Docklands Stadium#Home teams

File:Docklands Stadium, Melbourne, Christmas 1998.jpg

Plans for the stadium were announced in October 1996 as a more centrally located replacement for the much larger but ageing Waverley Park as a headquarters for the Australian Football League.{{cite web|title= Victorian Venues|publisher=Australian Football League|url=http://www.afl.com.au/fixture/aflvenues/victoria/tabid/13533/default.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202111357/http://www.afl.com.au/fixture/aflvenues/victoria/tabid/13533/default.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 December 2008|access-date=8 May 2009}} It was built in the Melbourne Docklands to the immediate west of the CBD, a central but largely deserted industrial area which had just begun its own urban renewal project. Construction of the stadium by Baulderstone began in October 1997 under the working name "Victoria Stadium",{{cite news|url=http://150.theage.com.au/view_bestofarticle.asp?straction=update&inttype=1&intid=927|title=City to get $200m high-tech stadium|last1=Linnell|first1=Stephen|first2=Shane|last2=Green|date=31 October 1996|work=The Age|access-date=1 March 2009|location=Melbourne|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050618035646/http://150.theage.com.au/view_bestofarticle.asp?straction=update&inttype=1&intid=927|archive-date=18 June 2005}} and was completed ahead of the 2000 AFL season. The stadium was originally developed by the Docklands Stadium Consortium and thereafter controlled by the Seven Network. The remaining leasehold interest in the stadium was sold to James Fielding Funds Management in June 2006 for A$330 million.{{cite news|title=Seven sells Telstra Dome stake|date=21 July 2006}}

The stadium, like Waverley Park, was built primarily for Australian rules football, unlike most grounds of a similar size in Australia which were originally designed for cricket then later developed for football. It was the first Australian rules football stadium built with a retractable roof, which throughout its history has usually been closed for night matches and for wet weather day matches; the roof closure policy for dry weather day matches has varied. It was the first stadium in Australia to have movable seating. All four level-one tiers of the stadium can be moved up to 18 metres forward into a rectangular configuration. Despite this being a key feature of the stadium design, it has rarely been used, due to damage to turf, time to deploy the seats, and a reduced capacity, since the corner bays of the stadium become unavailable in rectangular configuration.

Construction was finished only weeks before the first match, and some scheduled pre-season matches were relocated as a result. The first match to be played at the ground was between {{AFL Ess}} and {{AFL PA}}, before a crowd of 43,012, on 9 March 2000. Essendon won the match by 94 points, and Michael Long kicked the first goal at the ground.{{cite web|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2000/051320000309.html|title=Essendon v Port Adelaide|publisher= AFL Tables|date=9 March 2000|access-date=27 October 2015}} The game was to have been played under the closed roof, but due to technical issues it remained open. Six days later, Barbra Streisand staged the venue's first concert.{{cite news|newspaper=Herald Sun|publication-place=Melbourne, VIC|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/were-in-trouble-20-years-ago-on-a-hot-chaotic-night-the-afl-changed-forever-at-colonial-stadium/news-story/94cd171517c501b2f248bd8fb0fe18f6|title='We're in trouble': 20 years ago on a hot chaotic night, the AFL changed forever at 'Colonial Stadium'|date=9 March 2020|access-date=29 March 2020|first=Tom|last=Morris}} The stadium's third football game, between Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions on 19 March, was the first to be played under the roof.{{cite web|url=http://footystats.freeservers.com/Special/2000review.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303184938/http://footystats.freeservers.com/Special/2000review.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 March 2016|title=2000 Review|publisher=Footy Stats|access-date=29 March 2020}} On 16 August 2000, the world's first indoor One Day International was held at the venue between Australia and South Africa. The first game played in the rectangular configuration was a Melbourne Storm game in July 2001. The first soccer match played was in round 5 2001 of the National Soccer League between South Melbourne FC and Melbourne Knights FC.{{Cite web |date=2001-02-07 |title=Soccer joins rush to Colonial |url=http://www.melbourneknights.com.au/news/club-news/soccer-joins-rush-to-colonial/ |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=Melbourne Knights FC |language=en-AU}}

