I must respectfully disagree, I went to an AFL match there back in March 2000, and I thought it was a masterpiece of a stadium, well planned, and right next door to Flinders St/Southern Cross train station.
The building of the stadium was rushed and was built last century not taking into account the new century, infact they were still putting the coaches boxes in on the same day the first ever game was played in 2000
Not always, though. It's usually when they're expecting showers/rain at some stage. Since it takes a little while to close and they don't wanna be caught trying to close them at the last second, getting the pitch wet.
I think it's the roof for me the reason that I hate the venue so much. Having a see-through roof would make it feel lively and not cold and miserable as you described
I thought it was very popular when it opened, so I'm a bit surprised. I heard the viewing was excellent and the atmosphere was good due to it being enclosed. I suppose it depends on who you barrack for. Most of the Melbourne's winter is shocking, so interesting that people would prefer to sit in the endless drizzle and fog.
So bizarre that they went for a solid concrete roof (or whatever it is?) and not a glass or opaque roof. Looks disastrous watching a game on tv and you know it's daytime in Melbourne, yet with a game played with artificial lighting!
@@mikespearwood3914 I assume its a metal type roof but maybe not. usually they try to make it as light as possible, even though it would be super heavy.
Still to this date the best atmpshere ar any game of sport I've ever attended was St.kilda vs Geelong Round 12 2009 53000 people from memory and also produced one fo the best games of AFL in history. MCG tenant fans hate it but I think St.kilda fans appreciate it, even loved it throughout the succesful years and had a significant home advantage
Never understood the hate. I'm from Sydney but went to Melbourne for a bucks weekend around 10 years ago and watched all the footy live that weekend, including a few at Marvel (then Etihad) Stadium, and I thought the atmosphere under the roof was fantastic. I'm sure it's even better now after the reno. The issue with the roof open was I think mainly to do with the broadcast. Being recorded and broadcast in standard dynamic range (SDR), when the ball would enter an area of shadow the camera would have to be adjusted to let in less light or else you would barely see anything on the coverage. The reverse when the ball goes back into the harsh sunlight. Of course, this wouldn't be an issue if it was broadcast in high dynamic range (HDR) as some other sports across the world do. The Foxtel IQ4 & 5 boxes are even capable of receiving an HDR signal, we're just not using it.
The renovation did nothing to enhance the spectator viewing experience except for the new screens. It was mainly cosmetic in that regard. The main renovation was to things behind the scenes like food and bar stuff
Honestly, I like having Marvel there as a stadium for the smaller teams in the AFL and for cricket. It's actually an alright stadium plus I like the roof being closed. It means that games are not affected by weather.
I have a Carlton home membership, so I spend equal time at Marvel and the G. Marvel isn't bad at all. As others have said, for the smaller games, I'd much rather the atmosphere at Marvel. And it's nice to be shielded from the Melbourne weather for half the season. Obviously nothing compares to 90k+ at the G, but nobody gets those crowds every week.
I love Marvel Stadium and don't get why people don't like it. It's in a great spot with easy public transport, especially for V/Line travellers. The size is perfect for footy and T20 cricket because of the smaller boundaries. The roof is awesome because you don't have to worry about rain delays or match abandonments when going to watch BBL games. But, there are a couple of things I don't like. Sometimes they close most of the top level and squeeze all the General Admission people into one section, even if there are over 20,000 people. Also, the stadium can hold 50,000, but they often say a game is sold out and stop selling tickets, even when only 38-39,000 people show up. I don’t understand why they can’t sell the other 11,000 seats. I think it would be great to build a third AFL stadium in Melbourne. Having 10 teams share just 2 stadiums is so strange compared to every major sporting competition in the world. 3 would be better to spread the teams out more. I suggest moving North Melbourne and St Kilda to a new two-tiered, 35,000-seat stadium at Gosch's Paddock. This would improve the home game atmosphere for both teams. The same dimensions as Marvel Stadium would be perfect. It would also be a great new home for the Melbourne Stars, with shorter boundaries and fewer empty seats to enhance their home game experience.
I like that idea, but I don't think that will be happening, especially if AFL go down the path of reducing teams in the comp, Norf and Saints will likely be the 2 teams to go as they would want to make the comp more national. But if they did go down your path, have Saints and Norf at new stadium, move Hawks to Marvel and have Blues and Dons split their games between Mrvl and MCG depending if it's a big or small game.
9 teams, not 10. Unless you're including Geelong, which is not based in Melbourne, but still are in Vic. And technically, there are only 5 teams that play their home games at Marvel.
@@SilentHotdog28 Yeah okay. Would be cool to see to see North and St Kilda Fold or relocate to make the AFL a more fair national competition. But I genuinely don’t see it happening, so much history and passion behind the clubs. And selfishly as a Victorian footy fan I wouldn’t like it if there was less games in Melbourne to go to each weekend. Finally, don’t know if a full move to Marvel would work well for Hawthorn if a third Melbourne stadium was built. Probably becoming co MCG/MRVL tenants like Essendon and Carlton would be best because the Hawks do draw some big home crowds against big Victorian rivals like Essendon, Richmond and Collingwood.
it’s great for Geelong and travelling Vic fans, right next to Southern Cross was the reason I got to go so often as a kid, forever grateful for Telstra Dome/Etihad/Marvel
Demolishing would be an absolute joke. I'm not a Victorian but what a waste of money. Can you imagine SCG or Adelaide Oval saying that they have to replace the stands because they're 24 years old. It wouldn't happen. I can't see the WA State government completing rebuilding Optus Stadium in 18 years. In fact in 20 years they'll be extending the stands (which can be done as part of the design) to increase to 70k. The capacity is fine. It has a roof. Only negative is that it can't transform to a rectangular stadium or oval interchangeably. And that would be difficult to do, but would give the city a 50-55k indoor stadium for rectangular sports and oval sports.
@@PjRjHj AFL would be putting their money out for government funding. Probably make half the competition that aren't in Victoria pay for it out of reduced dividends which is a disgrace. You look at Optus Stadium and the AFL gave nothing and the feds basically nothing. Compare that with all the developments of MCG that occur for no good reason.
@@PjRjHj It will probably be a good idea to move further out of Melbourne if it gets replaced in 2050. Melbourne will be 8.5 million by then and with improved cross rail and other connections you need to bring the stadium to the people. So a Stadium south east is a no brainer.
@@BDub2024 It is in a central location, building in the outer suburbs is just repeating history, 8.5 million people isn't going to make Waverly 2.0(but in Casey this time) work
Docklands was originally conceived as a multi-sport venue, specifically to host sports such as soccer & rugby, with movable seating. It was later on that the AFL seized the opportunity to get involved & basically 'took over' the proposal, thereby freezing out the other codes. The Kennett govt gave them a sweetheart deal, and ultimately the Rectangular stadium was built to accommodate rugby & soccer.
@@mcauderyyeah the crowds were higher at Marvel because of better location but MRS/AAMI is definitely better for rectangle sports Always felt the deal was scrapped b3cause AFL took over ownership of Marvel a few years back so wouldn't get good leasing terms
Might be an unpopular opinion but I actually love going to the footy there for a number of reasons. The enclosed space creates great noise. They can do some great effects with the lighting. It’s very easy to get in and out of. You feel a lot closer to the action on field. Food is far better than the MCG Melbournes weather is questionable at best and being indoors on a cold winters day makes it much easier to enjoy. Getting around the inside of the stadium is far easier than the MCG. Don’t get me wrong I love footy at the MCG it’s something very special, but aside from the atmosphere of a huge game like Anzac Day there I much prefer a game at Marval for its soft product.
