About stadium

Stadium introduction

Melbourne Rectangular Stadium first opened in 2010 becoming the city’s first purpose built stadium for sports which weren’t suited to the oval shaped pitches commonly used in both Cricket and Aussie Rules football. The exciting new facilities replaced the old Olympic Park Stadium which whilst rectangular in shape was actually a re-purposed athletics venue complete with running track around the perimeter of the pitch. With the older facility only capable of seating 11,000 out of its total 18,500 capacity the Victorian Government sought a state of the art ground in order to create a Super Rugby Team for the city of Melbourne and in 2004 launched a feasibility study assessing the economic, environmental and social impact of such a project. After losing the bid for a Super Rugby Team the local council adjusted their plans in 2006 and decided to proceed with the creation of the new stadium to be used primarily for National Rugby League and A-League fixtures. After unveiling plans for the 30,000 capacity ground which was capable of expanding to 50,000 if necessary, the city won the bid to have the 15th Super Rugby League license and the city finally got the franchise they wanted. On the 5th August 2010 the stadium finally hosted it’s inaugural A-League match with the home side Melbourne Heart FC losing narrowly 1 nil to the Central Coast Mariners. The record capacity for soccer was set in 2013 when 26,882 fans saw Melbourne Victory defeat rivals Sydney FC although this could eventually be beaten when both Mel bourne based clubs play each other. Lastly, the stadium is known officially as the AAMI Park after the Government of Victoria agreed an 8 year sponsorship deal with the insurance firm on the 16th March 2010. The non-sponsorship name remains as Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

How to get to the Stadium

AAMI Park, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia