SUMMER 2014/15

BLUES, TAHS & RABBITOHSWHAT A YEAR!

2015 SEASON LAUNCH BECOME A MEMBEROR RENEW NOW

AFC ASIAN CUP’SSTAR ATTRACTION

KING TIM

New Caledonia is Australia’s closest Paci� c neighbour, making it an ideal destination for Australians looking for a holiday with a difference, without the distance.When you arrive in New Caledonia, you will � nd yourself amongst stunning natural wonders, including a World Heritage listed lagoon and the second largest reef in the world, all waiting to be explored and appreciated by visitors.

Flying direct from Australia you can be in Noumea in just two hours from Brisbane, less than three hours from Sydney and under four hours from Melbourne; the short � ying times make this Paci� c island the perfect long weekend getaway.

To � nd out more, visit haveitall.com.au

FRENCH PACIFIC PARADISE

haveitall.com.au

OOH-LA-LAH,NEW CALEDONIA!

M7933 NCT ANZ Stadium DPS v2.indd 1 22/09/14 1:21 PM

New Caledonia is Australia’s closest Paci� c neighbour, making it an ideal destination for Australians looking for a holiday with a difference, without the distance.When you arrive in New Caledonia, you will � nd yourself amongst stunning natural wonders, including a World Heritage listed lagoon and the second largest reef in the world, all waiting to be explored and appreciated by visitors.

Flying direct from Australia you can be in Noumea in just two hours from Brisbane, less than three hours from Sydney and under four hours from Melbourne; the short � ying times make this Paci� c island the perfect long weekend getaway.

To � nd out more, visit haveitall.com.au

FRENCH PACIFIC PARADISE

haveitall.com.au

OOH-LA-LAH,NEW CALEDONIA!

M7933 NCT ANZ Stadium DPS v2.indd 1 22/09/14 1:21 PM

Publisher/Marketing – Melinda MadiganManaging Editor – Jennifer Dowd Editor – Arthur StanleyArt Director – Chloe XuerebDigital Editor – Daniel FarrarSenior Writer – Crystelle CorderoContributors – Joel Moss, Ray Gatt, Brett Emerton, Greg Prichard, Greg Growden, Martin CavillCorporate Hospitality – Shane Stoddard Advertising – Tiffany Hunter, Chris Silver

ANZ Stadium Managing Director – Daryl KerryChief Financial Officer – Steve HeytmanEvent and Business Development – Greg Sleigh

ANZ Stadium Contact Details Telephone 02 8765 2000Website: www.anzstadium.com.auOfficial Hospitality: 1300 13 40 10 Postal Address: Locked Bag 1999,Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, 2127

STADIUM NEWS

YEAR OF SPORTING DREAMS

OUR SIZZLING SUMMER OF SPORT

Pictures: Brendon Thorne

Joel Moss

ANZ Stadium will host an action-packed Summer of Sport with a T20 cricket

international and two Big Bash League games before the New Year – followed by seven games in the biggest football tournament ever staged in this country, the AFC Asian Cup.

The action heats up at the Stadium on Sunday 9 November when Australia goes up against South Africa in Sydney’s only T20 international. It will be the third and final match of a three-game series between two of cricket’s world powerhouses.

The Australians know the venue well,

having demoralised England in the final game of the Ashes Tour last February, when captain George Bailey took full advantage of the short straight-hit boundaries to smash 49 off just 20 deliveries in his team’s 84-run T20 INTL win in front of 48,762 fans, the biggest Sydney cricket crowd of the summer.

Mike Hussey’s Sydney Thunder will be a far more formidable BBL outfit in 2014/15 following the inclusion of one of the world cricket’s greatest allrounders, South African superstar Jacques Kallis.

Kallis will make his T20 BBL debut for the Thunder in Round 1 at ANZ Stadium on Sunday 21 December against the Brisbane

THIS was a year of sporting fairytales.Not in our wildest dreams could we

have predicted such a football season would unfold here at ANZ Stadium.

The NSW Blues winning State of Origin after eight straight years of Queensland domination, the NSW Waratahs winning their first Super Rugby title, and the South Sydney Rabbitohs chalking up their first premiership since 1971.

Sporting theatre at its best in all three big games. Fairytales do come true.

Meanwhile, the big events continue to roll out at the Stadium, with a smashing summer of sport ahead of us at Sydney’s Theatre of Sport.

We’ll see some of cricket’s finest at a T20 INTL and two Big Bash League games, with South African superstar Jacques Kallis making his BBL debut in December.

Then there’s the AFC Asian Cup, the biggest football tournament ever staged in Australia, with all seven Sydney games at the Stadium.

The world’s most diverse sporting city, where five professional codes compete for the hearts and minds of fans, deserves the world’s best multi-sport stadium.

In this summer edition of the magazine, we bring you a further update on the exciting vision for ANZ Stadium.

And we look ahead to season 2015 – and another bumper year of sport and entertainment. See you in the stands! – Arthur Stanley (Editor)

T20 INTL

4

OUR SIZZLING SUMMER OF SPORTHeat before turning his attention to the fiercely-contested Sydney derby against cross-city rivals, the Sydney Sixers, in Round 2 on Saturday 27 December at the Stadium.

The Thunder have a growing army of supporters who will justifiably have high expectations in this summer’s BBL.

January will also feature the biggest football tournament ever staged in Australia – the AFC Asian Cup. The 16 best-performed football nations in Asia will fight it out for the right to be crowned AFC Asian Cup champions in a competition that will be attended by 500,000 football fans and watched by an extraordinary TV audience of

up to 2.5 billion.The AFC Asian Cup will feature 32 games of

football across 23 days in five host cities, with all seven Sydney games being played at ANZ Stadium, including a Socceroos Group match against Oman on Tuesday 13 January (8pm), a quarter-final, a semi-final on Australia Day that could feature the Socceroos, and the AFC Asian Cup Final on Saturday 31 January.

Purchase tickets to individual matches or, better still, grab a seven-game pack to all Sydney games by following this link: afcasiancup.com/tickets

More Asian Cup: Pages 6-9 More T20 cricket: Pages 16-19

9 Nov T20 INTL Aus v SA21 Dec BBL Thunder v Heat 27 Dec BBL Thunder v Sixers 10 Jan Asian Cup Uzbekistan v Korea DPR 13 Jan Asian Cup Aus v Oman15 Jan Asian Cup Qatar v Iran 19 Jan Asian Cup Qatar v Bahrain23 Jan Asian Cup Quarter Final26 Jan Asian Cup Semi-Final31 Jan Asian Cup Final

THE SCHEDULE

*Due to commercial arrangements, ANZ Stadium will be referred to by its generic name Stadium Australia for T20 cricket games and the AFC Asian Cup.

AFC ASIAN CUP

5

AUSTRALIA’S Socceroos took on some of the best football nations in the world

in Brazil and walked away with their heads held high.

Maybe the results – three losses to Chile, the Netherlands and Spain – didn’t look good on paper, but the new-look Socceroos won a multitude of friends with a couple of performances that suggested coach Ange Postecoglou is well on the way to rebuilding the stocks of the much-loved national team.

While the Socceroos were never expected to get past the Group stage at the World Cup given the quality of the opposition, it will be a different scenario this summer when Australia hosts the AFC Asian Cup from 9-31 January.

Make no mistake; expectations will be high with Australia regarded as one of the favourites to fight for the title, along with Japan, South Korea and Iran – the four Asian nations that played at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It wasn’t a good tournament for Asia with all four leading nations failing to make it

BEST OF ASIASOCCEROOS EYEING CUP GLORY ON HOME SOIL

past the Group stage at the World Cup, which is why the Asian Cup will be a perfect chance to ease the pain from Brazil and earn some bragging rights.

It is also vital in that the results of this tournament will have an impact when the Asian Football Confederation finalises the seedings for the Asian World Cup qualification for the 2018 finals in Russia.

Certainly, this tournament will be an interesting guide as to what improvements the Socceroos are making under Postecoglou who, let’s not forget, has only been in the job for a short time.

It will be a stern test right from the Group stage of the Asian Cup with Australia, ranked 79th in the world, having drawn South Korea (57), Oman (67) and Kuwait (111).

Still, as much as Asian football is progressing, especially in the Middle East, it will be a shock if Australia and the Koreans don’t both advance to the quarter-finals from this Group.

The Socceroos will have benefited from the World Cup with the likes of goalkeeper Mat Ryan, defender Jason Davidson and attacker Mathew Leckie growing in stature.

Add the exciting Tommy Oar, defender Matthew Spiranovic and the combative nature of skipper Mile Jedinak and Tim Cahill, the latter who had an outstanding World Cup and scored one of the goals of the tournament, and you have a side with the potential of reigning supreme at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 31 January.

Importantly, Postecoglou should also have Robbie Kruse, who missed the Cup through injury, back on deck. He could be the X-factor for Australia. The Koreans will be determined to make up for a poor World Cup, where they managed a draw and two losses, and will likely fight it out with Australia for top spot in the Group.

Japan (44), the highest-ranked Asian team in the world, were left disappointed with their efforts in Brazil (they also finished with just one draw). As a result, Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni has been replaced by highly-rated Mexican Javier Aguirre.

Japan, four-time Asian Cup champions, have a quality squad with players spread around many leagues in the world, including their superstar Keisuke Honda, who plays for AC Milan, as well as seven or eight who play in various leagues in Germany.

Look out for three-time Cup winners Iran (48), who will be hard to beat, and 2007 champions Iraq, who have a reputation as giant killers.

The stage is set for a wonderful Asian Cup, with 500,000 fans expected to watch the 32 matches involving 16 countries across 23 days, and with games played in five host cities. All seven Sydney games will be played at Stadium Australia (the generic name for ANZ Stadium), including a semi-final on Australia Day and the Final on 31 January.*Ray Gatt is chief football writer for The Australian newspaper and will cover the AFC Asian Cup

STADIUM AFC ASIAN CUP

Ray Gatt

6

9-31 January 2015. All Sydney games atANZ Stadium.

Uzbekistan v Korea DPR - Sat 10 Jan 6pm

Australia v Oman - Tues 13 Jan 8pmQatar v Iran - Thurs 15 Jan 8pmQatar v Bahrain - Mon 19 Jan 8pmQuarter Final - Fri 23 Jan 8:30pmSemi -Final - Mon 26 Jan 8pm Final - Sat 31 Jan 8pm

Group A: Australia, Korea Republic, Kuwait & Oman.Group B: China PR, Korea DPR, Saudi Arabia & Uzbekistan.Group C: Bahrain, Iran, Qatar & UAE.Group D: Iraq, Japan, Jordan & Palestine.

@AFCAsianCup#AC2015 afcasiancup.comPictures: Brendon Thorne

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STADIUM AFC ASIAN CUP

THE MANEXCLUSIVE BRETT EMERTON

IF the Socceroos are to be in with a realistic chance of winning the AFC Asian Cup this January, mighty Tim Cahill will need to be fully fit and firing.Tim Cahill is the first name I would put on the team sheet if I was managing the Socceroos.He is the senior player, a very experienced footballer who young teammates look up to – and

he is clearly Australia’s best attacking player in the box. Without him, the Socceroos’ won’t have anywhere near the same goal-scoring potential.

But one man doesn’t make a team and Tim will need good service from wide positions.Three players, in particular, will have crucial roles in providing Tim with good ball. I expect

Mathew Leckie, who really stood up and made a name for himself at the FIFA World Cup, Robbie Kruse, who will come back in after missing Brazil 2014 through injury, and young Tommy Oar will fill the crucial wide positions in attack.

On the back of their good, positive performances in Brazil, there are high expectations of Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos squad on home soil this January.

I liked what I saw in Brazil. It was pleasing that whoever the coach sent out in Australian colours knew their roles and responsibilities within the team.

Apart from Tim, captain Mile Jedinak and Mark Milligan bring a calming influence to a largely inexperienced squad from their central midfield positions.

The Socceroos are always difficult to beat on home soil – and they know ANZ Stadium particularly well. The obvious main Asian danger is Japan.

What a spectacle it will be if the Socceroos play in a semi-final on Australia Day or the AFC Asian Cup Final at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 31 January.

I think we are in with a terrific chance of going all the way.

Age: 34Place of birth: SydneyFamily: English father of Irish descent and a Samoan mother. Height: 178cmPlaying position: Forward/Attacking midfielderCurrent team: New York Red BullsYouth career:1995-1997 Sydney Olympic1997 Sydney United1997-98 Millwall

TIMOTHY FILIGA CAHILL

YEAR GAMES GOALS

1998-2004 Millwall 217 52

2004 - 2012 Everton 226 56

2012 - NY Red Bulls 56 13

NATIONAL TEAM

1994 Samoa U20 2 0

2004 Australia U23 3 1

2004 Australia 73 35

8

TIM CAHILL IS THE FIRST NAME I WOULD PUT ON THE TEAM SHEET IF I WAS MANAGING THE SOCCEROOS.

Picture: Brendon Thorne

9

IT was a year of mixed fortunes for the five NRL clubs that called ANZ Stadium home

during season 2014.While the South Sydney Rabbitohs and

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs fought out the Grand Final, the Parramatta Eels (10th), St George Illawarra Dragons (11th) and Wests Tigers (13th) were all lamenting seasons that promised so much but fell short at the business end of 2014.

At the Parra Eels, there were plenty of season highlights under new coach Brad Arthur. Jarryd Hayne’s form stamped him as one of the truly elite players in international rugby league while Sami Radradra, Will Hopoate, Chris Sandow, Corey Norman and Junior Paulo all helped make the Eels one of the most exciting teams to watch.

And watch the fans did, with the Eels’ home crowds rising a massive 51 per cent to 18,788 (2nd best of Sydney clubs), with magnificent turnouts at ANZ Stadium for their clash with western Sydney rivals the Tigers (50,668 Easter Mon) and 30,394 against the Bulldogs (Fri 15 Aug) largely responsible for their crowd surge.

Mark down the Tigers v Eels Easter Monday clash in 2015 as a “must see” event.

New ANZ Stadium Ambassador Luke Brooks described that game as “the biggest match I’ve played in so far”. It was an ice-cool Brooks field goal in the dying stages that helped get the Tigers home 21-18.

While Wests Tigers had a challenging year, the development of Brooks, Mitchell Moses, Curtis Sironen, James Tedesco and State of Origin star Aaron Woods has all Wests Tigers fans excited. Despite finishing in 13th spot on the NRL ladder with 10 wins, they boosted their home average crowd by 14 per cent to 13,104, thanks largely to the fact they played four home games at ANZ Stadium.

The Dragons showed some magnificent form under new coach Paul McGregor, with the experienced Gareth Widdop and Benji Marshall almost guaranteeing further improvements in 2015. They boosted their home crowd average by 29 per cent to 16,056 with good turnouts for the two home games at ANZ Stadium – 21,077 against the Bulldogs and 19,860 against the Tigers.

Arthur Stanley

IT was the NRL fairytale that came true. Twelve years ago, the South Sydney

Rabbitohs were history – a football club excluded from the competition, flat broke and seemingly with no hope.

Flash forward to Sunday 5 October and on a night that will forever remain in South Sydney folklore, the Rabbitohs ended their 43-year title drought with a crushing 30-6 win over another traditional Sydney club, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

The famous win and the scenes that

2014 IN REVIEW

GLORY GLORYfollowed at ANZ Stadium, as 83,833 fans rode a giant wave of emotion, will ensure the 2014 Grand Final goes down as one of the most celebrated sporting events in the history of the great Stadium.

For this was also the Stadium that had reached out to the Rabbitohs when they were struggling, when they couldn’t even pay their electricity bill. ANZ Stadium became Souths’ home ground in 2006 and has been part of the Rabbitohs’ journey ever since.

And what a journey that has been, culminating in a historic 21st premiership win – the first that has a colour photo of the

10

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 30 (A Johnston, G Burgess, K Auva’a, A Reynolds, G Inglis tries; A Reynolds 5/7, S Burgess 0/1 goals)CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS 6 (T Williams try; T Hodkinson goal)Crowd: 83,833 (record crowd at ANZ Stadium in the current configuration)

NRL GRAND FINAL STADIUM

GLORY GLORYPride of the League to go with it, because the last was way back in 1971 when black and white ruled.

Rabbitohs superstar Sam Burgess etched his name into NRL folklore, playing the entire 2014 Grand Final with a smashed cheekbone and eye socket. He dissolved into tears as the chant of Glory Glory filled the Stadium late in the game. It brought back memories of another great Rabbitoh who wore the No.13 into Grand Final battle – the legendary John Sattler, who played the 1970 decider with a broken jaw. Big Sam had promised to deliver a premiership to Souths owner Russell Crowe

before he left for English rugby union, and the pair hugged emotionally on ANZ Stadium post-game. In fact, hugs were everywhere, and for everyone in cardinal red and myrtle green. Superstar Greg Inglis hugged his wife Sally and new-born son Nate, and then the premiership trophy.

GI also hugged the original Stadium hero – Olympic champion and Rabbitohs supporter Cathy Freeman – who described the night as the greatest sporting event she had been to outside the 2000 Games at the same Stadium.

While Souths were magnificent on the night, fellow ANZ Stadium home team the

Bulldogs were incredibly brave. Such was the enormity of the night, NRL fans are already looking toward Good Friday 3 April 2015 at ANZ Stadium – the next time the Rabbitohs and the Bulldogs do battle.

Pictures: Eliot Cohen

11

FINALS FORTRESS8 - 1

Sydney Swans’ Finals record at ANZ Stadium.

2003 - Preliminary Final v Brisbane Lions - Loss2004 - Elimination Final v West Coast Eagles - Win2006 - Preliminary Final v Fremantle Dockers - Win2008 - Elimination Final v Nth Melbourne - Win2010 - Elimination Final v Carlton Blues - Win 2012 - Preliminary Final v Collingwood Magpies - Win2013 - Semi Final v Carlton Blues - Win 2014 - Qualifying Final v Fremantle Dockers - Win2014 - Preliminary Final v North Melbourne - Win

Pictures: Eliot Cohen

12

AFL STADIUM

Joel Moss

SOMETIMES the best-laid schemes don’t go to plan – and few will doubt the ability of this Sydney Swans team to bounce back from

the heartbreak of Grand Final defeat.The Swans dominated for much of season 2014, playing an

exhilarating brand of AFL footy. The fact they fell at the final hurdle has only galvanised a developing

Swans squad to strive to be better in 2015.To the dismay of their burgeoning supporter base, the Swans

crashed to a heavy AFL Grand Final defeat at the hands of the Hawthorn Hawks, going down by 63 points. However, they went undefeated for 13 weeks – 12 straight wins and a bye – from Round 5 to Round 18. And they won 18 of their last 20 games to secure the Minor Premiership and their second Grand Final appearance in the past three years and fourth in the last decade.

Included in the Swans’ winning run were back-to-back Finals victories at ANZ Stadium, the ground where they took their Finals record to an extraordinary 8-1. Not since losing to the great Brisbane Lions team in 2003 have the Swans been beaten at Sydney’s Olympic stadium in a big end-of-season match.

WE’LL BE BACKThe Swans have grown their Membership and fan base appreciably

in Greater Western Sydney and drawn consistently bigger crowds at ANZ Stadium since 1999 – strong arguments for continuing to take a small number of games each season to the Greater Sydney area.

Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack recognises the strategic importance of the Swans not limiting themselves to the eastern suburbs of Sydney. “We are not the eastern Swans – we are the Sydney Swans,” Jack says. “As a club, we know we have fans north, east, south and west of the city. We have over 40,000 Members and they have postcodes representing just about every Sydney suburb, and indeed our fans are spread across NSW and Australia.”

While missing out on the main prize, the Swans’ 2014 season was full of highlights both on and off the field with great Membership, good home crowds and merchandise sales.

Lance “Buddy” Franklin magnificently led the Swans from the front and won his third Coleman Medal as the leading goalkicker in the AFL.

Along with Franklin, Josh Kennedy, Nick Smith and Nick Malceski were selected to the All Australian side after their strong performances this season.

While this season was a large success, the Swans aren’t satisfied and have vowed to bounce back in 2015 with a vengeance.

13

PEOPLE, PARTIES, FUN & GLAMOUR WITH TIFF & CHLOE

THE VIEWTIFFANY HUNTER IS MARKETING MANAGER & CHLOE XUEREB IS GRAPHIC DESIGNER AT ANZ STADIUM

Picture: Joel Moss

IT was the ultimate feel-good day at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead when Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and NSW State of Origin star Josh Reynolds paid a visit. Meeting with children in the orthopaedics ward, Josh spent hours talking with his

adoring mini-fans, discussing very serious business (PlayStation tactics and footy), and posing for countless photos with patients, parents and staff.

Besides bringing smiles to the faces of sick children, Josh, an ANZ Stadium Ambassador, was at the hospital to deliver a cheque of $33,436, which was raised at the annual ANZ Stadium Members’ Dinner on Wednesday 14 May this year. As Benefactors of the Hospital, ANZ Stadium has donated more than $250,000 to the Hospital through prizes, Bandaged Bear Appeal fundraising and proceeds from the Annual Members’ Dinner.

The hospital’s Corporate Partnerships Manager, Phoebe Cunningham, gratefully accepted the cheque, saying the generous donation made by ANZ Stadium Members would go toward funding ground-breaking research into childhood illnesses. Over 102,000 sick children and their families are cared for each year at the hospital, with an extraordinary 1,038,267 outpatients also treated yearly. While we were stoked to see so much money go to such an important and worthwhile cause, we reckon it was the time that Josh spent with the sick children that was truly priceless.

WORKING at the Stadium certainly has its perks – and the opportunity to have dinner with the Rabbitohs’ Burgess boys is definitely one of them!

Never ones to turn down the chance to support the Stadium’s home teams, we’ve had a whirlwind season of parties to attend.

From The Star, to Doltone House, to Le Montage, we’ve been to charity luncheons, club anniversaries and annual awards nights.

And while we were stoked to meet Sterlo at the Parramatta Eels’ Hall of Fame dinner and chat with superstar Izzy Folau at the Waratahs’ 2014 Gala Awards Dinner, this photo of us with identical twins Thomas and George Burgess at the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Raising Arizona Dinner is top of our highlights reel.

Though we still can’t figure out who is who!While at the dinner at Doltone House, we

took the chance to grill Rabbitohs hooker, Issac Luke, who was sitting beside us.

In good news for Bunnies fans, Issac’s confident that the most famous Burgess brother (Sammy B), will be back in the red and green jersey after his stint playing rugby in the UK.

HEALING POWER OF A SMILE

SOMEONE’S GOT TO DO IT

14

GAME ON FOR

TARAMEET the new face of football in Australia:

Tara Rushton. With an encyclopedic knowledge of the world game and a passion for the Perth Glory (where she hails from), Tara has wowed us in her role as Fox Sports’ A-League presenter over the past year.

And it seems she has impressed the crew running the AFC Asian Cup too, having been announced as an Asian Cup Media Ambassador along with Mark Bosnich, Les Murray and Craig Foster.

Having spent three years presenting the English Premier League show Tiger Goals in Singapore, Tara, who is half Burmese, is thrilled to see Asia’s biggest football tournament land on our shores.

“Football is such an integral part of society and culture in Asia and it’s so great to bring that to our own multicultural backyard,” she told THE VIEW.

“It’s going to be such an exciting time come January – 32 games in 23 days, the height of summer, and the Socceroos playing the best teams in Asia.”

Which game is she most looking forward to? “I’m really hoping to see a 2011 Asian Cup Final replay between Australia and Japan at Stadium Australia (ANZ Stadium),” says Tara. “I’m confident our boys can win it.”Every game of the Asian Cup LIVE and in High Definition on FOX SPORTS.

BRINGING SEXY BACK TO ANZ STADIUM

WE were beyond excited to discover that international superstar Justin Timberlake was in the house at ANZ Stadium to watch the Rabbitohs take on the Bulldogs on NRL Grand Final night – especially as we’d only been singing along at his concert from a private suite at neighbouring Allphones Arena earlier in the week.

A guest of Sony, JT spent the night in their suite at ANZ Stadium and watched on as Slash and Train entertained the record crowd before the big game.

It appeared he had a larger entourage than PM Tony Abbott and Olympian Cathy Freeman, who were also cheering from the stands.

15

STADIUM CRICKET

Joel Moss

TWO of the finest cricketers of the past decade, Australia’s Mr Cricket Mike Hussey and South African allrounder Jacques Kallis,

will team up for the Sydney Thunder this summer in arguably the most exciting partnership in Big Bash League history.

Despite previous seasons full of promise, the Sydney Thunder have failed to meet expectations in their first three summers.

But the formidable duo of the ultra-competitive Hussey and the multi-skilled Kallis has the #ThunderNation hopeful that their dreams of fielding a highly-competitive T20 outfit in BBL04 will become a reality.

Having learned a lot about his western Sydney team last summer, Thunder captain Hussey said of Kallis’ signing: “Jacques Kallis is a world-class cricketer who will bring a lot to the Thunder with his experience and his great ability with both bat and ball.”

South African Kallis is the only cricketer in history to score more than 11,000 runs and take 250 wickets in both one-day and Test cricket. He is the second highest scorer of Test centuries (45) behind cricket immortal, Sachin Tendulkar (51).

Kallis adds muscle power to an already star-studded line-up featuring Hussey, Usman Khawaja and Aiden Blizzard, with a number of other big-name players to be confirmed.

“We had to learn how to win and I’d like to think we have turned the corner as a team and will be competitive this summer,” Hussey said.

Joining the multi-nation contingent within Thunder Nation is fellow South African, Paddy Upton who has taken up a two-year head-coaching role.

Upton takes the role with lofty expectations after he led the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League from the bottom of the table to the Champions League in his first season.

Upton is looking forward to the challenge this season in linking up with the Thunder: “Having watched the success of the competition from afar, it will be a great opportunity and challenge to work with a talented group of players at a club that has great potential.”

Although much of this season’s fortune lies on the giant shoulders of Kallis, Hussey asserts it will require a team effort to capture that

CRICKET LEGENDS TEAM UP FOR THE THUNDER

THE HUSS & KALLIS SHOW

elusive title. “I’m expecting a strong contribution from everyone in the squad this summer, starting with our opening game at ANZ Stadium against the Brisbane Heat on Sunday 21 December.”

Kallis, Hussey and Khawaja form an impressive Top 3 in the order, while Blizzard, Daniel Hughes and Kurtis Patterson will also feature prominently.

Strike bowlers Chris Tremain, Dirk Nannes and Gurinder Sandhu will lead the attack, with Kallis adding subtlety and variety to the attack .

Hussey is urging Sydney fans to get behind the Thunder in their rise to the top after a challenging beginning to the team’s history, including their 19-game losing streak that began in December 2011 before finally ending two years later in January 2014.

“Cricket is a tough, mental game. That’s what makes it so special. You work your way through the tough times and appreciate the game even more when you come out the other end.”

Brace yourself Sydney; the Thunder is coming with two opening blockbusters at ANZ Stadium – taking on Brisbane Heat in their season opener on Sunday 21 December before coming up against cross-city rivals the Sydney Sixers in Round 2 on Saturday 27 December.

The Thunder will play two more home games in the New Year at neighbouring Sydney Showground Stadium (Spotless Stadium) as ANZ Stadium hosts the biggest football tournament ever staged in this country, the AFC Asian Cup.

The new Big Bash League season explodes into action on Thursday 18 December, with Adelaide Strikers hosting Melbourne Stars at Adelaide Oval. Thunder step up on the Sunday night against the Heat, 21 December from 7pm, at ANZ Stadium.

‘CRICKET IS A TOUGH, MENTAL GAME. YOU WORK YOUR WAY THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES AND APPRECIATE THE GAME EVEN

MORE WHEN YOU SUCCEED.’

16

Aiden Blizzard – Blizzard Cameron Borgas – Borgy Daniel Hughes – Hughesy Usman Khawaja – Uzzy Kurtis Patterson – KP Chris Tremain – Tremors Dirk Nannes – Diggler Gurinder Sandhu – G-Man Mike Hussey – Huss, Mr Cricket Jacques Kallis – Jakes, Woogie, Kalaharisydneythunder.com.au@ThunderBBL

ANZ Stadium Members are entitled to entry at Spotless Stadium for Sydney Thunder matches in 2015.

• Thunder v Heat ANZ Stadium 7pm Sun 21 Dec• Thunder v Sixers ANZ Stadium 7pm Sat 27 Dec• Thunder v Hurricanes Spotless Stadium 7pm Wed 7 Jan• Thunder v Stars Spotless Stadium 7pm Sat 17 Jan

SYDNEY THUNDER SCHEDULE 2014/15

GET TO KNOW THE THUNDER PLAYERS

Pictures courtesy Sydney Thunder

17

IT’S been called the coup of the Big Bash League to date, and for good reason. The signing of South African legend Jacques Kallis to the Sydney Thunder is a major boost for the men in

lime green – and Australia’s Big Bash League. One of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, Kallis, 39, is the only player in international cricket to have scored over 20,000 runs and taken more than 500 wickets. And his 20-plus years of experience and leadership will help further develop the Thunder’s group of rising stars.

Crystelle: Are you excited about the challenge of trying to turn the Sydney Thunder into a competitive outfit in the Big Bash League this summer?

Jacques: I am very excited. I’ve always wanted to play in the Big Bash League, but due to international commitments I haven’t been able to. I think we’re going to do well. I’ve seen the squad and I think we can spring a few surprises.

C: You’ll be teaming up with Mike Hussey – a passionate cricketer whom you obviously played against a lot during your career. Did that have any influence in your decision to join the Thunder?

J: Yes, it did. He’s a really good guy. I look forward to playing with him and scoring lots of runs alongside him.

C: You’ve previously worked with Paddy Upton, the Thunder’s new head coach. What will he bring to the Thunder?

J: Paddy makes the game enjoyable. He creates happy teams and I don’t think that’ll be any different in the Thunder’s case.

C: You’ll make your BBL debut at ANZ Stadium – Sydney’s Olympic stadium – on Sunday 21 December. Do you have any memories of the Sydney 2000 Games?

J: Yes, it was an amazing Olympic Games. I most remember Ian Thorpe’s remarkable performance in the pool and Maurice Green in the 100 metres.

C: The Stadium hosted the Bafana Bafana (South Africa’s national football team) in a FIFA World Cup warm-up game, the Super 15 Final and a Bledisloe Cup rugby Test in recent months. Do you follow any of the winter sporting codes?

J: I love rugby. I used to play and follow it closely. Springboks forever!C: How do you look back on your career – and how do you want to finish it? J: I have helped the Kolkata Knight Riders win an Indian Premier League title, now I want to

try to do the same for the Sydney Thunder. Wouldn’t that be nice?

ALL-ROUND

LEGEND

168 328 143TestMatches

DomesticT20s

OneDayers

- NICK CUMMINS SYDNEY THUNDER GM

STADIUM CRICKET

Crystelle Cordero‘SIGNING A PLAYER OF JACQUES KALLIS’ QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE IS PHENOMENAL NEWS FOR THUNDER FANS. HE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST CRICKETERS TO HAVE EVER PLAYED THE GAME. A QUALITY TOP-ORDER BATSMAN AND VERSATILE BOWLING OPTION.’

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Picture: Phil Hillyard/The Daily Telegraph

JACQUES HENRY KALLIS

Nicknames: Jakes, WoogieBorn: October 16, 1975Age: 39Place of Birth: Cape Town, South AfricaHeight: 188cmWeight: 90kgBatting Style: Right handBowling Style: Right arm fast-mediumPre-game meal: SteakChildhood hero: Adrian KuiperFavourite movie: Four Weddings & a FuneralIf I wasn’t a cricketer I’d be: A golfer

THE INTERVIEW: JACQUES KALLIS

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STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT

Arthur Stanley

SYDNEY’S dream of once again making ANZ Stadium the most cutting-edge

sports venue in the world has moved a step closer, with a global construction and engineering company earmarked as the preferred consortium to redevelop the Stadium.

More than 21 million fans – and 30 million visitors – have passed through the Stadium gates since it was purpose-built for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and the Stadium continues to host many of the nation’s biggest events and most iconic sporting moments.