Decent venue, but the walk back to southern cross station after any game with over 15,000 people in attendance is an absolute shambles. Concourses are far too narrow as well and makes it almost impossible to move around during the breaks
that's shocking design. a key part of stadium design is to make sure that there is enough distance so that people can leave the stadium and walk comfortably without being in a crush or endangering people on the platform. While Optus Stadium is close to the railway station, people are directed along a snaking pathway on the way to the station when there is a full house. This ensures that people leaving the stadium are spread out more.
Yep, agreed. the awkward angles where the stadium precinct meets the Bourke Street bridge don't help either. There was supposed to be another pedestrian bridge built from the stadium to the end of Lonsdale street as part of the Southern Cross station overhaul, but that was cancelled due to cost. That leaves us with 2 less than ideal ways to arrive for pedestrians.
No different to leaving the G after a game and trying to get across the bridge and onto the Jolimont station platform to head north to go home. That's long been a problem for decades. I guess it's just something that happens when there are thousands and thousands of people all trying to go in the same direction towards the same place. And it can't be helped.
The Showgrounds has a more complex ownership / management situation then most realise and while the AFL might look at it as a great site, the Royal Show in September is more important then anything the AFL could put on, and that means both want the same weekend.
It's gotta be something extremely strong and see through. And none of those 3 options would be ideal when it comes to withstanding things like hail and heavy ongoing rain.
Saw the storm vs panthers game here in 2023 and I loved it. There’s just no pleasing victorians. I came from nz to watch that game. You guys are spoiled for choice yet in Auckland we’re struggling to build a decent looking stadium or renovate an ageing eden park in the middle of the suburbs
I think it would have been a magnificent venue redeveloped and actually in an excellent location for half the city. It would have worked with no public transport given the size of the parking areas and now an expanded Monash freeway and the building of Eastlink. Melbourne that side is getting massive and much further out and travelling to the city is becoming unrealistic on a train at night.
Taswegian here - interesting hearing the issues regarding the retractable roof as our proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point has been slated to be roofed - though I'm not sure if it's confirmed to be fixed or retractable. All the pros and cons you've raised about Marvel Stadium are certainly very topical in Tasmania. The sites are also very similar - Macquarie Point is also wedged between Hobart's waterfront and several main arterial roads - most of the site lays on the city's former rail yard (RIP Tasman Limited). Will be interested to see how they navigate the parking as unlike Marvel, Hobart has no mass transit system and it's unlikely the ground would be strong enough for deeply excavated parking facilities as I think it's mostly reclaimed land.
I'm afraid that there will always be people complaining on both sides, whether a stadium has a roof or not. As the old saying goes, can't please everyone, all of the time. 🤷♀
The Docklands Stadium is a good venue for sport and concerts BUT they need to urgently fix the foot traffic flow and capacity to move people. After a big event in that place it is a nightmare to get out in the crowd and back around to the train station. Imagine if there was a major fire! Having said that it is a great place to watch a game, you can get a great view event in a general admission seat. I love the MCG but it is not a comfortable and the view if frequently not as good as you get at Docklands. As for the suggestion that it will need to be rebuilt in another 20 years?! WTAF!? That concrete beast will be fine for another 50 years ore more, there will be some major refurbishments along the way and maybe the roof gets a refit, but the idea that a stadium has such a short life is naive.
At optus stadium they very rarely bring the seats in for rectangular stadium. Its not that much about the damage the grass. Its just that its an extremely time consuming exercise I've heard for only 5k extra seats. Then in rugby and soccer you have the players boxes at the side of the pitch and structures that can block the view of the ground. So at Optus Stadium it was only used on one side even for rugby.
The sightlines for Optus Stadium's temporary seats is awful, and made effectively unsellable by the temporary electronic sideline boards that are used to border soccer or Rugby perimeter. They block the view of everything below their height which means next to no view of the soccer ball most of the time. It was a stupid idea in the first place.
@@PjRjHj Good idea. Only stupid if they keep putting it up for soccer matches. They can do one side for rugby, the other side you have all the boxes at the side of the pitch where the players sit. To be honest the players seem to enjoy the extra space for run throughs and some warm ups while the match is on. Whether you can look over the electronic sideline board depends on how tall you are I guess. All grounds have perimeter boards don't they. But the spectators in the front two rows can still see over the top. The thing is that the temporary seating just needs to be closer to the advertising. Easy to do if there is the desire to do it.
It's still a fantastic venue and a few small renovations and updates will come with time I would imagine. It is well loved by many and has a bright future ahead with the roof and it's unique features big positives for certain events. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a couple of football games at the venue and enjoyed it's character with it's proximity to the CBD and public transport big pluses. 😎🇦🇺👍
I'm a Western Bulldogs fan and I love that it's our home ground and I think most Dogs fans think the same. But whenever MCG clubs visit, they whinge about it for some reason. Is it better than 80k at the G? No. Is it better than 40k at the G? 100%. Marvel serves its purpose well.
@@westsportTV I've always heard good things about it, though never been there. I heard the atmosphere is really good there and the viewing is great. The weather is so bad in Melbourne in winter you need a venue especially at night which people can watch without freezing.
@@westsportTVI think the main reason for the hate is clubs with the MCG as their home are contracted to play there a couple of games per season. There is nothing wrong with the stadium apart from its capacity which is a niche that only applies to larger clubs (their members can’t get access to tickets as easily as they would the MCG) the larger problem is access and egress. The walkways and promenades surrounding the stadium are terrible for the surge that the stadium creates and although it’s located quite close to southern cross Metro doesn’t seem to put on any extra trains like they do for Jokimont and Richmond stations and their lines respectively.
It’s only really supporters from the soft inner east clubs like Richmond, Hawthorn and Melbourne that hate going there. They don’t like venturing west of the CBD and/or north of the Yarra…
Yes you could definatley replace the roof cladding to allow for transparent cladding which is a good idea. As for the location, im in 2 minds because i think the location is good for a central proximity to the CBD, next to Southern Cross and also provides a different use than just another residential tower or commercial office building which would replace it if it was removed. The architects designed the stadium to get you "closer" to the game (AFL anyway) and i question the approach of just demolishing these stadiums without considering upgrades and refurbishments because a new stadium, no matter how attractive a proponent makes it sound, or affordable, generally goes over budget!
I've never been to Marvel so I couldn't say much about the shadow. One solution instead of a transparent roof could be to use the lighting at the stadium, which might help light up the areas that are affected by the shadows
I think they could do a serious upgrade to Ikon Park if they wanted to have a third major ground or a replacement for marvel. It is in quite a good location and there is room for expansion.
I love Marvel. I like the roof, and therefore not having to worry about rain, wind and seagulls, and find the roof makes the crowd louder and more atmospheric, especially when it’s filled up. It’s easy to get to, just a small walk from Melbournes biggest train hub, which also makes it time convenient and easy to use public transport comfortably to get there and back. I love the MCG too, it’s the home of footy and has its own charms and flair, but Marvel makes for a great day of footy.
Seats were moved into rectangle setting frequently in the mid 2010s for Melbourne Victory home games and a couple Socceroos fixtures but since Victory moved all its home games to AAMI Park, the seats only come in now for the odd concert. It reduced capacity to 46k too.
that's weird that moving the seats in reduces capacity at docklands. I need to look up how they do it. At Optus Stadium they just bring in rows of seating and put it on top of hard plastic. Its really time consuming to do apparently, and the seating on the plastic is tiered I think. That's all possible because the spectator area at Optus Stadium is about 1.5 metres higher than the playing surface.