From the beginning, the stadium's playing surface was criticised for its slipperiness, hardness and lack of grass coverage, and the increased risk of injury that this causes to players.{{cite news|url=http://uninews.unimelb.edu.au/articleid_4166.html|title=Dried out grounds bring hard times|date=30 April 2007|publisher=The University of Melbourne Voice|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829061439/http://uninews.unimelb.edu.au/articleid_4166.html|archive-date=29 August 2007}} Maintaining surface quality remains one of the stadium's biggest challenges.{{cite news|url=http://www.austadiums.com/news/news.php?id=319|title=Surface Tension ends at Telstra Dome|date=24 June 2007|publisher=Austadiums.com}} The stadium's orientation and highly built-up grandstands mean that the Northern end of the stadium in particular receives only 6 weeks of sunlight a year. Concerts held at the stadium are also usually placed at the Southern end due to the ability for grass to recover more quickly.{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22246546-2862,00.html|title=Turf's up at the Dome|date=15 August 2007|work=Herald Sun | first=Sam | last=Edmund}} The entire surface undergoes regular, expensive replacement during the season with turf grown externally, under contract by HG Turf, whereas the responsibility of laying and managing the turf lies with Docklands Stadium management.{{cite news|url=http://www.afana.com/drupal/node/223|title=Turf Experiment for Dome|date=27 August 2006|publisher=Australian Football Association of North America}} Since 2007, elaborate heating and lighting to better allow grass to be grown and managed within the stadium have been in use.

The venue was damaged by a thunderstorm in March 2010 during the 2010 Victorian storms. The external roof at Gate 2 caved in, causing damage and flooding inside the entertainment area. That evening's pre-season match between {{AFL Stk}} and {{AFL Fre}} was delayed due to WorkSafe inspections, but it still went ahead before a small crowd of 5,000.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/storm-brings-chaos-to-melbourne-20100306-ppn0.html |title=Storm brings chaos to Melbourne|work=The Age|date=7 March 2010|access-date=20 January 2014}}

File:Marvel Stadium from an aerial perspective. Feb 2019.jpg

In 2015, LED electronic advertising was added around the perimeter of the ground on level 1 and 2, as well as a strip synthetic turf around the edge of the fence, outside the boundary line. The synthetic strip was narrowed after Brisbane Lions player Michael Close suffered a season ending ACL injury on the uneven surface during a game in 2015.{{cite news|work=The Age|last=Wilson|first=Caroline|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/etihad-stadium-afl-face-compensation-claims-over-artificial-turf-20150414-1mktho.html|title=Etihad Stadium, AFL face compensation claims over artificial turf|date=14 April 2015|access-date=13 June 2015}}{{cite news|last=Phelan|first=Jason|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-05-17/etihad-stadium-surface-dangerous-says-freo-coach-ross-lyon-after-win-over-bulldogs|title=Etihad Stadium surface 'quite dangerous' says Ross Lyon after win over Dogs|website=AFL.com|publisher=Australian Football League|date=17 May 2015|access-date=13 June 2015}}

The stadium became unpopular with many of its tenant clubs, especially {{AFL Stk}}, {{AFL NM}} and {{AFL WB}}, as high operating costs and the high proportion of gate revenues which were paid back to the stadium meant that clubs earned much lower returns for a game at Docklands than they would have earned from the same attendance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. At least 20,000 spectators were usually required to break even on a game.{{cite web|url=http://www.footyindustry.com/?page_id=447|title=AFL Stadium deals|access-date=1 April 2020|publisher=Sports Industry AU}} Those three clubs all received compensation payments from the AFL to balance the weak deals,{{cite web|title='The worst stadium deal in the history of world sport': Brayshaw slams Etihad|date=18 March 2015|access-date=1 April 2020|first=Nick|last=Bowen|publisher=Australian Football League|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/202110/brayshaw-slams-etihad-deal}} and sold occasional home matches to small interstate or international venues for greater financial returns than they could earn at Docklands.{{cite news|newspaper=Herald Sun|publication-place=Melbourne, VIC|title=Etihad Stadium clubs could reap millions of dollars in new gate receipts deals|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/north-melbourne/etihad-stadium-clubs-could-reap-millions-of-dollars-in-new-gate-receipts-deals/news-story/d1a4ddd3a707e62f2ff27077eadceb29|access-date=1 April 2020|date=4 March 2018|first=Jon|last=Ralph}}