Stadium Australia Operations, the company that manages ANZ Stadium, plans to announce soon the consortium that has been selected to undertake the proposed redevelopment of the Stadium in line with the Sydney Olympic Park Masterplan vision released by the NSW Government in 2013.

This follows a process in which companies were invited to express interest in redeveloping ANZ Stadium and its surrounding precinct at Sydney Olympic Park.

The proposed multi-million-dollar investment in the Stadium is designed to ensure the Sydney Olympics showpiece remains the iconic venue it was built to

be, and enable NSW to continue to secure major events in the face of competition from international and interstate rivals.

Subject to an agreement between Government and private enterprise on a funding model, and gaining the necessary development approvals, it is hoped construction works inside the Stadium can begin by late 2016.

As part of the redevelopment process, Stadium Australia Operations is working closely with the NSW Government and has consulted with all its key event partners.

SAO has made it a priority to listen to the views of the major sporting codes, clubs and promoters that hold events at the Stadium to ensure the redevelopment aligns with their own strategic priorities. The chosen consortium will be instructed to program their construction works in such a manner that there is the least possible disruption to major events at the Stadium.

The planned redevelopment of the Stadium will substantially increase the already significant economic benefits delivered to NSW through the staging of major events.

Highlights of the proposed Stadium Redevelopment Project include:

• A retractable roof that will weather-proof major sports and entertainment events;

• A reconfiguration of the Stadium’s lower seating bowl to improve spectator viewing and playing field dimensions for all sports, including:

- Bringing spectators as close as 5m to the field of play at the northern and southern ends of the Stadium through the installation of moveable end-stands and creating a perfect rectangular field for rugby league, rugby union and football;

- Improved seating and oval alignment for AFL and cricket;

• New and refurbished player and spectator facilities including restaurants, bars, terraces and eateries;

• Development of the precinct outside the Stadium, including new precinct bars, cafes and restaurants for Stadium patrons to enjoy before and after events.

The redevelopment will provide spectators with a world-class experience including superior levels of comfort and quality to ensure that the in-Stadium experience is unrivalled.

Further developing the Stadium precinct, in conjunction with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority, will create a vibrant and exciting pre-and-post-event destination that encourages earlier arrival and later departure. Standby for further updates.

REDEFINING THE GREAT STADIUM

STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATE

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Joel Moss

FIFTEEN years. Twenty-one million fans. Many of Australia’s greatest sports and entertainment events.

The roll-call of memorable sporting moments keeps on growing at ANZ Stadium. Here’s 15 of our greatest moments.

1. CATHY’S GOLDEN NIGHT 25 Sep 2000: Australia’s star athlete Cathy Freeman lights the Olympic flame at her home Olympics and dashes to the 400m gold medal 10 days later.

2. ALOISI’S PENALTY SHOOTOUT HEART-STOPPER 16 Nov 2005: John Aloisi scores the decisive penalty against Uruguay in the 2006 FIFA World Cup playoffs after a 1–1 aggregate tie. The goal means Australia qualifies for the World Cup for the first time since ‘74.

3. GLORY GLORY 5 Oct 2014: The South Sydney Rabbitohs complete an NRL fairytale and end their 43-year title drought with a famous 30-6 win over the Canterbury Bulldogs in front of 83,833 fans. Departing superstar Sam Burgess etches himself into NRL folklore by playing almost the entire Grand Final with a fractured cheekbone. Chants of Glory Glory to South Sydney fill the Stadium.

4. BLUES BREAK ORIGIN DROUGHT 18 Jun 2014: The NSW Blues end eight years of State of Origin misery to win the 2014 Origin series with a heart-stopping 6-4 win over mighty Queensland.

5. THE GREATEST EVER RUGBY TEST 15 Jul 2000: A world-record crowd of 109,874 witnesses a game later described by Gordon Bray as “The Greatest Ever Rugby Test” when a Jonah Lomu try seals an All Blacks win over the Wallabies 39-35. The All Blacks led 24-nil after 11mins only to see the Wallabies draw level at 24-all by halftime, only for Lomu to score for the All Blacks to break Aussie hearts.

6. SUPERSTAHS 2 Aug 2014: The NSW Waratahs win their first Super Rugby title with a heart-stopping 33-32 victory over the Crusaders in front of a record Super Rugby crowd of 61,823.

7. JONNY WILKINSON NIGHT 22 Nov 2003: In the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final, a young Jonny Wilkinson becomes an instant rugby immortal after he kicks the winning drop goal in the last minute of extra time for England to claim their first ever Rugby World Cup against the Wallabies and sink the hearts of the Australian-strong crowd of 82,957.

8. THE WARNER SWITCH HIT 1 Feb 2012: Dave Warner has

15Y

EAR

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F

MAGICMOMENTS

Sydney’s biggest ever international cricket crowd of 59,656 in raptures after switching his stance from left to right and smashing a six for Australia v India in a T20 INTL.

9. THE BENJI FLICK PASS 2 Oct 2005: A young Benji Marshall provides the enduring memory from the 2005 Grand Final with a magical flick pass to send Pat Richards on his way to a try. The Wests Tigers were the Cinderella story of the NRL who went on an unexpected fairytale run towards their first premiership as a joint venture club.

10. AFL TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN SYDNEY 23 Aug 2003: ANZ Stadium is the centre of the AFL world as the Sydney Swans set the record for the biggest crowd outside Melbourne of 72,393 against arch-rivals, the Collingwood Magpies.

11. HISTORY-MAKING WALLABIES 14 Jul 2001: After 102 long years, the Wallabies win the last two matches to defeat the British Lions for the first time in a Test series. In the decisive match at ANZ Stadium, the Wallabies edge their way to a narrow 29-23 victory to finally end the drought.

12. ANZ STADIUM SHAKES ALL NIGHT LONG 18 - 22 Feb 2010: Rock Gods AC/DC thrill over 212,000 fans and shake ANZ Stadium all night long as part of their Black Ice World Tour. A third concert is announced after fans rush for tickets and sell out the first two shows within 15 minutes.

13. BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM 27 Nov 2007: Football legend David Beckham nails a signature long-distance free kick in the Sydney FC v LA Galaxy blockbuster that sends the sell-out crowd into raptures.

14. EALES’ FAREWELL MATCH 1 Sep 2001: Toutai Kefu’s last-minute try gives revered Wallabies skipper John Eales the perfect send-off in 29-26 win over the All Blacks.

15. NIGHT OF THE STORM 26 Sep 1999: The Melbourne Storm clinch their first premiership in dramatic fashion with a penalty try in the dying minutes against the newly-merged St. George-Illawarra Dragons in front of a record Rugby League growd of 107,558 to see the first NRL Grand Final played at ANZ Stadium.*ANZ Stadium’s magic moments are adjusted on an annual basis and based on popular feedback. It is inevitable that recent great events will be ranked highly given they are fresh in the memory. Do you agree with this list? Tell us via Twitter @ANZStadium

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$2 MILLION FACELIFT FOR OUR GROUND

Arthur Stanley

WITHIN hours of the South Sydney Rabbitohs winning their historic first NRL premiership in 43 years, workers began stripping the ANZ Stadium surface bare as part of a $2 million turf replacement program.

After hosting many of the biggest and most memorable sporting contests in the nation in 2014, the Stadium surface underwent a facelift in October to have it in pristine condition for the upcoming cricket season and the AFC Asian Cup football tournament in January.

A completely new surface had been growing on a turf farm at Wilberforce in western Sydney for four months before it was transported over to the Stadium. The old turf was sent to two golf courses in the western suburbs. But before the new surface was laid by HG Sports Turf – the Melbourne-based turf growing company that carried out a similar returfing of the MCG last month – the ANZ Stadium surface was levelled and a new irrigation system installed.

ANZ Stadium Head Curator Graeme Logan said the venue used a break in the events schedule to replace 18,000 square metres of turf from fence to fence. “Many people, including NRL legend Brad Fittler, said they had never seen the Stadium surface looking better then it did on Grand Final day,” Logan said. “But this turf replacement program was all about us getting the arena in the best possible shape for a busy summer of sport, including the AFC Asian Cup, and setting us up for a great 2015.”

The curator added that the improvements to the irrigation system would further improve drainage and give the Olympic venue more flexibility with its watering of the Stadium surface.

ANZ Stadium’s drop-in cricket pitches went in on 21 October in preparation for the T20 international between Australia and South Africa on Sunday 9 November.

Sydney is the most dynamic sporting city in the world, hosting five professional codes – rugby league, rugby union, AFL, football and cricket – in a highly-competitive market.

“No other city in the world has such a diverse sporting landscape,” said Logan. “And that makes our job at ANZ Stadium a little more challenging. While many grounds cater for only one sport each season, or at least prioritise one sport, we have the unique challenge of fitting everyone in. We squeeze a lot into our year and we are getting better all the time at meeting these unique demands.”

Sydney’s climate in itself presents a unique challenge, with the natural transition of winter rye to summer couch ensuring there are additional demands on the surface heading into each season.

STADIUM NEWS

GAME-CHANGING TRANSPORT FOR FANSBETTER ROADS, DIRECT TRAINS AND DYNAMIC OLYMPIC PRECINCT Arthur Stanley

IT’S the largest transport project in Australia – a 33km continuous motorway that will transform Sydney and provide game-changing

access to ANZ Stadium, home to many of the nation’s biggest events.The Stadium Redevelopment Project will work in tandem with a

series of major infrastructure initiatives in Greater Sydney already announced by the NSW and Federal Governments – headed by the $3.5 billion WestConnex motorway linking the CBD with Sydney Olympic Park. Work will commence early 2015 on Stage 1 of WestConnex, which will link the city (via the City West Link at Haberfield) to Parramatta in a continuous, traffic-lights-free motorway.

Sports fans are going to be among the great beneficiaries of this project. From your city office to your carpark at ANZ Stadium in 20 minutes? I’d like to see that. IMPROVED ROAD ACCESS

A WestConnex Overview document released by the Federal Government forecasts that travelling time from the city to Sydney Olympic Park (and return) will be cut in half, with fans travelling on four lanes to Sydney Olympic Park, bypassing more than 30 sets of traffic lights and removing the need to use Parramatta Road at any

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GAME-CHANGING TRANSPORT FOR FANSstage. There will be improved access in to Sydney Olympic Park from the city and a new exit ramp at Hill Road that will ensure a much faster departure from ANZ Stadium after events.

The city to ANZ Stadium road improvements are expected to be completed as early as 2017. There could be even faster traffic access if a campaign to include a westbound off-ramp from WestConnex to access Sydney Olympic Park and its 10,000 parking spaces via Hill Road is successful.

This will further improve access to the Stadium by lessening traffic though Centennial Drive. The currently proposed eastbound ramp off Hill Road will whisk motorists from ANZ Stadium on to WestConnex after events.

Daryl Kerry, Managing Director of ANZ Stadium and President of the Sydney Olympic Park Business Association, said: “The WestConnex motorway will be a game-changing piece of infrastructure for Sydney, connecting east and west, and road access to ANZ Stadium and the Sydney Olympic Park precinct will be greatly improved for all Sydneysiders,” he said.

“Importantly, travel times to and from the city will be cut substantially. It will just be faster and easier to get to the Stadium and Sydney Olympic Park.”

The road improvements will not only make it easier for Sydney’s motorists but will facilitate faster Major Event Buses to Sydney Olympic Park.

DIRECT RAIL SERVICESEncouraging public transport use for events at ANZ Stadium will

remain a high focus, and this will be further enhanced by daily direct train services from Central to Olympic Park Station, expected to be introduced by the NSW Government as soon as 2015.

Sydney Olympic Park is poised to experience monumental growth over the next 10 years, with two Urban Activation Zones bringing new atmosphere to the precinct both before and after events.DYNAMIC PRECINCT

As many as 33,000 residents plus significant commercial buildings, including shops, cafes, bars, eateries & restaurants, are planned for the Sydney Olympic Park precinct and new Urban Activation Precincts at Carter St (just behind the Stadium) and Wentworth Point (near the Sydney Olympic Park ferry wharf).

The Carter St precinct, little more than a drop-kick or two from the western gates of ANZ Stadium, will include 5500 townhouses and apartments, a retail centre, Village Square and community centre in Uhrig Road, near Accor’s Ibis Budget Sydney Olympic Park.WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT

Further enhancing access to Sydney Olympic Park will be road and rail improvements throughout Greater Western Sydney as part of a major infrastructure project to meet the demands of Western Sydney’s first international airport at Badgerys Creek. Exciting times indeed for Sydney – and especially for Sydney Olympic Park.

Artist’s impressions of the WestConnex motorway as commuters pass Sydney Olympic Park

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SEASON LAUNCH2015

JOIN NOW 02 8765 2600 ANZSTADIUM.COM.AU

ANZ Stadium Membership is gearing up for 2015 with your exclusive Member referral offer.

Refer a friend or purchase additional Memberships and receive $150 off the one-off joining fee.

PLUS as your reward, you’ll receive a $100 Food and Beverage gift card AND two Member Fan Passes for every new Member that signs up.

Score Sydney’s best live sports Membership today.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER

REFERRAL OFFER

IN 2014, ANZ STADIUM MEMBERS PAID ONLY $725+ AND RECEIVED OVER $2,800 WORTH OF EVENT TICKETS. AMAZING VALUE!+2014 Annual subscription. A one-off joining fee applies.

MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

Membership Renewals Pay your annual subscription 24 hours a day www.anzstadium.com.au/members Option 3

Member Services For all other membership enquiries www.anzstadium.com.au/membersEmail: membership@anzstadium.com.au Option 2Fax: +61 2 8765 2999

Membership Sales Call our sales team today on 02 8765 2600

MEMBER SERVICES CONTACTS

Member Services Onlinewww.anzstadium.com.au/members

ANZ Stadium Members’ Information Line 1300 136 006

Members’ Ticketing Event booking and all ticketing enquiries.Book online at: www.anzstadium.com.au/members Option 1

Members’ Dining To book your dining, book online at: www.anzstadium.com.au/members Option 1

MailANZ Stadium Member Services Locked Bag 1999, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, 2127

Member Services Contact HoursNon Event Days: Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays) 9am to 5.30pm.Reserved Event Days: By telephone 2 hours prior to gate opening. Box office opens 30 minutes prior to gate opening time. General Admission Event Days Box Office M/N only, 30 minutes prior to gate opening time.

Picture: Eliot Cohen

AS an ANZ Stadium Member, your ticket to every game is included in your Membership.

Want to be part of the action? Become an ANZ Stadium Member today at

www.anzstadium.com.au/members or call (02) 8765 2600.IT’S hard to believe that the football season

is behind us. It has certainly been a thrilling few months, the highlight of course, being the magnificent series wins by the Blues in State of Origin, Waratahs in the Super Rugby Final and Rabbitohs in the NRL Grand Final.

Since the last edition of STADIUM, our Members have also been treated to a visit from the superstar soccer team Juventus, a Bledisloe Cup Test draw, two Sydney Swans finals, two NRL preliminary finals and the momentous NRL Grand Final. I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s been quite a year. In fact, ANZ Stadium Members have enjoyed access to over $2800 worth of events this year, all included in your Membership. Whether you attend each event or loan your Membership

to a friend using the transferability option, the assurance of a guaranteed seat and the value of the Membership is unrivalled.

And the value doesn’t stop this year. Before we say goodbye to 2014, we welcome back the Australian T20 cricket team on Sunday 9 November in a clash with South Africa, and our domestic T20 home team, Sydney Thunder, for two matches in December.

Super Rugby champions the Waratahs return in 2015 with their two biggest matches of the season. And, of course, we’ll see the Bledisloe Cup return in August.

For those of you who like rugby, I am delighted to also announce that we are

working with the Waratahs again in 2015 to offer ANZ Stadium Members a bonus two-game Waratahs Membership at Allianz Stadium.

In 2015, Members will continue to witness the finest NRL action as we welcome back the Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, Wests Tigers, Parramatta Eels and St George Illawarra Dragons.

The ultimate rugby league showpieces, State of Origin and the NRL Grand Final, will also light up our Stadium.

ANZ Stadium’s full event schedule for 2015 will be announced shortly. Members will be kept up to date and should keep an eye on their Inbox for further information.

I encourage Gold Members to renew their Membership by 5 December to take advantage of the Early-Bird discount.

We look forward to seeing you in the Members’ Stand for the cricket and another superb line-up of events in 2015.

Stadium Australia ClubJohn Clarke, Chairman

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How would you like to be sitting in the stands at iconic Wembley watching one of Britain’s biggest events? As part of ANZ Stadium’s Reciprocal Rights program, this can be a reality

in 2015 (see Page 35). ANZ Stadium Members are entitled to Reciprocal Rights at the following venues:• Australian Racing Drivers’ Club at Sydney Motorsport Park• Australian Turf Club• Brisbane Cricket Ground (The ‘Gabba)• Cricket Tasmania (Bellerive Oval)• Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand• Melbourne Cricket Club• South Australian Cricket Association (Adelaide Oval)• Wembley Stadium, London• Western Australian Cricket Association (The WACA)• Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand

Full details can be found online by logging into your Member’s Concierge at anzstadium.com.au/members/benefits-offers.

If you wish to utilise Reciprocal Rights, we always recommend that you organise your access and confirm the details well in advance of your intended visit.

Be sure to read and understand the available information from each Reciprocal Partner entirely as they differ greatly from the ANZ Stadium Membership.

RECIPROCAL RIGHTS

HERE’S a great way for you to share the Members’ experience with your guests. Exclusive to ANZ Stadium Members, this pass is valid for all regular-season NRL matches held at ANZ Stadium in 2015, representing unbeatable value. Members can purchase up to three passes per Membership Right and the more you purchase the more you save. Purchase when you renew your Membership online anzstadium.com.au/members ADULT 1 Pass $110.00 2 Passes $195.00 3 Passes $270.00

CHILD 1 Pass $65.00 2 Passes $110.00 3 Passes $160.00 All holders of the Members’ Fan Pass at these games also receive the Members’ Discount upon presentation at our retail food and beverage outlets!

MEMBERS’ FAN PASS IS BACK FOR 2015

* Each Members’ Fan Pass acts as a Paying Guest ticket for the events for which it’s valid. Up to three Paying Guests may accompany a Member to each event per Membership Right held. Not valid for finals.

FAN PASSJUNIOR - 2015

027462

FAN PASS

2015

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RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP WITH EASYPAYANZ Stadium is delighted to introduce the new “EasyPay” payment plan for our Members. It’s all about giving you the choice! You can choose to pay your Annual Subscription up front in one annual payment and elect the Early Bird/Pre-season option OR elect the EasyPay option where your Annual Subscription payment is spread equally over the year. ANZ Stadium Members’ EasyPay*:

• It’s convenient and affordable• Allows you to spread the cost of your Annual Subscription across 12 months• Ensures your Membership doesn’t lapse with a simple annual roll-over• Monthly payment of just $70 (per Membership right) is deducted on the 1st day of the month from your nominated credit/debit card

Visit anzstadium.com.au/easypay

*See terms and conditions on website.

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^ Beverage package included, featuring premium wines and beer.

Members’ dining bookings, cancellations and amendments terms and conditions. A 100% cancellation fee will be incurred if a reservation is not cancelled or amended 5 full working days prior to the event. For example, for an event held on Sunday 9 November cancellations or amendments must be made in writing by 5pm, Friday 31 October. This will also apply if you do not attend to dine on the day of the event.

MEMBERS' BOOKING GUIDE

ARENAThe ultimate Members’ dining experience located on Level 5. Platinum Member priority. A magnificent menu of enticing, immaculately prepared cuisine, matched with outstanding wine and exemplary service.

MEMBERS’ RESTAURANTOutstanding pre-match dining featuring a seasonally designed set menu incorporating the finest Australian produce. Available to all Members and their guests.

MEMBERS’ BRASSERIESumptuous hot and cold buffet featuring our chef’s specialities from seafood to carved roasts, a range of desserts and cheeses. Available to all Members and their guests. Beverage package optional.

PLATINUM CAFÉThe southern end of the Lounge is exclusive to Platinum Members to enjoy a café meal or drink from the Platinum Bar. Quick and relaxed, bistro-style meals.

MEMBER TERRACESThe Member Sin Bin and Cauldron Terraces offer fast gourmet meals with great views of the field of play. Access from the Level 1 concourse. Full range of fast food and snacks.

STADIUM CAFÉQuick and relaxed pre-match dining with a view of the field. Serving bistro favourites complemented by an extensive range of premium beer and wine.

EVENTBOOKING

CLOSE DATE

PAYING GUEST TICKET PRICE

ARENAMEMBERS’

RESTAURANTMEMBERS’ BRASSERIE

PLATINUM CAFÉMEMBER

TERRACES

T20 INTL Australia v South Africa 9 Nov 2014

Waitlist Now Adult $70 / 4-6 years free

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED)

Three course - $118^ Two course - $92^

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED)

Three course - $118^ Two course - $92^

(BOOKINGS REQUIRED)

Buffet - $100^ or $74

(NO BOOKINGSREQUIRED)

Bistro-style meals $6.50 - $15

(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED)

Meals, bar and snacks

Sydney Thunder Sun 21 Dec 2014 Sat 27 Dec 2014

No booking required

Adult $20 / Junior $5

STADIUM CAFE (NO BOOKINGS

REQUIRED)Bistro-style meals

$7.50- $29

(NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED)

Bar and snacks

MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

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MEMBERS’ CENTRAL

THE MEMBERS’ EDGE

Crystelle Cordero

It’s one of the great sporting clubs in Australia – getting you up close and

personal to the stars in five professional codes, plus access to major entertainment events.