@@BDub2024 plastic? The Optus temporary seating is just numerous modular steel framed bleachers with a very shallow gradient. As for Docklands, capacity drops because (like stade de France) the 4 "corners" are fixed, they don't move in with the 4 moveable segments (2 wings, 2 ends). Thus the capacity drop
@@PjRjHj I thought I saw an overhead photo once and it had the seats on a plastic surface. Maybe that's just on the northern side. I saw the seating on the south east and west sides at the 2019 rugby on you tube and I thought it looked a pretty good structure. But for the effort it only adds at an absolute max 5k seating and usually you wouldn't do it on the north side anyway as that's where the coaches and players are. It was interesting that they went for two layers of advertising slogans, which is a bit unnecessary.
Hopefully in the future they can install the semi opaque roof but also look into reflecting the sun or natural light back on the shady part of the grass, when not in use. Calculating the sun and shadows isn't hard for programmers but the cost is always a factor.
There are currently plans for broader development of the surrounds of marvel stadium. They want to push out towards the water as close to the road there as they can, which is likely to cause some conflict with some of the nearby buildings like Victoria Point, the apartment tower right next to the stadium.
great location, well integrated with the urban environment, but the roof just kills it. even in a tight game with a big crowd it's difficult to get a good atmosphere. it would be a waste of money to knock it down in the near future, but if they do i hope they replace it with a smaller (30-35k), open air stadium.
You complained about the roof not being translucent but also complained about shadows caused by the sun with the roof open. All stadiums have this issue but Marvel can climate it. No big deal. I honestly haven't heard big complaints especially since docklands has been redically developed since. Also, any stadiums half empty will lack atmosphere. The roof allows the sound to travel throughout which is alao a good thing
I always thought that Snake's animation at the end of boss battles was actually him eating a ration to regenerate his health, and that he was just doing it like someone would eat a sandwich with one hand.
It was going to be a rectangular stadium. After a change in Government, the location was moved slightly, and the Ground offered to the AFL. It was not intended to house the AFL's administration, then located in the MCG. The AFL's acceptance lead to it quickly being deemed no good for Rugby and the 'A' leauges, and a new stadium for those sports (AAMI Park) being built on an old military site in Swan Street. Marvel Stadium can not be used for First Class Cricket, as that requires a round ground. The AFL were given an option to buy it, which was exercised after several years. The AFL then moved their admin to the stadium.
Surely in the future you could alter the angle by 45 degrees at least. That would help to eliminate sunlight issues. Otherwise you just schedule the matches more intelligently.
I’m from Sydney, and I went to Marvel Stadium back in 2000 (it was called Docklands back then), to watch an AFL game, and it was a masterpiece of a stadium. Why would you want to demolish it?, what a monumental waste of money.
My wife and I travel from NSW to Marvel every year for the Supercross and my only issue is the fact that the car park beneath it severely limits how much dirt they can put on the playing surface. It makes the track small and low, and kinda crappy to watch honestly.
I think the stadium was 'of its time' when constructed. Even with the reno and new LED screens, its still pales in comparison to the newer NFL stadiums. Optus stadium imo is the next best after the G.
I was at Marvel when it was Etihad to see the Majak Daw mark of the year. I went an MCG game the next day and I’m that one person who appreciates the comfort of the roof on over a cold cramped MCG. The problem with the atmosphere is the bad teams not the bad stadium
The photos you provided from its construction stage is incredible to what surrounds it Now. A lot of the big AFL clubs don't like it cause it holds half there members base. I love the stadium, its now iconic in Melbourne; if they got rid of the wind off port phillip it probably wouldn't be so cold, but the AFL are on a Gold Mine with what ever happens to it in the future. Like the MCG Leave it alone I love it just the way they are!
Where will games get played while the stadium is being renovated in the distant future? I guess that's a problem for a long time away but it's interesting to think about. I guess there's the old princess park / optus stadium in carlton that could get some games and the MCG could take more too. And worst case Geelong stadium as well.
Well last weekend we went to a engagement there in the champagne room and it was very nice .Well set up for corporate enevents there. Well done marvel stadium.
I'm not a fan, even though my team the Western Bulldogs play there a lot. It just doesn't have any soul, and the sub-standard pedestrian access really sucks. It's so close to Southern Cross station and Spencer street, but there are no direct, wide routes to get there.
I've always said that Marvel was built in the wrong spot. It should have been swapped with The District Docklands shopping center and the shopping center where marvel is now. This would fix the issues with the shopping center customer numbers(we could build underground and connect it with southern cross and bridge to it) and allow for a much larger expansion space for marvel. It's a short walk from Southern Cross, there could also be event day trams running too. Plus there is a TV studio next to it where all broadcasting could be completed. I think it'd be a pretty awesome fix that'd benefit both footy fans and non footy fans.
FYI Optus Stadium was built in particular with cricket and football in mind. The lines of sight and comfort for cricket and football fans are magnificent. Regularly voted the best cricket stadium in Australia. So it is no surprise that it regularly is vote number one as a cricket stadium in Australia. So it is possible to have a cricket stadium also be an outstanding footy stadium. Its just that Gabba MCG SCG or Adelaide haven't managed it yet in either of the codes.
@@albertmiller2electricbooga897 Most stadiums at 60k will be like that. Try sitting at the WACA on a 40 degree day. Most tests are usually over 35 for each day.
@@albertmiller2electricbooga897 The stadium half catches the seabreeze in some parts (due to a few large openings). But ideally the south west side needs to be opened up more. Most summer afternoons you'll have a howling seabreeze, you just need to catch it better on the lower terraces.
I think MCG will get that translucent roof (and for cricket, the roof will buoyant so cricket balls won’t damage it, and I think it’s high enough for even the most crazed batsman not to hit the roof. I think or something like Las Vegas stadium. I don’t think marvel will get any work soon.
AFL won't sell the stadium. Most likely gut it and redesign for apartments and entertainment. The can make a lot more $$$ when you have a major venue that can stay open 24/7. Build a new stadium in the process relocating some of the footy and cricket if need be. Then the afl will be able to recoupe the costs with more income streams.
Sorry. Respectfully disagree. Waverley Park was a brilliant location and would be even better today. Not only was it close to at least 2+ million that live within 20 kms that side of the city, it had fantastic road connectivity with the Monash freeway and now Eastlink linking in to a now expanded road network. Pulled down and redeveloped it would have been a magnificent stadium and the simple fact is that as the eastern and southern suburbs are now stretching to Palemham (and are marching down further )and down the Peninsula, travelling all the way to the city is starting to become unfeasible for many.
Great stadium but perhaps built on the wrong spot. When that stadium was built in the late 90’s there was a blank canvas in Docklands. They should have extended Bourke Street over the train lines at Spencer Street station into Docklands and built the stadium over near the now defunct Ferris wheel.
Been to many Carlton games at Etihad stadium and a few Aleague Melbourne derbies there. I love the atmosphere at Etihad and I do wonder what will happen to it. I feel Melbourne might need a third stadium for all three AFL, NRL and Aleague comps having better retractable seating Edit- the sad thing is Etihad is Docklands last identity. Docklands is a ghost town now and only surviving due to Etihad and some tourism
Being a bulldogs member here, I love Marvel, easy to get too quick from V-Line, being closed roof its nice and warm dont get why you say damp .... No wind means its much nicer for winter games like football. Go to GMHBA stadium on a gloomy south wind day and you appreciate Marvel 100%. The lighting is fine and I think it locks in the atmosphere of the game. Each to their own I guess
Ik that at least in day games they open the roof pregame but close it after. I feel like it is a missed opportunity having it closed on a really nice day.