The stadium and broader precinct underwent a $225 million redevelopment, funded by the AFL and Victorian Government, between 2021 and 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.austadiums.com/news/859/225m-marvel-stadium-redevelopment-plans-revealed|title=$225m Marvel Stadium redevelopment plans revealed|date=20 November 2020|work=Austadiums}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/andrews-government-set-to-splash-cash-on-footy-stadiums-20180412-p4z9bg.html|title=Etihad Stadium set for major upgrade in Andrews government cash splash|date=12 April 2018|work=The Age}} This included two new video screens, which hang underneath the stadium's roof and were installed behind the goal at each end of the stadium ahead of the 2022 AFL season.{{cite web|url=https://www.austadiums.com/news/1154/new-marvel-stadium-video-screens-to-be-in-place-for-afl-season|title=New Marvel Stadium video screens to be in place for AFL season|work=Austadiums|date=1 March 2022}} The rest of the redevelopment upgraded stadium infrastructure, connected the precinct to the Melbourne CBD and opened up access to the Docklands waterfront. The redevelopment was completed in March 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.austadiums.com/news/1373/marvel-stadium-redevelopment-officially-opens|title=Marvel Stadium redevelopment officially opens|work=Austadiums|date=23 March 2024}}

In May 2023, Docklands Stadium opened The Runner, becoming the first venue in the Southern Hemisphere to utilise Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology for checkout-free purchases.{{cite web |title=AFL and Amazon to introduce Just Walk Out technology at Marvel Stadium |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/896835/afl-and-amazon-to-introduce-just-walk-out-technology-at-marvel-stadium |publisher=Australian Football League |access-date=5 November 2024}}{{cite web |title=Be among the first to trial The Runner at Marvel Stadium |url=https://nmfc.com.au/news/1333550/be-among-the-first-to-trial-the-runner-at-marvel-stadium |publisher=North Melbourne Football Club |access-date=5 November 2024}} The Runner outlets, consisting of one bar and one food kiosk, work by having attendees scanning their credit or debit card, or mobile wallet payment option at the entry, entering to collect their items, and then leaving the outlet without having to wait in line to checkout.{{cite web |last1=Burt |first1=Sarah |title=Footy pies at lightning speed as Marvel Stadium makes game-changing move |url=https://7news.com.au/sport/footy-pies-at-lightning-speed-as-marvel-stadium-makes-game-changing-move-c-10245415 |website=Seven News |publisher=Seven Network |access-date=5 November 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Rory |title=Marvel Stadium becomes first Australian venue to add Amazon’s Just Walk Out kiosks |url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/marvel-stadium-afl-amazon-just-walk-out-north-melbourne-essendon-st-kilda/ |website=Sports Pro Media |access-date=5 November 2024}} The outlets utilises cameras, sensors, machine learning algorithms, motion tracking and artificial intelligence like computer vision and deep learning techniques, including generative AI, to accurately determine who took what in any retail environment.{{cite web |title=How AI helps footy fans grab a pie in less time than a goal break |url=https://www.aboutamazon.com.au/news/aws/how-ai-helps-footy-fans-grab-a-pie-in-less-time-than-a-goal-break |publisher=Amazon |access-date=5 November 2024}}{{cite web |title=Just Walk Out Technology at Marvel Stadium |url=https://www.marvelstadium.com.au/just-walk-out-technology |publisher=Marvel Stadium |access-date=5 November 2024}}{{cite web |title=New 'Just Walk Out' technology launches at Marvel Stadium (Ch 7 National News) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-kEIuI8d38 |website=YouTube |publisher=Michael McQueen |access-date=5 November 2024}}

