-of-the-art venue. It sets a new benchmark for stadium lighting in Australia,” Murray said.
“It is yet another world-class design feature which will help create the ultimate ‘fans first’ experience for all Western Australians and visitors alike.
“The McGowan Government is working hard to fill Perth Stadium’s events calendar for the coming years to boost tourism, create jobs and diversify the economy.”
Australian Big Bash League cricket team the Perth Scorchers will play two matches at Perth Stadium in December as part of a ‘soft opening’ of the venue, while an ODI match between England and Australia has reportedly won the race to officially open the ground in January.
The match will take place in Perth whatever happens, with the WACA Ground to play host if the new stadium is not ready, though construction of the Aus$1.46bn (£864m/€963m/$1.14bn) Perth Stadium is more than 97 per cent complete.
Meanwhile, Australia’s National Rugby League has confirmed that it will stage a double-header at Perth Stadium on March 10 as part of its opening weekend. The South Sydney Rabbitohs will face the New Zealand Warriors, and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will take on recently-crowned champions Melbourne Storm.
Other events scheduled for Perth Stadium in 2018 include two Ed Sheeran concerts and a friendly match between English Premier League football club Chelsea and Australian A-League team Perth Glory.
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