Features

Optus Stadium adds giant outdoor video screen

Perth’s Optus Stadium has unveiled a giant outdoor video screen, which will be in use for the first time on Saturday night when the venue hosts the Bledisloe Cup rugby union match between Australia and New Zealand.

The Aus$2.5m (£1.4m/€1.5m/$1.7m) screen will be situated in the BHP Amphitheatre and will provide a free live stream of the match. There are also plans for the space to host outdoor movies, community events and live sport.

The new screen will broadcast this year’s Perth Running Festival, with more events to be announced soon. Optus Stadium said the facility would have the capacity to host screenings of major events such as FIFA World Cups or Olympic Games.

The screen becomes the third largest outdoor screen in Western Australia, while the amphitheatre will provide a sloped grass seating section that can fit 1,000 people. It is hoped the space will “activate and enliven” the Stadium Parklands.

The 142-square-metre screen is accompanied by a high-quality sound system that will enhance the cinema and live sport experience for guests.

Western Australia’s Sport and Recreation Minister, Mick Murray, said: “BHP Amphitheatre will provide a centrepiece for community events, outdoor movies and live sport – all in close proximity to the existing Nature Playgrounds, BHP Boardwalk and Aboriginal art and story installations.

“The Bledisloe Cup offers an ideal opportunity to launch the new facility, with the community having the chance to see the match live and free, not far from all the action.

“Trains are continuing to run all weekend to Stadium Station, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the terrific open space, barbecue areas and nature playgrounds.”

Optus Stadium has a capacity of 60,000 and opened in January 2018. As well as rugby matches, it hosts cricket and AFL fixtures, while it has also staged gigs featuring the likes of Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and Eminem.

Image: Optus Stadium