Under the terms of the agreement governing construction and operation of the venue, in 2025 the AFL was to win ownership of the stadium for a nominal $30 fee;{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-06-25/afl-will-fight-docklands-all-the-way-demetriou/1332468|title=AFL will fight Docklands all the way: Demetriou|work=ABC News|date=25 June 2009}} but the AFL Commission opted to purchase exclusive ownership of the stadium earlier than this, in October 2016, for approximately $200 million. This purchase left the stadium's tenant AFL clubs millions of dollars better off, as they and the AFL arranged more favourable tenancy agreements; although clubs continue to make more money at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, leading to a push from tenant clubs {{AFL Car}}, {{AFL Ess}} and {{AFL Stk}} to reduce their annual matches at the ground.{{cite web |last1=Niall |first1=Jake |title=Grounds for complaint: Why Dons, Blues and Saints want fewer Marvel games |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/grounds-for-complaint-why-dons-blues-and-saints-want-fewer-marvel-games-20240523-p5jfz7.html |website=The Age |date=24 May 2024 |access-date=26 May 2024}} The stadium was eventually integrated into the AFL structure several years later, ending the independent management of the venue by Melbourne Stadiums Limited.{{cite web|url=https://www.austadiums.com/news/news.php?id=813|title=Management of Marvel Stadium integrated into AFL as part of restructure|date=25 August 2020|work=Austadiums}}

The purchase also soon proved critically important to the AFL's finances during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it was able to leverage its ownership of the stadium in obtaining a $500–600 million line of credit to cover cash flow shortages when the 2020 AFL season was suspended.{{cite news|newspaper=The Australian|publication-place=Melbourne, VIC|title=$600m lifeline via Marvel Stadium saves AFL but where will they play?|date=30 March 2020|access-date=1 April 2020|first=Sam|last=Landsberger|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/600m-lifeline-via-marvel-stadium-saves-afl-but-where-will-they-play/news-story/e69a5c7e16dd32a25321dec9dbe15e2f}}

File:Docklands Stadium being renamed to Marvel Stadium from Etihad Stadium.jpg

The stadium has never operated under the name 'Docklands Stadium', having been covered by naming rights deals throughout its entire operating history. When it opened, the Colonial State Bank paid $32.5 million for 10 years of naming rights, and the stadium opened as Colonial Stadium.{{cite news|title=International Naming Rights|url=http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/12444|publisher=SportsBusiness Daily|date=19 February 2001}} The same year, Commonwealth Bank took over the Colonial State Bank and began to discontinue the brand. Commonwealth then sold the balance of the naming rights contract to Telstra for about $50 million, and the stadium's name was changed to Telstra Dome in October 2002. During this time it was colloquially referred to as "The Dome" – a colloquialism used actively by clubs which were sponsored by rival telecommunications companies (such as {{AFL Ess}} with 3 and {{AFL Car}} with Optus).

In March 2009, the naming rights transferred to Etihad Airways.{{cite news |url=http://www.etihadstadium.com.au/news-display/ETIHAD-New-Naming-Rights-Partner/146 |title=ETIHAD: New Naming Rights Partner |date=23 October 2008 |access-date=23 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214035853/http://etihadstadium.com.au/news-display/ETIHAD-New-Naming-Rights-Partner/146 |archive-date=14 February 2009}} The venue became known as Etihad Stadium under a five-year deal, which was later extended to ten years, at a cost estimated at between $5–$8 million per year.{{cite web|url=https://www.etihadstadium.com.au/about/naming-rights-partner |title=Naming Rights Partner - About Us - Etihad Stadium - Major Sporting & Entertainment Events Venue |access-date=17 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216114955/http://www.etihadstadium.com.au/about/naming-rights-partner |archive-date=16 February 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,27574,25613331-2862,00.html|title=Naming lights sponsor at MCG?|date=10 June 2009|access-date=9 June 2009|first=Mark|last=Dunn}} This once again caused problems, as the AFL would not initially recognise the new name due to its deal with rival airline Qantas.{{cite news |last=Ralph |first=Jon |date=25 February 2009 |title=AFL refuses to acknowledge Etihad Stadium |url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,25107632-5016169,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527224220/http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,25107632-5016169,00.html |archive-date=27 May 2009 |access-date=25 February 2008 |work=The Courier-Mail}} The league recognised the new name only after further negotiation between the two parties.