They should NEVER have pulled down Waverley (VFL Park). More people in the east than ever. John Cain destroyed Waverley stopping the line extension to protect The MCG. It's rubbish regarding the weather, it was the same anywhere in Melbourne in Winter. Now approximately 2 million people have to drive or train into the city to go to that sterile Docklands stadium. Waverley should have remained. Ps JohnCain was on the MCC board, he also bankrupted Victoria.
Waverley was pulled down since it's far more ridiculous to expect everyone else around Melbourne who use public transport to get to the footy, to have to travel all the way into the city and then back out again all the way to Waverley, just to get to the football. And that's not even taking into account those people who may also have to catch a bus from their homes to get to a train station, just to get into the city. Having all or most AFL games located more centrally, allows EVERYONE around Melbourne to only have to rely on just one or two forms of public transport to get to the footy. And that makes a whole lot of sense to me. Standing around in the rain, waiting for one of the coaches at Waverley to take us to a train station, was a massive pain in the ....
100% agree. People forget half the city lives within 20 I’m of Waverley and with the Monash and now Eastlink and the freeway down to the Latrobe valley it would have great connectivity. The city is getting too big for people wanting to travel all that way in. It had room to grow and plenty of parking.
@@mebeme007but we expect them to travel all the way down to Geelong? Or country people to the MCG. Half the city live within 20 kms and two major freeways that interconnect with every other freeway. It’s hardly in a bad location to get too and in many ways by car far more straight forward door to door than people now driving to a station, getting a trains for an hour , then walking.
Time to build/renovate boutique stadiums for all clubs. Clubs already have training grounds that are fit for purpose and crowd sizes can be controlled with ticket prices. There has to be genuine home ground advantage for each club without the bias of some clubs getting maximum exposure to the MCG. I would also look towards removing the strangle hold the MCG has on finals, they are a cricket ground that is reliant on football, time to make them acknowledge that. If Covid proved anything, it is that other grounds are capable of hosting grand finals. For people to complain that MCG ensures a large crowd, the fact that each participating club is only allocated 15K tickets each to members suggests that it isn’t geared at the loyal fan but rather the corporate interests, so any of the boutique clubs could facilitate 15K per club within their stadiums, membership packages that guarantee attendance and perhaps even look toward a best of 3 scenario with the higher finishing club rewarded with hosting 2 games or game 1 at a ground pre determined at the start of the season and the higher placed given the option to host game 2 or 3. Sooner this and the fixture being normalized without the stupid thematic rounds that ruin the fairness of the competition the better for the game to be recognized as the best sport in the world.
They do the moveable seating because they want to be able to host other sports, eg. If Australia hosted the World Cup then Melbourne and Adelaide and Perth wouldn’t be able to have any games as fifa don’t want to play on cricket ovals and the other stadiums in those states are too small.
I would disagree. I hate going to G. Everytime I've been there for AFL, it's raining and windy or the sun is in your face. Plus Marvel is easier to get to on PT and park at. Yes, it could use some work like a wind block near the gates at either end, improvement to the playing surface (maybe an NFL style synthetic) and a transparent roof for some natural light.
Retractable seating is a must have for any modern day oval stadium, i will die on this hill, makes the atmosphere must better (eg london stadium that was for olypmics). Do not @ me 😂!
Plain and simple they built it north-south instead of east-west viewing like every other football-cricket ground so there’s your problem with the sun etc. Also, it’s like a wind tunnel so it’s freezing in the winter, furthermore, they took the cheapest way out with the lifts. They are about a quarter of the size they should be which hampers everyone, especially wheelchair users and the elderly. Getting down to the car park after the game is a nightmare. Costco down the road has a lift/elevator 5-6 times bigger than the Marvel Stadium lifts
i find the seats on level 2 are to tight - very poor leg room. roof doesnt retract back far enough either which adds to the issues when not in use. if you dont come by train its a nightmare. realistically it should have only been a 40,000 seat stadium tops given the facilities. when it opened it was hard as hell to get in because there wasnt enough gates - they worked on this assumption that people would come early to dine and drink - doesnt happen, AFL crowds roll in 20mins before the game starts. when we use to have curtain raiser games there was heaps less crowd congestion issues. i still believe the AFL needs a 3rd metro stadium with 30K capacity, especially with the rise of AFLW.
Why demolish it? It’s not that old. Just replace the roof with a transparent one. Job done. What Melbourne needs is a smaller stadium. Around 25,000. If you demolish Docklands what are you going to replace it with?
The issue is that it’s concrete everywhere. Southern Cross station is concrete, soulless. The roof makes Marvel feel the same. As a stadium it’s a decent atmosphere and good enough viewing but it’s badly built and thought through
As a Essendon member I hate it. Being a tall guy the seats are crammed in with limited leg room. The wind tunnel effect from Gate 5 is terrible. Also the noise of staff stacking the portable fencing at Gate 5 entrance during the game is a shocker. I hate the place.
Always thought it was a sub standard venue, just concrete and dead grass. Should have built up Ikon Park to be a 30k seat venue with no roof. Marvel rarely gets over 40k. Optus and Adelaide oval show its more than a venue to play but somewhere to watch
So should have built up Ikon to be a 30k seat venue. Then bleat about Marvel never getting over 40k. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. 🙄 Marvel is more central. No point building up grounds where people have to travel into the city and then back out again (if they're taking public transport) just to get to a game, and then have to do it all again in reverse just to get home after the game. Relying on 3 or 4 forms of public transport just to go one way to a game, is ridiculous.
It’s the roof. The viewing isn’t that bad but when the roof is closed but it’s dark and not that embracing. The planning for the stadium missed a beat. It should’ve had a capacity of at least 60K with a translucent roof, but not fixed. Given the number of teams in Melbourne and the reality of low attendance games with some interstate teams, there needs to be a third Melbourne stadium with a capacity of about 30K. Redevelop the Junction Oval? The AFL tried using Princes Park in this role but it failed because it was, is, the home of Carlton. Then they demolished most of the stands. A third, smaller, stadium is needed. Junction Oval. 25-30K capacity. Neutral territory for Melbourne clubs, ie, nobodies training base, a new base for Cricket Victoria for Shield Cricket, etc, and put a translucent roof, in part or full on Marvel. Marvel isn’t going to be demolished anytime soon, the AFL has too much invested and they own it unlike the MCG, but it does need more light when the roof is closed. Then wait until about 2040-2050 a get it right.
As you said the Junction is CA's HQ, also plenty of shield games clash with footy in march so it'll never happen. Junction is probably the best sporting venue in Melbourne but it's precisely because it isn't a footy ground ie grassy hills, small stands and open space
@@eponymous7910 The Junction Oval was established in 1856. The St Kilda FC started playing footy there in 1870. It’s part of their heritage. South Melbourne & Fitzroy also used it as a home ground. I know. I was there. It is both a cricket ground and footy ground. I don’t disagree with keeping the character of the place but it could be improved. You don’t think that Victorian Cricket wouldn’t accept further investment in the venue by the AFL & Government if it was done right? But you’re missing my point (hence the “?”). The AFL needs a smaller capacity venue in Melbourne. Who wants to go to Marvel to watch North v Gold Coast with 10-15K watching in a 50K stadium? Whether it’s the Junction Oval or somewhere else I really don’t care so long as it’s accessible by public transport and not another Waverley debacle and provides a better spectator experience.