But there is more to the ANZ Stadium Member experience. We grilled Membership Manager, JENNIFER DOWD, about new Membership perks, forgotten benefits and how the seating rotation works, so you can get the most out of your Membership.

Crystelle: As Membership Manager, what questions do you get asked the most?

Jen: One of the most frequent questions we’re asked is, “Can I bring guests?” Members can purchase up to three Paying Guest tickets per Membership right. This is a great way for your friends to experience all the perks of being a Member for a day.

“What’s the dress code?” is another common question. Dress code in the Members’ areas is smart casual, so that means no thongs, tracksuits, torn or dilapidated clothing. The good news is that team jerseys are more than welcome!

Finally, we’re often asked where Members’ seats are located. The 18,400 seats that make up the Members’ Reserve are situated on Levels One, Four and Six, on the western side of the Stadium.

The seats run from the centre of the field out to the dead-ball line, with easy access to Members’ facilities such as Members’ Lounges and Terraces.”

Crystelle: In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a Member?

Jen: The fact that you’ve got a guaranteed seat to every regular sporting event held at ANZ Stadium, which includes blockbusters like State of Origin, Bledisloe and the NRL Grand Final. The 49 events held at the Stadium in 2014 represented over $2800 worth of tickets, which Members’ enjoyed for just $725. Members also have access to exclusive facilities, dining and bars, entertainment and special offers.”

Crystelle: Tell us how dining works? Jen: ANZ Stadium Members can choose to

dine in three exclusive Member restaurants: our fine-dining restaurant Arena; the á la carte Members’ Restaurant; or buffet-style dining in the Members’ Brasserie. Members’ Dining is hugely popular, so my advice is to get in early and always make a reservation at the same time as booking your tickets for major events. You can do this either online at anzstadium.com.au/members or over the phone 1300 136 006 – Option 1.

Crystelle: What Member perks do most people forget about?

Jen: Members can purchase a Members’ Fan Pass which allows you to bring a guest all year round to NRL regular-season games. Essentially, this means for just $110, you can bring a partner or a friend to over 25 matches. The best part: you only have to use it four times to get your money’s worth.

Another fantastic perk is our Reciprocal Rights Program, which gives you access to Member facilities at other sporting venues

across Australia and New Zealand, including the MCG, the Australian Turf Club, the ‘Gabba and Eden Park in Auckland.

Crystelle: We’ve heard Members’ reciprocal rights are going even further afield. Tell us about the new deal with Wembley Stadium?

Jen: It’s a huge coup for Members, who can now access events at Wembley Stadium, such as the FA Cup Final, an NFL regular-season game, or concerts featuring some of the biggest performers in the world. Members should head to the Members’ Concierge section of the ANZ Stadium website, and click on Benefits & Offers for full details.

Crystelle: How does the seating rotation work?

For major events such as Bledisloe Cup and NRL Grand Final, seats are allocated in advance using a seating rotation system (thanks to a clever algorithm), to provide a fair and equal opportunity for all Members to experience the best seats in the Members’ Reserve. The feedback we’ve received is that this is Members’ preferred method, as Members can arrive at the venue and enjoy the Members’ facilities at their leisure rather than having to rush for a seat as gates open.

Do you have more questions for our Membership team? For Membership Sales call (02) 8765 2600, for existing Member enquires call 1300 136 006, or visit anzstadium.com.au/membership.

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MEMBERS’ CONFIDENTIALMEMBERS ARE WINNERS

ANZ Stadium Member Tim Harris was the lucky winner of our 2014 Membership Renew Online and On Time To Win competition. Tim and his wife Jenny (also a Member) won a trip for two to the Auckland Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park in August. Tim reported back that “it was a privilege and a pleasure to be there”.

The blow of the Wallabies’ defeat was softened for Tim and Jenny when they discovered that they were sharing a hotel with both the Wallabies and the Roosters - some of whom took the time to pose with the winners.

This could be you! One lucky Gold Member will be a winner in 2015 with our Renew Online and On Time To WIN competition. See your invoice for details.

CONGRATULATIONS are also in order to Bruce Lawson who won a Swans Guernsey signed by Buddy Franklin just by attending the Sydney Swans v North Melbourne Preliminary Final.

And we can’t go without mentioning our 20 creative Members who won a double pass each to attend the 2014 Archibald Prize with thanks to our naming rights partner ANZ.

AND CONGRATULATIONS TOO . . .

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STADIUM CONNECTED

Arthur Stanley and Crystelle Cordero

FREE Wi-Fi to all fans in and around the venue, a Stadium App that provides traffic and transport advice on your way to the game

and directs you to your seat once you arrive, unique digital content exclusive to fans at the ground, and your tweets live on the big screens throughout Sydney Olympic Park.

The digital revolution is already in full swing at ANZ Stadium – and it’s about to be supercharged once the Stadium Redevelopment Project gets underway.

In a world of tech-savvy sports fans, there’s now so much more to game day than simply watching the action on the field. Fans want to instantly share experiences, tweet their opinions and be the first to receive updates about their teams.

Thanks to ANZ Stadium’s free Wi-Fi, free App and new Telstra Connected Stadium Lounge, the event experience has already been taken to a new level in 2014. And there’s much more to come.

“As the first Stadium in Australasia to offer all fans free Wi-Fi, we’ve already set the standard in using technology to improve the fan experience,” says Greg Sleigh, General Manager of Event & Business Development.

“Moving forward with the Telstra Connected Stadium Lounge and our redevelopment plans, our focus is on increasing fan engagement and maximising commercial potential with innovative digital screens, in-seat food and beverage ordering, real-time seat upgrade offers, dedicated interactive fan zones and exclusive video content from teams, players and coaches sent direct to your device.

“A connected Stadium allows us to expand the ways in which Members and fans can engage with the venue and the codes that hire the Stadium, which is an attractive proposition for our business and event partners.”

The redeveloped ANZ Stadium will become a technological superdome, with fans engaged from the moment they purchase their ticket or the start of their journey to the Stadium, right through until they leave the venue post-event.

Home-ground advantage for the codes and clubs that hire the Stadium will go to another level, with a “halo” (wrapped perimeter trust) identifying the home team, and large projection screens

CONNECTED STADIUM FEATURES ARE ALREADY DELIVERING A NEXT GENERATION INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE FOR SPORTS FANS AT ANZ STADIUM

TECHNOLOGICAL SUPERDOME

inside and out “theming” events. Two new 300sq/m LED video screens – Australia’s largest stadium screens – plus up to 2000 IPTV digital screens throughout the Stadium will showcase event footage, statistics, route-finding, and fan engagement social media activities.

Telstra raised the bar during the recent NRL Finals series by bringing corporate hospitality into the digital age with the recently unveiled Telstra Connected Stadium Lounge at ANZ Stadium.

The first of its kind in Australia, the bespoke suite is an interactive technology hub where corporate guests and members of the public can immerse themselves in state-of-the-art technology.

Superspeed Wi-Fi connectivity is free to all guests in the Lounge, while 18 high-tech televisions make up an entire wall of the suite showcasing the game and live statistics.

The Lounge also allows centralised social media teams representing the various codes to engage with fans inside Stadium, around the country and across the globe.

During the NRL Finals, a team from Sportsfan (a digital sports news company) provided exclusive video content at each game, with special features and interviews available for fans to view both inside the suite and on their devices via the free ANZ Stadium App.

The Lounge also has a dedicated area for players, coaches and celebrities to be interviewed by Triple M radio hosts, who broadcast live from the suite.

During the 2015 NRL season, ANZ Stadium Members will be given a chance to win tickets to the Telstra Connected Stadium Lounge, so stay tuned for more information.

To check out all the fun from the Telstra Connected Stadium suite during the NRL Finals series visit anzstadium.com.au/the-stadium.

And watch this space for more digital revolution rollouts at ANZ Stadium.

LET’S GET DIGITAL • 1.5 million visitors to the ANZ Stadium website this year• 3 million-plus likes, shares & comments on ANZ Stadium Facebook page• 24,000 Twitter followers• 60,000 mentions of @ANZStadium on Twitter in 2014 • 100,000-plus State of Origin tweets at Origin II – a Twitter record

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Pictures: Joel Moss

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STADIUM CORPORATE EXPERIENCE

WHERE BUSINESSMEETS PLEASURE

STAY connected while experiencing the best of ANZ Stadium’s corporate hospitality thanks to our free Wi-Fi service and interactive ANZ Stadium App. As the first venue in Australasia to offer free Wi-Fi to all fans, you’re able to make phone calls, send texts and connect with colleagues or friends on social media even in capacity crowds.

ANZ Stadium’s updated mobile app is now available for iPhone and Android devices and is the perfect companion for all of Sydney’s major events. Check the schedule for upcoming sports events and concerts, get real-time transport information, keep in touch with all the event discussion across social media and show your support with a selfie wrapped in teams colours. Download the ANZ Stadium App through iTunes or Google Play now.

WHEN it comes to game day at ANZ Stadium, it’s a case of choose your own sporting adventure. Whether you’re after a fully-

catered Private Suite for 20 guests, Centreline Seats in the heart of the action, or chatting with former players and coaches over a four-course dinner, ANZ Stadium has the perfect corporate experience tailored for your needs. THE SUITE LIFE

“The feedback we receive from Private Suite clients is that they can never go back to normal seats,” says Shane Stoddard, General Manager of Sales and Sponsorship. With spectacular views, a private balcony, gourmet dining, premium beverages and dedicated concierge and waitstaff, Private Suites are the ultimate corporate experience.

“The biggest advantage is that inside the luxury of your own suite you can spend quality one-on-one time with your clients, while outside on the balcony you get to experience all the action,” says Shane. Located on Levels 3 and 5, ANZ Stadium’s 110 Private Suites can host between 14 and 40 people and can be purchased on an annual or event-by-event basis. FRONT AND CENTRE

Score the best seats in the Stadium for every event with Centreline Seats. Situated on Level 2, directly in front of the coaches’ boxes, the view from the 1300 soft-backed Centreline Seats, complete with your drink holder, is unbeatable.

“The beauty of Centreline is that you can purchase between one and 50 seats and you own that exact seat, guaranteed, for every game,” says Shane. “Much like a Corporate Membership, Centreline Seat holders receive all of their tickets at the beginning of the year and can then choose which events they would like to attend or invite guests.” Centreline Seat holders also have exclusive access to the Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge, a corporate space with gourmet food, craft beers, an array of quality wines, in-lounge service and live entertainment.

IN THE ZONESearching for the right balance between a corporate and sporting

event? Welcome to Zone Boxes. “They’re amazing seats where you can enjoy the corporate experience but still be part of the crowd,” says Shane. Located on Level 2, the 120 undercover open-air boxes are available for groups of eight, 12 or 16 people and can be purchased on an annual or individual-event basis.