In September 2018, the stadium was renamed Marvel Stadium after the stadium operators negotiated an eight-year deal with the Walt Disney Company, the parent company of Marvel Entertainment, to change the naming rights and install a Marvel retail store at the venue.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/may/24/marvel-ous-entertainment-etihad-stadium-re-named-after-walt-disney-deal|title=Marvel-lous idea? Etihad Stadium renamed after Walt Disney deal|work=The Guardian|date=24 May 2018}}

• Oval-shaped, turf playing surface of {{convert|19053|m2|sqft}} or {{convert|170|by|140|m|ft|abbr=on}}
• Retractable roof {{convert|38|m|ft}} above the playing surface, opens east–west, and takes eight minutes to fully open or close.
• Movable seating (4 sections of the lower tier can move 18 metres forward to give a rectangular configuration)
• Two large internal video screens, one behind each goal (installed 2022); and two smaller internal video screens on opposite flanks of the field (original construction) – displaying scores, video replays and advertisements.
• 1,000 video seats
• 13 function rooms
• 66 corporate boxes
• Premium Club membership area, The Medallion Club
• 1700 car parking spaces across 3 levels beneath the playing surface.{{cite web |title=Covid-Safe Plan |url=https://www.marvelstadium.com.au/covid-safe-plan/ |website=Marvel Stadium Website |publisher=Melbourne Stadium Limited |access-date=29 February 2024}}
• Over 700 2,000-watt lights for arena illumination
• A varying capacity of between 12,000 and 74,000, depending on the event. For example, seats can be laid on the ground.
• An AFL capacity of 53,359
• Dimensions of playing area are 159.5 metres by 128.5 metres (174.4 yards by 140.5 yards)

The ends of the ground, where the AFL goal posts are located, are named after the two leading goalkickers in VFL/AFL history: the northern end is the Lockett End, after Tony Lockett; and the southern end is the Coventry End, after Gordon Coventry. Some clubs informally use alternative names during their home games in place of those to honour their own histories.{{cite web|url=http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/fanzone/a---z-fan-guide |title=A - Z Fan Guide - westernbulldogs.com.au |access-date=19 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326181835/http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/fanzone/a---z-fan-guide |archive-date=26 March 2014}}

File:Marvel_Stadium_during_curtain_raiser.jpg|Marvel Stadium in oval configuration in 2022

File:Melbourne Derby December 2014.jpg|Docklands Stadium in rectangular configuration in 2015

File:Docklands Stadium movable seating.jpg|A section of the movable seating

File:Aflgame.jpg|One of the original, smaller LCDs at Docklands Stadium

File:Marvel Stadium 2019.jpg|Exterior view of the stadium as seen from the harbour side

File:Panorama of Marvel Stadium 2025.jpg

File:Marvel Stadium before Hawthorn Hawks vs Brisbane Lions - 26 May 2024.jpg

As of 2024, five AFL teams have deals in place to play home games at Docklands Stadium:{{cite web|title=Tenant Clubs|url=http://www.etihadstadium.com.au/about/tenant-clubs|publisher=Etihad Stadium|access-date=4 March 2016}}

• {{AFL Stk}} – ten home games per year. The club has played almost all home games at the venue since it opened in 2000.
• {{AFL WB}} – nine home games per year. The club has played almost all home games at the venue since it opened in 2000.
• {{AFL NM}} – seven home games per year. The venue has been the club's primary home ground since 2005, but it had previously played about five games per year from 2000 to 2004.
• {{AFL Ess}} – seven home games per year. The club has a 25-year deal, which has been in place since the stadium opened in 2000.
• {{AFL Car}} – six home games per year. The club has a deal for six home games per year in place since 2005, with the exception of 2015–2017 when five home games were played.{{cite news|newspaper=Herald Sun|publication-place=Melbourne, VIC|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/carlton/carlton-will-play-six-home-games-at-the-mcg-in-2015-despite-campaign-for-more/news-story/f8561f2200f1dbad3b7d2f3b428150c4|first=Sam|last=Edmund|date=18 September 2014|access-date=31 October 2014|title=Carlton will play six home games at the MCG in 2015 despite campaign for more}}

All Victorian-based AFL teams, including those not listed here, have played some home games at the ground during its history, owing to a contractual requirement between the AFL and the stadium's original owners to stage at least 46 AFL matches per year until 2013, and 40 matches per year thereafter. {{AFL Gee}} and {{AFL Col}} both had deals to play around four home matches per year during the 2000s, with the latter playing two home games per year at the ground since 2014. Most other clubs still play one or two home matches there per year to make up the numbers; for example, {{AFL Ric}} have played one home game per year at the ground since 2011 and {{AFL Haw}} have played one home game per year at the ground since 2017.

In 2020, to mark 20 years of AFL football at the ground, the AFL named the 20 biggest moments and stories involving games played at the stadium in a video.{{cite web |title=Twenty years at Docklands: The 20 most memorable moments and biggest stories |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_AhETwWGRU |website=YouTube |publisher=Australian Football League |access-date=4 November 2022 |date=8 March 2020}} The top 5 were as follows:

1. Jason McCartney's AFL return after nearly dying in the 2002 Bali bombings – North Melbourne vs Richmond, Round 11 (6 June), 2003
2. Lance Franklin completing a 100-goal season in 2008 – Hawthorn vs Carlton, Round 22 (30 August), 2008
3. Wayne Carey's return to face North Melbourne after his extramarital scandal involving former teammate Anthony Stevens – North Melbourne vs Adelaide, Round 6 (2 May), 2003
4. James Hird leading a final-quarter comeback with 15 touches and the winning goal – Essendon vs West Coast, Round 3 (10 April), 2004
5. St Kilda and Geelong facing off after both clubs started the 2009 season 13–0, the latest meeting of unbeaten teams in a season – St Kilda vs Geelong, Round 14 (5 July), 2009

The venue's major summer tenant is Big Bash League side Melbourne Renegades, which has played its home games at the Docklands Stadium since the league's inception in 2011/12. A drop-in pitch is used to facilitate cricket at the venue. At the end of the 2016/17 Big Bash, the stadium was rated the most entertaining venue for T20 cricket in Australia.{{cite news|publisher=Finder.com.au|url=https://www.finder.com.au/big-bash|title=Big Bash T20 Statistics – Most entertaining BBL teams, stadiums and games revealed|date=15 December 2017|access-date=18 December 2017|first=Chris|last=Stead}}

In 2016, Chris Gayle of the Renegades and the West Indies tied the record for the fastest T20 half century (12 balls) during the last round of BBL 5 at the ground against the Adelaide Strikers.{{cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/big-bash-league-2015-16/content/story/963257.html|title=Chris Gayle blasts 12-ball fifty|work=ESPN CricInfo |publisher=ESPN Sports Media|date=18 January 2016|access-date=18 January 2016}}

Although rare, multiple players have hit the roof during a game, which is 38 metres (125 feet) above the playing surface.{{Cite web |title=Marvel Stadium {{!}} Western Bulldogs |url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/about-us/venues/marvel-stadium |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=westernbulldogs.com.au |language=en}} For example, in 2018, Perth Scorchers batsman Ashton Turner hit a Dan Christian delivery into the roof; under the BBL rules, such a hit is considered to be six runs, with the ball being considered dead and unable to be caught for the purpose of getting the batsman out.{{Citation |title=Turner handed six runs after hitting roof | date=20 December 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oeo0lBs0yUY |language=en |access-date=2023-02-10}}

The first time it was used for soccer was in 2001 between South Melbourne and Melbourne Knights in the NSL. A-League team Melbourne Victory played home matches at the stadium between 2006–07 and 2020–21. Originally, the plan was that the stadium would only be used for games against its biggest rivals, Sydney FC, in the 2006–07 A-League; but after the success of that game, the club shifted permanently from Olympic Park Stadium to Docklands from the 2006–07 season until the 2009–10 season. This gave the stadium its first major summer tenant. After the opening of the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in 2010, the club played only high-drawing games and finals at Docklands, with all other games being played at the new stadium; and as of the 2022–23 season, Victory ceased playing home matches at the stadium.{{Cite web|date=2021-07-13|title=Victory returns to spiritual home|url=https://www.melbournevictory.com.au/news/victory-returns-spiritual-home|access-date=2021-07-13|website=Melbourne Victory|language=en}} The stadium hosted the 2024 A-Leagues All Stars Games on 24 May 2024, as part of Global Football Week Melbourne.