People in Victoria need to question the massive waste of money by Victorian govt and Federal govt too, as the AFL always goes to the Feds whinging too. The likes of Eddie Everywhere wants half of the MCG rebuilt. Also talks about Marvel being replaced with another stadium closer to MCG. He wanted large walkways and piazzas outside the stadium etc. Not surprisingly its not his money. In fact no doubt some key players in Victoria will benefit largely from rebuilding stadiums. No doubt the building industry. Its completely unnecessary. In the long term clubs will eventually fold in Victoria, as the power clubs continue to ramp up pressure on the AFL to remove various equalisation measures.
As someone who hates the stadium it’s pretty annoying that this city took the harbour and Docklands view to a stadium that is unnecessary. The most connected part of the Docklands and CBD given to a stadium is pretty stupid in retrospect. Especially one that is only for one sport that isn’t global. It also is crappy to live and work in the Docklands due to the footy fans. The Docklands stadium was built in a city with a massive arena precinct and didn’t use it. The urban environment is pretty garbage in the Docklands as a result. It won’t be remewed by 2045. The Melbourne public would probably demolish it with hammers and sticks before a construction crew comes the exact second it’s announced to be demolished. I will be there smashing until I can finally see the Harbour from the CBD. Footy fans like you act so entitled to major parts of cities that you don’t realise the rest of the nation hates you. That you’re the reason for blighted spaces of our major cities. ❤️
AFL teams that have used the MCG don't want to get shifted to Marvell. This is why fans of clubs like Melbourne don't go to the ground. Just put another roof on it and it should be good until the end of the century.
When they closed down Waverly Park they left the eastern suburbs without a stadium. It left a big hole. The west doesn't have a stadium either. They don't have to build so close to the city.
feasibility studies show most people what to come into the middle of town for the footy. If a game is the east people from the east won’t come and vice versa. Having grounds in the CBD maximises the amount of people to come to games. Those that don’t want to are in the minority and you can’t please all the people all of the time.
Don"t get the hate on Marvel, yeah sure natural light is great on a sunny day but when its raining having the roof is an asset. Demolishing the stadium in 2045 would mean its only had about a 50 year life which is crazy, was that always the plan...
I've personally never been a fan on roofs of footy stadiums. Footy is an outdoor sport and weather conditions have always been a part of it. If I wanted to watch an indoor sport, I'd watch basketball.
It is like watching football being played in a warehouse
I must respectfully disagree, I went to an AFL match there back in March 2000, and I thought it was a masterpiece of a stadium, well planned, and right next door to Flinders St/Southern Cross train station.
The building of the stadium was rushed and was built last century not taking into account the new century, infact they were still putting the coaches boxes in on the same day the first ever game was played in 2000
I can’t believe that even on a perfect Summer night they still close the roof for the cricket.
Mosquitos...
Not always, though.
It's usually when they're expecting showers/rain at some stage. Since it takes a little while to close and they don't wanna be caught trying to close them at the last second, getting the pitch wet.
I can't believe how many times they've left the roof open and it rained. What's the point of a roof if it's not used?
I think it's the roof for me the reason that I hate the venue so much. Having a see-through roof would make it feel lively and not cold and miserable as you described
I thought it was very popular when it opened, so I'm a bit surprised. I heard the viewing was excellent and the atmosphere was good due to it being enclosed. I suppose it depends on who you barrack for. Most of the Melbourne's winter is shocking, so interesting that people would prefer to sit in the endless drizzle and fog.
So bizarre that they went for a solid concrete roof (or whatever it is?) and not a glass or opaque roof. Looks disastrous watching a game on tv and you know it's daytime in Melbourne, yet with a game played with artificial lighting!
@@mikespearwood3914 I assume its a metal type roof but maybe not. usually they try to make it as light as possible, even though it would be super heavy.
Arnt they building a train station under the stadium?
@@rotormotor13b don't know. but you don't want stations too close to stadiums as they stop the stadium from clearing safely after a game.
I’m a fan of the ground but they should always open the roof if it’s not raining.
Still to this date the best atmpshere ar any game of sport I've ever attended was St.kilda vs Geelong Round 12 2009 53000 people from memory and also produced one fo the best games of AFL in history. MCG tenant fans hate it but I think St.kilda fans appreciate it, even loved it throughout the succesful years and had a significant home advantage
I was there also. What an incredible day and game that was.
Round 14
@@lachie4017 yeah it was. Both teams were undefeated as well. Many people to this day say it was the highest quality AFL game ever played.
@@IDontTalkToCops yeh
I was at that game as well and I agree - one of the best games I’ve ever seen and the atmosphere was incredible. And I barrack for the Cats!
Never understood the hate. I'm from Sydney but went to Melbourne for a bucks weekend around 10 years ago and watched all the footy live that weekend, including a few at Marvel (then Etihad) Stadium, and I thought the atmosphere under the roof was fantastic. I'm sure it's even better now after the reno.
The issue with the roof open was I think mainly to do with the broadcast. Being recorded and broadcast in standard dynamic range (SDR), when the ball would enter an area of shadow the camera would have to be adjusted to let in less light or else you would barely see anything on the coverage. The reverse when the ball goes back into the harsh sunlight. Of course, this wouldn't be an issue if it was broadcast in high dynamic range (HDR) as some other sports across the world do. The Foxtel IQ4 & 5 boxes are even capable of receiving an HDR signal, we're just not using it.
The renovation did nothing to enhance the spectator viewing experience except for the new screens. It was mainly cosmetic in that regard. The main renovation was to things behind the scenes like food and bar stuff
Victorian AFL fans are pampered nuffs and don't know how good they have it.
Honestly, I like having Marvel there as a stadium for the smaller teams in the AFL and for cricket. It's actually an alright stadium plus I like the roof being closed. It means that games are not affected by weather.
Sounds shithouse for concerts too, but the fact its train station next door us getting renovated I doubt its going anywhere
How is it not an issue for games at the MCG though?
Marvel is my preferred venue -
it is also used for concerts
btw the cost to replace in the current market would be in the $billion mark
I have a Carlton home membership, so I spend equal time at Marvel and the G.
Marvel isn't bad at all. As others have said, for the smaller games, I'd much rather the atmosphere at Marvel. And it's nice to be shielded from the Melbourne weather for half the season.
Obviously nothing compares to 90k+ at the G, but nobody gets those crowds every week.
To be fair, Carlton and Collingwood have been making a good crack of it as of late.
I love Marvel Stadium and don't get why people don't like it. It's in a great spot with easy public transport, especially for V/Line travellers. The size is perfect for footy and T20 cricket because of the smaller boundaries. The roof is awesome because you don't have to worry about rain delays or match abandonments when going to watch BBL games.
But, there are a couple of things I don't like. Sometimes they close most of the top level and squeeze all the General Admission people into one section, even if there are over 20,000 people. Also, the stadium can hold 50,000, but they often say a game is sold out and stop selling tickets, even when only 38-39,000 people show up. I don’t understand why they can’t sell the other 11,000 seats.