“Positioned close to the centre of the arena, they’re set up with everything you need: comfy padded seats and your own refrigerator. Your fridge is constantly restocked throughout the day with premium beverages and our catering staff are always running food to you,” says Shane. “You don’t have to worry about a thing.” WINING AND DINING

Spoil your guests with the best on-field action and off-field entertainment in The Trophy Room. With an exclusive glass-fronted Level 5 location, the Trophy Room boasts Level 4 reserved seating directly outside the room, a gourmet four-course sit-down meal and premium beverages. For major events such as State of Origin, Bledisloe and Grand Final, ex-players, coaches, comedians and a live band will keep you and your guests entertained pre and post-match.

“It’s the ideal corporate experience because you have the opportunity to sit down across from your clients for five hours, have a drink, enjoy dinner and then witness sporting magic.”

SPORT’S FOUR BEST CORPORATE EXPERIENCES

WANT to trial any of these four unbeatable corporate hospitality experiences? Call 1300 13 40 10 for more information or visit anzstadium.com.au/official-hospitality

APPY DAYS AT ANZ STADIUM

Crystelle Cordero

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3. CENTRELINE SEATS

1. PRIVATE SUITE

2. ZONE BOX 4. DINING

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A BEER revolution is underway at ANZ Stadium with the contemporary taste preferences of fans driving the introduction of a frothy mix of popular commercial brands and ice-cold craft ales.

More than $2.1 million has been spent reinvigorating the Stadium’s beer-delivery system in 2014, with new beers being introduced in all areas of the Stadium.

Eight new tap beers are being served in the Gold Members’ Lounge on Level 4 and the Sin-Bin and Cauldron viewing terraces that are so popular with fans, as well as the plush new Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge on Level 2.

The range of beers has also increased in the Stadium’s signature Members’ restaurant Arena the Platinum Bar on Level 5, and the premium corporate Private Suites and Zones Boxes. Two tap beers are now being served across the general public areas on Level 1, with Hahn Super Dry 3.5 and XXXX Gold both proving popular with fans. “The fans themselves are driving this revolution with an Australia-wide beer industry trend toward more boutique, craft-style beers and a wider choice of beers,” said Andreas Breitfuss, Head of Catering & Hospitality Services. “We have four new cellars at the Stadium and we are in the process of replacing more than 4.7km of beer lines throughout the venue, with the Members’ areas now complete.”

While iconic brands like Tooheys New and Heineken are still in popular demand in ANZ Stadium’s Members and corporate areas, a new beer on the block - James Squire One Fifty Lashes – is now the fastest-growing beer at ANZ Stadium.

“We have been closely tracking beer and cider sales and there is a real trend toward the craft beers, with One Fifty Lashes proving extremely popular with patrons,” said John Hutchinson, Senior Manager Retail Operations. “Each month we are introducing a Guest Beer in our Members’ areas.” - Arthur Stanley

BREW-HAHA!VIP CONFIDENTIALSTADIUM OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY

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NEWS STADIUM

Arthur Stanley and Joel Moss

ANZ Stadium has formed a strategic alliance with London’s iconic Wembley Stadium in a deal that will have multiple benefits for

Stadium Members and the city of Sydney.In announcing the partnership, ANZ Stadium Managing Director

Daryl Kerry said it was an exciting opportunity for Stadium Australia Operations – the company that runs ANZ Stadium – to benchmark its business against one of the world’s great stadiums, as well as to share ideas and explore event opportunities.

He said the alliance was particularly exciting for ANZ Stadium’s 18,000 Members who will have opportunities to access Wembley’s biggest events, including the FA Cup Final and rugby league’s Challenge Cup Final, as part of a reciprocal rights membership deal.

The two stadiums will also have a staff exchange program, enabling key staff members from both countries to gain valuable international experience in the venue management business.

Mr Kerry said: “We are proud to have the opportunity to work with Wembley and to be able to benchmark our own operations and share ideas with one of the great stadiums of the world.

“It is a fantastic initiative for our Members who will have the opportunity to access some of Wembley’s biggest events – and also for Wembley’s Members who will be able to see some of Australia’s

greatest events through a reciprocal rights Membership deal. “From a business point of view, this partnership will certainly

help develop relationships which could lead to more great events for Sydney, which in turn helps generate significant income for NSW. Similarly, there will be opportunities for sports business here to engage with Wembley’s massive reach through the sports and entertainment world.”

Wembley is owned by The Football Association, through its subsidiary Wembley National Stadium Ltd. It is the home of the England national football team and is the largest stadium in the United Kingdom, seating 90,000 fans. While football provides the stadium with its core events, it also hosts three NFL regular-season games per year, as well as staging major music concerts and other sports and entertainment events.

ANZ Stadium – Sydney’s Olympic stadium – has welcomed more than 21 million fans through its turnstiles over the past 15 years. They have witnessed many of Australia’s greatest sports and entertainment events after the Stadium was purpose-built for the 2000 Sydney Games. With a capacity of more than 80,000, ANZ Stadium competes with other major interstate and international stadiums to ensure major events are held in Sydney.*Members & Centreline Seats holders can apply for Wembley tickets by logging in to their Concierge at anzstadium.com.au

ANZ STADIUM TEAMS UPWITH MIGHTY WEMBLEY

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STADIUM DINING

TASTE THE TOTAL GAME-DAY EXPERIENCE Crystelle Cordero

WHAT do you eat with a $750 bottle of Penfolds Grange, poured from a $1000 lead crystal decanter? According to

ANZ Stadium’s Head of Catering and Hospitality Services, Andreas Breitfuss, the short answer is “anything”. “Whether it’s a burger and chips or a five-course degustation, absolutely anything will taste fantastic with a wine like this,” says Andreas.

In fine company with the $750 bottle of 2002 Penfolds Grange, a further five Super Premium wines are now available exclusively for

Members and Corporate Guests at ANZ Stadium, each individually selected by Andreas, a sommelier with 21 years’ experience. The range includes: Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2009, Tyrrell’s Vat 8 Shiraz Cabernet, Penfolds 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon and a Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz.

Each Super Premium wine is paired with a specific decanter and varietal-specific crystal glassware, giving Members a unique and complete experience. “If you order a Shiraz, it will be served in a Shiraz glass, which has been designed around the variety, so the wine targets a specific area of your palate, enhancing the flavour, balance and enjoyment.”

While the Super Premium wines have been a hit with Members, the real winner is the theatrical performance of the Eve decanter (pictured). Designed by Maximilian Riedel in 2008, the $1000 Eve decanter is mouth-blown by a master glass blower in Austria, making

Going for Grange

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For a look at the new summer menu visit anzstadium.com.au

each decanter a unique work of art. “I’ve worked with countless decanters over the years and Eve is by far my favourite,” says Andreas.

“She is elegant, shapely and so very practical, all you could ever want from a decanter.”

In an older wine, Eve helps to separate the sediment, oxygenate the wine, release the bouquet and reveal the flavours. “Our Members have loved her performance and results.”

When it comes to pairing the Super Premium wines with food, Members have only the best to choose from.

“We pride ourselves on using fresh Australian ingredients, specifically chosen from regions that are renowned for their produce, such as oysters from Coffin Bay, lamb rump from the Riverina and goats milk brie from the Yarra Valley,” says Andreas.

Arena, ANZ Stadium’s fine-dining restaurant, is on par with Sydney’s best restaurants thanks to its contemporary menu and Executive Chef John Deane’s dedication to creating culinary delights. So it’s no surprise it’s booked out for every major event.

Combine Arena’s degustation menu with a premium wine selection, excellent service and the country’s biggest sporting events and you’ve got the ultimate game-day experience. * Members can book to dine in Arena and other Member restaurants online at anzstadium.com.au/members

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Colliers International does not guarantee, warrant or represent that the information contained in this advertising and marketing document is correct. Any interested parties should make their own enquiries as to the accuracy of the information. We exclude all inferred or implied terms, conditions and warranties arising out of this document and any liability for loss or damage arising there from.

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MAJOR EVENTS STADIUM

BIG BLUE DOUBLE

STATE OF ORIGIN II

SUPER RUGBY FINAL

A YEAR OF ‘WHERE WERE YOU’ SPORTING MOMENTS

Picture: Gregg Porteous/Daily Telegraph

Picture: Brendon Thorne

THIS was the year the drought in NSW finally broke. It was the year that teams in blue were the pride of the State, as NSW

reclaimed its football supremacy with a stunning double triumph at ANZ Stadium. Laurie Daley’s NSW State of Origin side brought mighty Queensland’s eight-year reign to a dramatic halt in front of 83,421 roaring fans on Wednesday 18 June, before Michael Cheika’s NSW Waratahs ended a 19-year title drought with victory over the NZ Crusaders in front of a record Super Rugby crowd of 61,823 on

Saturday 2 August. This was pure football theatre twice over. Blues coach Laurie Daley said: “I was so happy for the players and

all of our supporters who have been disappointed for the last eight years. The support we had there at ANZ Stadium was simply amazing.”

And this from Waratahs coach Michael Cheika: “Hearing the NSW chant definitely made a huge difference. The team obviously fed off that energy and certainly, at the end there, that’s what got us over the line . . . 61,823 was important for us.” – Arthur Stanley

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STADIUM STATE OF ORIGIN II

1 IN A ROW

Pictures: Tony Harrington

IT’S over. The NSW Blues’ dramatic Origin II triumph and the joyous scenes that followed

will be remembered among the greatest post-Olympics moments at ANZ Stadium.

After eight years of Queensland domination, NSW are finally State of Origin champions again and the players, the 83,421 fans at the ground, and the millions of Blues supporters who watched on television, will never forget the experience.

Unheralded halfback Trent Hodkinson (right, series) scampered over in the 72nd minute and then converted his try under immense pressure to give the Blues an unassailable 2-0 series lead, before coach Laurie Daley and captain Paul Gallen embraced in centrefield and sparked some of the most emotional scenes in recent rugby league history.

There were so many great images: Gallen (far right) raising his arms in triumph as the siren sounded, then hugging Daley in the centre of the arena; Jarryd Hayne standing in the Blatchy’s Blues supporters area with his arms aloft , then crying tears of joy in front of the cameras.

This was a victory for sheer rugby league courage and determination.

Gallen summed it up best: “I’m just numb at the moment . . . but in time we will all realise how special it was to beat a Queensland team considered the greatest in a generation.”

Standby for Game I of the 2015 State of Origin series at ANZ Stadium.

2014 State of Origin II Wednesday 18 June ANZ Stadium

NSW 6 (T Hodkinson try, goal)QLD 4 (J Thurston 2 goals)Crowd - 83,421

THIS WAS A VICTORY FOR ALL OF NSW. I’M JUST SO HAPPY FOR OUR FANS.