In the 2001 National Rugby League season, the stadium was the permanent home ground for the Melbourne Storm, but this deal lasted only one year. The club occasionally hosted high-drawing home games and finals at Docklands after that, including their first three home games of the 2010 NRL season while awaiting the completion of their then new home ground AAMI Park. In 2023, the Storm returned to play two games at the ground, while AAMI Park was unavailable in July–August due to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.zerotackle.com/storm-confirm-replacement-venue-for-fifa-world-cup-period-123530/|title=Storm confirm replacement venue for FIFA World Cup period|publisher=Zero Tackle|first=Scott|last=Pryde|date=28 September 2022|accessdate=3 October 2022}}

Docklands has also hosted interstate and international rugby league games. As Telstra Dome, Docklands hosted its first State of Origin game in 2006 as it hosted the deciding third game. As Etihad Stadium, the stadium also hosted Origin games in 2009 and 2012. The 2012 match attracted 56,021, a new record for rugby league at the stadium.{{cite web|access-date=6 July 2013|title=Docklands|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/venues/docklands/results.html|publisher=Rugby League Project|first1=Shawn|last1=Dollin|first2=Andrew|last2=Ferguson|first3=Bill|last3=Bates}}

The stadium has been converted to host several other sporting events. In its early years, the stadium was used for off-season one day international cricket matches, but has also held some summer matches, particularly in 2006 when the Melbourne Cricket Ground was unavailable due to preparations for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The venue has also hosted international rugby union – including being Melbourne's venue during the 2003 Rugby World Cup – although the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium now hosts most such games. The venue has hosted international basketball,{{cite press release|url=https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2018/11/2019-mnt-melbourne-exhibition-sold-out.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116012318/https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2018/11/2019-mnt-melbourne-exhibition-sold-out.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 November 2018 |title=USA vs. Australia Men's National Team August 24 Exhibition Game Sold Out |publisher=USA Basketball |date=15 November 2018 |access-date=18 May 2019}} Rugby 7s at the 2006 Commonwealth Games,{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/columns/200602/s1580123.htm|title=2006 Commonwealth Games venues – Docklands Stadium|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=28 February 2006|access-date=11 June 2008}} a 2002 non-televised WWE{{cite web|url=http://www.liveaudiowrestling.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=5550|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021105144144/http://www.liveaudiowrestling.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=5550|title=Wrestling Observer - headlines|archive-date=5 November 2002}}{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/42664-thurs-update-more-from-nxt-takeover-samoa-joe-deal-notes-what-tna-talent-has-been-told-white-predicts-2-million-buys-for-rousey-vs-cyborg-lawler-angle-|title=WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results}} live event{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/wwe-corporate-wwe-brings-global-warning-tour-to-australia|title=WWE Brings 'Global Warning Tour' to Australia |work=WWE Corporate|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520210130/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/wwe-corporate-wwe-brings-global-warning-tour-to-australia|archive-date=20 May 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/wwe-corporate-world-wrestling-entertainments-global-warning-tour-sets-attendance-record-in-australia|title=World Wrestling Entertainment's Global Warning Tour Sets Attendance Record in Australia |work=WWE Corporate|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520211646/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/wwe-corporate-world-wrestling-entertainments-global-warning-tour-sets-attendance-record-in-australia|archive-date=20 May 2015}} as part of the WWE Global Warning Tour: Melbourne, the 2015 UFC 193{{cite web|title=UFC193|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC193|website=UFC|access-date=5 October 2015|ref=UFC193}} in front of a then-record UFC attendance of 56,214 fans,{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/11/15/9737826/ufc-193-sets-all-time-attendance-record-melbourne-australia-toronto-canada-mma|title= UFC Sets All-Time Attendance Record in Melbourne|date=15 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015}} a motorcycle speedway event (when it played host to the 2015 Speedway Grand Prix of Australia on a {{convert|346|m|yd|abbr=off}} long temporary track), and a controversial international darts event in 2015 in which spectators seated on the arena started throwing chairs and furniture.{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/chairs-fly-in-chaos-at-darts-tournament-at-etihad-stadium/news-story/630df82c0a30a60d80090e9e12013d08|title=Chairs fly in chaos at darts tournament at Etihad Stadium|date=11 January 2015|access-date=1 April 2020|first=Sophie|last=Aubrey}}