I think it would be great to build a third AFL stadium in Melbourne. Having 10 teams share just 2 stadiums is so strange compared to every major sporting competition in the world. 3 would be better to spread the teams out more. I suggest moving North Melbourne and St Kilda to a new two-tiered, 35,000-seat stadium at Gosch's Paddock. This would improve the home game atmosphere for both teams. The same dimensions as Marvel Stadium would be perfect. It would also be a great new home for the Melbourne Stars, with shorter boundaries and fewer empty seats to enhance their home game experience.
I like that idea, but I don't think that will be happening, especially if AFL go down the path of reducing teams in the comp, Norf and Saints will likely be the 2 teams to go as they would want to make the comp more national.
But if they did go down your path, have Saints and Norf at new stadium, move Hawks to Marvel and have Blues and Dons split their games between Mrvl and MCG depending if it's a big or small game.
9 teams, not 10.
Unless you're including Geelong, which is not based in Melbourne, but still are in Vic.
And technically, there are only 5 teams that play their home games at Marvel.
@@mebeme007 was including Geelong because they play a couple of home games at the G each year. 👍🏼
@@SilentHotdog28 Yeah okay. Would be cool to see to see North and St Kilda Fold or relocate to make the AFL a more fair national competition. But I genuinely don’t see it happening, so much history and passion behind the clubs.
And selfishly as a Victorian footy fan I wouldn’t like it if there was less games in Melbourne to go to each weekend.
Finally, don’t know if a full move to Marvel would work well for Hawthorn if a third Melbourne stadium was built. Probably becoming co MCG/MRVL tenants like Essendon and Carlton would be best because the Hawks do draw some big home crowds against big Victorian rivals like Essendon, Richmond and Collingwood.
@@SilentHotdog28 saints should be one of the last teams to move as they are over 150 years old and have always been located in melbourne
it’s great for Geelong and travelling Vic fans, right next to Southern Cross was the reason I got to go so often as a kid, forever grateful for Telstra Dome/Etihad/Marvel
Demolishing would be an absolute joke. I'm not a Victorian but what a waste of money. Can you imagine SCG or Adelaide Oval saying that they have to replace the stands because they're 24 years old. It wouldn't happen. I can't see the WA State government completing rebuilding Optus Stadium in 18 years. In fact in 20 years they'll be extending the stands (which can be done as part of the design) to increase to 70k. The capacity is fine. It has a roof. Only negative is that it can't transform to a rectangular stadium or oval interchangeably. And that would be difficult to do, but would give the city a 50-55k indoor stadium for rectangular sports and oval sports.
True, but Docklands Stadium is privately owned, so the AFL will do with it what the economic dictate
@@PjRjHj AFL would be putting their money out for government funding. Probably make half the competition that aren't in Victoria pay for it out of reduced dividends which is a disgrace. You look at Optus Stadium and the AFL gave nothing and the feds basically nothing. Compare that with all the developments of MCG that occur for no good reason.
@@PjRjHj It will probably be a good idea to move further out of Melbourne if it gets replaced in 2050. Melbourne will be 8.5 million by then and with improved cross rail and other connections you need to bring the stadium to the people. So a Stadium south east is a no brainer.
@@BDub2024 It is in a central location, building in the outer suburbs is just repeating history, 8.5 million people isn't going to make Waverly 2.0(but in Casey this time) work
@@thatguyscomputer Waverley was in the middle off nowhere at the time. It would do better nowadays. But yes, they need to learn from the past.
Docklands was originally conceived as a multi-sport venue, specifically to host sports such as soccer & rugby, with movable seating. It was later on that the AFL seized the opportunity to get involved & basically 'took over' the proposal, thereby freezing out the other codes. The Kennett govt gave them a sweetheart deal, and ultimately the Rectangular stadium was built to accommodate rugby & soccer.
It’s trash for soccer Melbourne victory scraped their deal with them due to the outcry from members of
@@mcauderyyeah the crowds were higher at Marvel because of better location but MRS/AAMI is definitely better for rectangle sports
Always felt the deal was scrapped b3cause AFL took over ownership of Marvel a few years back so wouldn't get good leasing terms
Might be an unpopular opinion but I actually love going to the footy there for a number of reasons. The enclosed space creates great noise.
They can do some great effects with the lighting.
It’s very easy to get in and out of.
You feel a lot closer to the action on field.
Food is far better than the MCG
Melbournes weather is questionable at best and being indoors on a cold winters day makes it much easier to enjoy.
Getting around the inside of the stadium is far easier than the MCG.
Don’t get me wrong I love footy at the MCG it’s something very special, but aside from the atmosphere of a huge game like Anzac Day there I much prefer a game at Marval for its soft product.
Decent venue, but the walk back to southern cross station after any game with over 15,000 people in attendance is an absolute shambles. Concourses are far too narrow as well and makes it almost impossible to move around during the breaks
that's shocking design. a key part of stadium design is to make sure that there is enough distance so that people can leave the stadium and walk comfortably without being in a crush or endangering people on the platform. While Optus Stadium is close to the railway station, people are directed along a snaking pathway on the way to the station when there is a full house. This ensures that people leaving the stadium are spread out more.
Yep, agreed. the awkward angles where the stadium precinct meets the Bourke Street bridge don't help either. There was supposed to be another pedestrian bridge built from the stadium to the end of Lonsdale street as part of the Southern Cross station overhaul, but that was cancelled due to cost. That leaves us with 2 less than ideal ways to arrive for pedestrians.
Womp womp
@@jdillon8360 Stadiums seating areas can be built over rail tracks and roads. Can be done if required.
No different to leaving the G after a game and trying to get across the bridge and onto the Jolimont station platform to head north to go home.
That's long been a problem for decades.
I guess it's just something that happens when there are thousands and thousands of people all trying to go in the same direction towards the same place. And it can't be helped.
The Melbourne Showgrounds would be a good spot for a potential future stadium as it is located in the inner city and next to a train station.
The Showgrounds has a more complex ownership / management situation then most realise and while the AFL might look at it as a great site, the Royal Show in September is more important then anything the AFL could put on, and that means both want the same weekend.
I once read that there were plans in the early 90s to redevelop the Showgrounds into a full-time AFL venue, with Essendon moving there permanently
@@TimmyTickle I thought it was going to be for Essendon and Footscray.
showgrounds nowhere near as good as the current location
Been there twice to watch the World Supercross Championship finals in 2022 & 2023. Absolutely loved the stadium. Not sure why Victorians are so sooky
You too would be sooky if you lived in the Nanny State
If you really want to, then keep the moveable roof but just see if you replace the metal with perspex/glass/plastic.
It's gotta be something extremely strong and see through.
And none of those 3 options would be ideal when it comes to withstanding things like hail and heavy ongoing rain.
I love marvel, the roof is amazing on a wet miserable day
Saw the storm vs panthers game here in 2023 and I loved it. There’s just no pleasing victorians. I came from nz to watch that game. You guys are spoiled for choice yet in Auckland we’re struggling to build a decent looking stadium or renovate an ageing eden park in the middle of the suburbs
They should replace the roof panels with ETFE membrane, that'll fix the harsh shadow contrast
Jesus, Waverly was a true colosseum, wasn't it? Would have been awesome to get public transport to it and still have it
I think it would have been a magnificent venue redeveloped and actually in an excellent location for half the city. It would have worked with no public transport given the size of the parking areas and now an expanded Monash freeway and the building of Eastlink. Melbourne that side is getting massive and much further out and travelling to the city is becoming unrealistic on a train at night.
I actually really like Marvel
I agree, it's much better than a half empty MCG with the rain and wind freezing you to the bone. Long Live Marvel I say!
nerd
@@RickJamesEstate ??