- PAUL GALLEN

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Picture: Gregg Porteous/Daily Telegraph

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STADIUM SUPER RUGBY FINAL

SUPERSTAHSPictures: Brendon Thorne

AFTER 19 long years, it came down to the very last minute of the 2014 final for the

NSW Waratahs to secure their maiden Super Rugby title. In front of 61,823 fans at ANZ Stadium – the largest Super Rugby crowd of all time – fly-half Bernard Foley slotted a long-range penalty goal to win a historic final by the closest of margins.

Man-of-the-Match Adam Ashley-Cooper crossed for two deserved tries, but it was Foley’s boot that proved the difference in a nail-biting encounter. The fly-half (pictured right) was cool under pressure with 23 points, including the decisive final goal from 45m out.

NSW captain Michael Hooper heaped praise on all members of his squad, past and present, for their contribution to an historic win built on multiple seasons of hard work.

“It’s a weird feeling. There are a lot of things gone into that; a lot of people who have toiled in the Waratahs jersey for years. I’m really proud they were able to be part of that tonight,” Hooper said.

Head coach Michael Cheika was elated with the character of his side, and was quick to praise the record 61,823 fans that packed into ANZ Stadium and were vocal throughout the game. “Hearing the NSW chant definitely made a huge difference . . . the team obviously feeds off that energy and certainly at the end there that’s what got us over the line. We weren’t scared to take responsibility. I liked that.”

The Tahs got off to a cracking start and were up 11-0 after as many minutes.

However, the seven-time champions regained their composure to claw their way

Super Rugby Final Saturday 2 August, ANZ Stadium NSW WARATAHS 33 (A Ashley-Cooper 2 tries; B Foley 2 conversions; 7 penalty goals)NZ CRUSADERS 32 (M Todd, M Nadolo tries; D Carter 1 conversion; C Slade 1 conversion, 6 penalty goals)Crowd - 61,823 (Super Rugby record)

back into the encounter. With only four minutes on the clock, the Crusaders hit a 32-30 lead. But spurred on by the record Sydney crowd, the Waratahs lifted when it counted. Making their way slowly into the attacking half, the Tahs’ patient attack tempted the Crusaders into error. It was Richie McCaw who took the bait, entering a ruck from an offside position 45m out from the posts.

Foley stepped up, and the rest is history.

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STADIUM FOOTBALL

FORZA JUVEDEL PIERO SAYS ARRIVEDERCI

Foxtel A-League All Stars v Juventus. Sunday 10 August, ANZ Stadium A-LEAGUE ALL STARS 2 (M Carrusca 9th, T Juric 77th) JUVENTUS 3 (Liorente 59th, P Pogba 88th, S Pepe 90+)Crowd - 55, 364 Pictures: Brendon Thorne

IT might just have been the longest substitution of all-time. There were 64

minutes on the clock when the board went up showing No.10 at ANZ Stadium, calling time on Alessandro Del Piero’s last home appearance in Sydney.

Almost three minutes later, after turning to wave to the supporters in each stand and being congratulated – even hugged – by players wearing both Juve and A-League All Stars shirts, Del Piero reached the sideline.

The former Italian World Cup star had, with his three children, made an emotional walk through a players’ guard of honour prior to the game at ANZ Stadium – and later revealed the emotion had stayed with him throughout his first-ever game against the club where he became a football legend.

Del Piero, 39, was part of the A-League All Stars selection that led the Italian champions for most of the 90-plus minutes before a goal in stoppage time to former teammate Simon Pepe enabled Juve to escape with a face-saving 3-2 classic win in front of 55,364 fans.

“It was a wonderful occasion. The match was competitive and vivid: best compliments to the All Stars who showed the progress made by Australian football,” said Del Piero. “For the very first time in my professional career, I was on the field with Juventus, but without a Juventus jersey on. It was an incredibly touching evening.

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STADIUM RUGBY

Martin Cavill

WILL this be the game that the Wallabies point to as the turning point? When

the Bledisloe Cup pendulum finally started to swing from black to gold?

On a wet Sydney August night, Ewen McKenzie’s Wallabies thwarted the mighty All Blacks’ record-breaking attempts once again – a rallying performance in tough conditions earning a 12-12 draw at ANZ Stadium and putting an end to Kiwi dreams of a world-record 18th win in a row in the process.

THE VEIN OF GOLD

Pictures: Brendon Thorne

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Bledisloe Cup Saturday 16 August ANZ Stadium AUSTRALIA 12 (Kurtley Beale 4 pen goals) NEW ZEALAND 12 (Aaron Cruden 4 pen goals)Crowd - 68, 627

Everyone could see the potential attacking prowess of this Wallabies team, but torrential rain made for a tough night with ball in hand, the wet conditions cruelling many an attempted foray and numbing both teams’ attacking capabilities to the point where penalties proved decisive.

Neither team could find a five-point breakthrough, making this the first time since 1979 that the Wallabies had failed to score in a Sydney Test match.

Kurtley Beale and Aaron Cruden shared eight penalties across the 80 minutes,

during which the Wallabies had definite opportunities to win the match.

Despite the Sydney downpour, an evening of high expectation off the back of the NSW Waratahs’ success over Kiwi opposition at the same ground two weeks ago drew a bumper crowd of 68,627 and began with a stirring on-field rendition of The Golden Thread by Rupert McCall.

If that didn’t get Australian supporters champing at the bit, the sound of the Gold Brigade, the Wallabies’ most fervent fanbase, belting out Waltzing Matilda in response to

THE VEIN OF GOLDthe haka before hitting a resonant chant of Wallabies . . . Wallabies was enough to leave even the least ardent of fans whetting their lips in anticipation.

Unfortunately for all concerned, the build-up proved to be merely a brooding appetiser before the meaty main course but a meal that ended abruptly without the sweetener of a victory.

However, few would doubt that this tough and tense Test match will stand the Wallabies in good stead heading into a Rugby World Cup year in 2015.

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STADIUM SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARKSTADIUM SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

SUMMER OF FUN

THE AQUATIC CENTRE: It’s a kid’s summer wonderland with Splasher’s water playground and water slides. Purchase discounted tickets online at ticketdirect.com.au. Family tickets (2 adults & 3 children; or 1 adult and 4 children) are $79.

Release your inner-monkey at the Urban Jungle with an outdoor high-ropes adventure course up in the trees, or at the Circus Arts workshop and Flying Trapeze Swing for ages 4-14. Courses catering for all ages and skill levels: 9am-4pm from Sun to Mon during school holidays. Bookings: urban-jungle.net.au or call 02 9905 2559. Circus Arts bookings: circusarts.com.au/sydney or call 0412 402 742.

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KIDS IN THE PARK: It’s the largest school holiday program in NSW with over 50 activities on offer for creative kids, sporty kids and adventurous kids including archery, physics education, writing workshops and holiday camps at the lodge. Register at kidsinthepark.com.au

BRICKPIT RING WALK TOUR: Come meet Sydney Olympic Park’s special resident, the Green and Golden Bell Frog at the Park’s historic Brickpit while soaring 18.5m high on the 550m circular walkway. It’s a wonderful experience that is free of charge.

MOVIES BY THE BOULEVARD: Enjoy the warm summer nights with outdoor Movies by the Boulevard set in Cathy Freeman Park. Enjoy some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for free with friends and family. sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on

MONSTER SKATE PARK, MONSTER BMX AND MOUNTAIN BIKING: For the daredevil in all of us, you can get your thrills at the Monster Skate Park, Monster BMX and mountain biking. The Monster Skatepark will keep you busy this summer from $15 per session or $30 for an all-day pass. If you like your excitement on two wheels, the 306m long Monster BMX Track is for you no matter what age or ability – and it’s FREE. monsterpark.com.au

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ANZ STADIUM TOURS: Get an exclusive sneak peek of what happens behind-the-scenes at ANZ Stadium and see where some of the world’s biggest stars have provided many unforgettable moments. For a real bird’s eye view, the ANZ Stadium Gantry Tour elevates you 45m above the iconic Stadium arena to see of one of the world’s greatest stages. Stadium tours daily: 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Gantry Tours 9am each day, except Thurs, public holidays and selected event days. Bookings 24 hours in advance. Call (02) 8765 2000 or visit: anzstadium.com.au

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SUMMER OF FUN AS the most successful post-Olympics precinct in history, Sydney Olympic Park is so much more than just a sports venue – it has become a vibrant interactive

playground for people of all ages. Summer offers a wide variety of activities for the whole family. From ANZ Stadium

Tours, cycling tracks, high ropes, flying trapeze, aquatic playground and monster skating to the beauty of Newington Armoury and Movies by the Boulevard at night.

Mark down 26 January for the Australia Day Spectacular held at Bicentennial Park with free entertainment for all, plus rides, community bazaar, arts and crafts, dazzling fireworks and so much more on offer.

Parents can kick back and relax at the Park – there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep Mum and Dad happy without worrying about what to do with the kids. With over 30 cafés and restaurants in Sydney Olympic Park, there’s no shortage of tempting selections of fresh coffee, café specialties, picnic goodies, food-to-go favourites and sit-down dining. Check out all the activities at: sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on - Joel Moss

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2015 STRAP YOURSELF IN - HERE WE GO AGAINWHERE will you be for the big sporting

moments of 2015?When the NSW Blues run out at ANZ

Stadium for State of Origin I and the chance to go back-to-back, will you be among the 83,000-strong crowd?

Will you be in the stands if the NSW Waratahs earn the right to defend their Super Rugby crown in front of another world-record crowd? The Waratahs are set for a classic rematch with Super Rugby Final combatants the NZ Crusaders on Saturday 23 May. The Tahs will also play a historic ANZAC Day clash with Australian conference rivals the Melbourne Rebels at ANZ Stadium.

When grand finalists the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs square off in the traditional Good Friday blockbuster on 3 April, or the Eels and the Tigers line up on Easter Monday, will you be there to feel the energy and excitement of a live NRL blockbuster? There will be three Sydney Swans games against traditional foes and more world-class football.

Stay tuned for news that will rock the football world and have every sporting fan

in Australia excited! Come September, the NRL and AFL Finals will roll around and your favourite teams will again be shooting for premiership glory.

The big trucks of Monster Jam will be back in October 2015 and there’s more T20 cricket on the horizon.

About 1.6 million fans will pass through the gates at ANZ Stadium by the end of 2014 – and the big sporting action of 2015 kicks into gear from January with the AFC Asian Cup.

It’s a month of spectacular football action, culminating with an Australia Day semi-final and the tournament Final on 31 January.

There are also more surprises in store early next year, with the likelihood of star-laden concerts. Let the good times roll in 2015!

Have you renewed your ANZ Stadium Membership or signed up as a Member?

Or why not watch events in style with corporate clients? Visit anzstadium.com.au/official-hospitality for exciting options, including Private Suites, Zone Boxes and Centreline Seats, with exclusive access to the Centreline Seats Bar & Lounge.

STADIUM 2015

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Visit anz.com/discoverWhen it comes to planning for your future, your super could be just the tip of the iceberg. Our specialists can assess your current financial position and show you ways to help fund all the living you’ll want to do later in life.

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