File:Docklands Stadium Dec2022.jpg

Outside of sporting events, the stadium hosts special events and concerts. Adele holds the record for the largest concert attendance at the stadium, on the Adele Live 2017 tour. Ed Sheeran holds the record for the largest concert series attendance at the stadium, on the Divide World Tour.{{cite web |title=History - Marvel Stadium |url=https://www.marvelstadium.com.au/history |website=www.marvelstadium.com.au |access-date=14 July 2024 |language=en |date=25 August 2023}} In November 2023, the stadium was the first in Australia to hold a K-pop concert and the first in Australia to be headlined by a female group, when Twice held their Ready to Be World Tour concert at the stadium.{{cite magazine |last1=Brandle |first1=Lars |date=August 29, 2023 |title=TWICE Set to Make History With Australian Stadium Show |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/twice-history-australia-stadium-show-1235402469/ |magazine=Billboard |language=en-AU |access-date=August 29, 2023}}

RMIT University uses the stadium as the site for its graduation ceremonies annually.{{cite news |title=Paralympian Jessica Gallagher awarded RMIT Honorary Doctorate |url=https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/all-news/2023/dec/jess-gallagher-hon-doc |access-date=14 July 2024 |work=www.rmit.edu.au |language=en}}

File:AFLmatch.jpg match at Docklands Stadium]]

File:Match Attendance Docklands Stadium Melbourne State of Origin.JPG Maroons and the New South Wales Blues]]

• Most games played: Nick Riewoldt ({{AFL Stk}}), 184
• Most goals kicked: Nick Riewoldt ({{AFL Stk}}), 452
• Most goals kicked in a match: Mark LeCras ({{AFL WC}}), 12.2 (74), vs {{AFL Ess}} 17 July 2010
• Most disposals in a match: Bailey Dale ({{AFL WB}}), 49 vs {{AFL Ess}}, 17 May 2025
• First AFL goal kicked: Michael Long ({{AFL Ess}}), 9 March 2000

• Highest winning percentage: {{AFL Gee}} at 66.50% from 68 wins, 34 losses and one draw
• Lowest winning percentage: {{AFL GC}} at 27.27% from 9 wins, 24 losses
• Most wins: {{AFL Stk}} with 160 wins, 6 draws and 126 losses at 55.82%
• Highest score: {{AFL Gee}} 35.12 (222) defeated {{AFL Ric}} 9.11 (65), 6 May 2007
• Lowest score: {{AFL Ade}} 2.9 (21) defeated by {{AFL Ess}} 11.18 (84), 9 July 2021
• Highest margin: {{AFL Gee}} (vs {{AFL Ric}}), 157 points, 6 May 2007
• Highest score in a quarter: {{AFL Ess}} 15.4 (94) vs. {{AFL GC}} 0.1 (1), 1 May 2011

Last updated 28 August 2023.{{cite web|url=http://afltables.com/afl/venues/docklands.html|title=AFL Tables - Docklands|work=AFL Tables|access-date=12 December 2011}}

The following table summarises the ODI centuries scored at Docklands.

Docklands Stadium is serviced primarily by trains at Southern Cross Station, which is located on the City Loop and is serviced by most major metropolitan and country train and coach lines. The stadium is located on a public pedestrian concourse adjoining the northern end of the station.

The stadium is serviced by several tram routes:

• On Harbour Esplanade: Route 70, Route 75 and City Circle
• On La Trobe St: Route 86, Route 30 and City Circle

The stadium has a 500-vehicle carpark underneath the field, which is accessible by the public for event days.

The venue appeared in the 2007 film Ghost Rider. Its name, wherever visible, was digitally changed to the SoBe Dome. It can be seen in the video for Jessica Mauboy's single "Running Back", as well as some television shows, such as the Seven Network's City Homicide and Network Ten's Rush.

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Docklands Stadium}}

• [http://www.etihadstadium.com.au/ Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703231519/http://www.etihadstadium.com.au/ |date=3 July 2014 }}
• [https://maps.google.com/?ll=-37.816649,144.947798&spn=0.007594,0.014462&t=k&om=1 Satellite photo of Docklands Stadium]
• {{Austadiums|120}}

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