@@FranticMonster11 nerd
@@RickJamesEstate ok champ.....
Taswegian here - interesting hearing the issues regarding the retractable roof as our proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point has been slated to be roofed - though I'm not sure if it's confirmed to be fixed or retractable. All the pros and cons you've raised about Marvel Stadium are certainly very topical in Tasmania. The sites are also very similar - Macquarie Point is also wedged between Hobart's waterfront and several main arterial roads - most of the site lays on the city's former rail yard (RIP Tasman Limited). Will be interested to see how they navigate the parking as unlike Marvel, Hobart has no mass transit system and it's unlikely the ground would be strong enough for deeply excavated parking facilities as I think it's mostly reclaimed land.
I'm afraid that there will always be people complaining on both sides, whether a stadium has a roof or not.
As the old saying goes, can't please everyone, all of the time. 🤷♀
The new Hobart stadium is planned to be a fixed roof,retractable roofs are way too expensive.
The Docklands Stadium is a good venue for sport and concerts BUT they need to urgently fix the foot traffic flow and capacity to move people. After a big event in that place it is a nightmare to get out in the crowd and back around to the train station. Imagine if there was a major fire! Having said that it is a great place to watch a game, you can get a great view event in a general admission seat. I love the MCG but it is not a comfortable and the view if frequently not as good as you get at Docklands. As for the suggestion that it will need to be rebuilt in another 20 years?! WTAF!? That concrete beast will be fine for another 50 years ore more, there will be some major refurbishments along the way and maybe the roof gets a refit, but the idea that a stadium has such a short life is naive.
At optus stadium they very rarely bring the seats in for rectangular stadium. Its not that much about the damage the grass. Its just that its an extremely time consuming exercise I've heard for only 5k extra seats. Then in rugby and soccer you have the players boxes at the side of the pitch and structures that can block the view of the ground. So at Optus Stadium it was only used on one side even for rugby.
The sightlines for Optus Stadium's temporary seats is awful, and made effectively unsellable by the temporary electronic sideline boards that are used to border soccer or Rugby perimeter. They block the view of everything below their height which means next to no view of the soccer ball most of the time.
It was a stupid idea in the first place.
@@PjRjHj Good idea. Only stupid if they keep putting it up for soccer matches. They can do one side for rugby, the other side you have all the boxes at the side of the pitch where the players sit. To be honest the players seem to enjoy the extra space for run throughs and some warm ups while the match is on. Whether you can look over the electronic sideline board depends on how tall you are I guess. All grounds have perimeter boards don't they. But the spectators in the front two rows can still see over the top. The thing is that the temporary seating just needs to be closer to the advertising. Easy to do if there is the desire to do it.
It's still a fantastic venue and a few small renovations and updates will come with time I would imagine.
It is well loved by many and has a bright future ahead with the roof and it's unique features big positives for certain events.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a couple of football games at the venue and enjoyed it's character with it's proximity to the CBD and public transport big pluses.
😎🇦🇺👍
I love the closed roof, it is always a night type game and they can do a light show, it is the best
World class venue. Was here the other day visiting from QLD, I don’t understand the hate.
I'm a Western Bulldogs fan and I love that it's our home ground and I think most Dogs fans think the same. But whenever MCG clubs visit, they whinge about it for some reason. Is it better than 80k at the G? No. Is it better than 40k at the G? 100%. Marvel serves its purpose well.
@@westsportTV I've always heard good things about it, though never been there. I heard the atmosphere is really good there and the viewing is great. The weather is so bad in Melbourne in winter you need a venue especially at night which people can watch without freezing.
@@westsportTVSame, as a Dogs fan you think exactly the same as me on this. Would be nice to play a couple more games at the G every year though.
Yeah I rate it. I think most of the stadium hate is overblown
@@westsportTVI think the main reason for the hate is clubs with the MCG as their home are contracted to play there a couple of games per season. There is nothing wrong with the stadium apart from its capacity which is a niche that only applies to larger clubs (their members can’t get access to tickets as easily as they would the MCG) the larger problem is access and egress. The walkways and promenades surrounding the stadium are terrible for the surge that the stadium creates and although it’s located quite close to southern cross Metro doesn’t seem to put on any extra trains like they do for Jokimont and Richmond stations and their lines respectively.
5:54
They often also use the heat lamps in the MCG in winter on overcast days because of reduced daylight hours.
You'll find they use heat lamps at most Stadiums this from the equator.
It’s only really supporters from the soft inner east clubs like Richmond, Hawthorn and Melbourne that hate going there. They don’t like venturing west of the CBD and/or north of the Yarra…
it's the best ground in the country to watch anything! so good being so close to the staion and having parking underneath.
Yes you could definatley replace the roof cladding to allow for transparent cladding which is a good idea.
As for the location, im in 2 minds because i think the location is good for a central proximity to the CBD, next to Southern Cross and also provides a different use than just another residential tower or commercial office building which would replace it if it was removed.
The architects designed the stadium to get you "closer" to the game (AFL anyway) and i question the approach of just demolishing these stadiums without considering upgrades and refurbishments because a new stadium, no matter how attractive a proponent makes it sound, or affordable, generally goes over budget!
I've never been to Marvel so I couldn't say much about the shadow. One solution instead of a transparent roof could be to use the lighting at the stadium, which might help light up the areas that are affected by the shadows
i personally love marvel because of the effects the lights make and the super atmosppheric echos from the crowd
I like Marvel, it’s a mini MCG and the Swans always play well there.
I think they could do a serious upgrade to Ikon Park if they wanted to have a third major ground or a replacement for marvel. It is in quite a good location and there is room for expansion.
No nearby train station is its downfall. Royal Park station is quite a walk.
@@baudad There is tram lines close enough, multiple of them as well.
@@rileythedudetrams are too small and slow. Trains are king
I love Marvel. I like the roof, and therefore not having to worry about rain, wind and seagulls, and find the roof makes the crowd louder and more atmospheric, especially when it’s filled up.
It’s easy to get to, just a small walk from Melbournes biggest train hub, which also makes it time convenient and easy to use public transport comfortably to get there and back.
I love the MCG too, it’s the home of footy and has its own charms and flair, but Marvel makes for a great day of footy.
Seats were moved into rectangle setting frequently in the mid 2010s for Melbourne Victory home games and a couple Socceroos fixtures but since Victory moved all its home games to AAMI Park, the seats only come in now for the odd concert. It reduced capacity to 46k too.
that's weird that moving the seats in reduces capacity at docklands. I need to look up how they do it. At Optus Stadium they just bring in rows of seating and put it on top of hard plastic. Its really time consuming to do apparently, and the seating on the plastic is tiered I think. That's all possible because the spectator area at Optus Stadium is about 1.5 metres higher than the playing surface.
@@BDub2024 plastic?
The Optus temporary seating is just numerous modular steel framed bleachers with a very shallow gradient.
As for Docklands, capacity drops because (like stade de France) the 4 "corners" are fixed, they don't move in with the 4 moveable segments (2 wings, 2 ends). Thus the capacity drop
@@PjRjHj I thought I saw an overhead photo once and it had the seats on a plastic surface. Maybe that's just on the northern side. I saw the seating on the south east and west sides at the 2019 rugby on you tube and I thought it looked a pretty good structure. But for the effort it only adds at an absolute max 5k seating and usually you wouldn't do it on the north side anyway as that's where the coaches and players are. It was interesting that they went for two layers of advertising slogans, which is a bit unnecessary.
I feel having a third Melbourne team killed the rivalry. Same goes for Sydney
Hopefully in the future they can install the semi opaque roof but also look into reflecting the sun or natural light back on the shady part of the grass, when not in use. Calculating the sun and shadows isn't hard for programmers but the cost is always a factor.
There are currently plans for broader development of the surrounds of marvel stadium. They want to push out towards the water as close to the road there as they can, which is likely to cause some conflict with some of the nearby buildings like Victoria Point, the apartment tower right next to the stadium.
It’s a pretty good stadium. Been there twice when I lived in Melbourne.
Great as a huge Arena. UFC was awesome there. I can imagine in a sport that requires all the lights it must feel like a warehouse
great location, well integrated with the urban environment, but the roof just kills it. even in a tight game with a big crowd it's difficult to get a good atmosphere. it would be a waste of money to knock it down in the near future, but if they do i hope they replace it with a smaller (30-35k), open air stadium.
I disagree, a 30k Marvel crowd beats a 30k MCG crowd any day of the week. Having the roof closed keeps in a lot of noise
You complained about the roof not being translucent but also complained about shadows caused by the sun with the roof open. All stadiums have this issue but Marvel can climate it. No big deal. I honestly haven't heard big complaints especially since docklands has been redically developed since.
Also, any stadiums half empty will lack atmosphere. The roof allows the sound to travel throughout which is alao a good thing
I always thought that Snake's animation at the end of boss battles was actually him eating a ration to regenerate his health, and that he was just doing it like someone would eat a sandwich with one hand.
It was going to be a rectangular stadium. After a change in Government, the location was moved slightly, and the Ground offered to the AFL. It was not intended to house the AFL's administration, then located in the MCG. The AFL's acceptance lead to it quickly being deemed no good for Rugby and the 'A' leauges, and a new stadium for those sports (AAMI Park) being built on an old military site in Swan Street. Marvel Stadium can not be used for First Class Cricket, as that requires a round ground. The AFL were given an option to buy it, which was exercised after several years. The AFL then moved their admin to the stadium.
Surely in the future you could alter the angle by 45 degrees at least. That would help to eliminate sunlight issues. Otherwise you just schedule the matches more intelligently.
I’m from Sydney, and I went to Marvel Stadium back in 2000 (it was called Docklands back then), to watch an AFL game, and it was a masterpiece of a stadium.
Why would you want to demolish it?, what a monumental waste of money.
Melbourne people are nuffs
My wife and I travel from NSW to Marvel every year for the Supercross and my only issue is the fact that the car park beneath it severely limits how much dirt they can put on the playing surface. It makes the track small and low, and kinda crappy to watch honestly.
Been to heaps of games there bloody awesome 👌
I think the stadium was 'of its time' when constructed. Even with the reno and new LED screens, its still pales in comparison to the newer NFL stadiums. Optus stadium imo is the next best after the G.
I was at Marvel when it was Etihad to see the Majak Daw mark of the year. I went an MCG game the next day and I’m that one person who appreciates the comfort of the roof on over a cold cramped MCG. The problem with the atmosphere is the bad teams not the bad stadium
The photos you provided from its construction stage is incredible to what surrounds it Now. A lot of the big AFL clubs don't like it cause it holds half there members base. I love the stadium, its now iconic in Melbourne; if they got rid of the wind off port phillip it probably wouldn't be so cold, but the AFL are on a Gold Mine with what ever happens to it in the future. Like the MCG Leave it alone I love it just the way they are!
I love the Docklands stadium, go to a cricket game at Docklands, you are guaranteed a result because no rain, no pain.
Where will games get played while the stadium is being renovated in the distant future? I guess that's a problem for a long time away but it's interesting to think about. I guess there's the old princess park / optus stadium in carlton that could get some games and the MCG could take more too. And worst case Geelong stadium as well.
Well last weekend we went to a engagement there in the champagne room and it was very nice .Well set up for corporate enevents there. Well done marvel stadium.
I'm not a fan, even though my team the Western Bulldogs play there a lot. It just doesn't have any soul, and the sub-standard pedestrian access really sucks. It's so close to Southern Cross station and Spencer street, but there are no direct, wide routes to get there.
I've always said that Marvel was built in the wrong spot. It should have been swapped with The District Docklands shopping center and the shopping center where marvel is now. This would fix the issues with the shopping center customer numbers(we could build underground and connect it with southern cross and bridge to it) and allow for a much larger expansion space for marvel. It's a short walk from Southern Cross, there could also be event day trams running too. Plus there is a TV studio next to it where all broadcasting could be completed. I think it'd be a pretty awesome fix that'd benefit both footy fans and non footy fans.
I've not heard of people not liking the stadium. I think it's wonderful.
FYI Optus Stadium was built in particular with cricket and football in mind. The lines of sight and comfort for cricket and football fans are magnificent. Regularly voted the best cricket stadium in Australia. So it is no surprise that it regularly is vote number one as a cricket stadium in Australia. So it is possible to have a cricket stadium also be an outstanding footy stadium. Its just that Gabba MCG SCG or Adelaide haven't managed it yet in either of the codes.
Adelaide oval is the gold standard for cricket anyone who disagrees has never seen a test match at the AO
Optus is great for t20s especially Scorchers but it's a bit cavernous for tests and gets very hot in the concourses
@@albertmiller2electricbooga897 Most stadiums at 60k will be like that. Try sitting at the WACA on a 40 degree day. Most tests are usually over 35 for each day.
@@albertmiller2electricbooga897 The stadium half catches the seabreeze in some parts (due to a few large openings). But ideally the south west side needs to be opened up more. Most summer afternoons you'll have a howling seabreeze, you just need to catch it better on the lower terraces.
I think they were getting consistently better BBL crowds than elsewhere? But there was also a test match with very poor crowds.
IMO They should make two new stadiums, a 50-60k near the city and a 30-40k ground in the east (with train station)
I think MCG will get that translucent roof (and for cricket, the roof will buoyant so cricket balls won’t damage it, and I think it’s high enough for even the most crazed batsman not to hit the roof. I think or something like Las Vegas stadium. I don’t think marvel will get any work soon.
AFL won't sell the stadium. Most likely gut it and redesign for apartments and entertainment. The can make a lot more $$$ when you have a major venue that can stay open 24/7. Build a new stadium in the process relocating some of the footy and cricket if need be. Then the afl will be able to recoupe the costs with more income streams.
Sorry. Respectfully disagree. Waverley Park was a brilliant location and would be even better today. Not only was it close to at least 2+ million that live within 20 kms that side of the city, it had fantastic road connectivity with the Monash freeway and now Eastlink linking in to a now expanded road network. Pulled down and redeveloped it would have been a magnificent stadium and the simple fact is that as the eastern and southern suburbs are now stretching to Palemham (and are marching down further )and down the Peninsula, travelling all the way to the city is starting to become unfeasible for many.
Concerts here are great too
Great stadium but perhaps built on the wrong spot. When that stadium was built in the late 90’s there was a blank canvas in Docklands. They should have extended Bourke Street over the train lines at Spencer Street station into Docklands and built the stadium over near the now defunct Ferris wheel.
Great video with some excellent points
Get rid of it and use the extra land to expand southern cross station which is woefully too small.
Me looking at the thumbnail: “it got Demolished? WHAT?”
Fishermens bend could be an option if the puiblic transport was right
0:01 Fun Fact: It’s Next To Famous Australian Tv Service Seven Network
Been to many Carlton games at Etihad stadium and a few Aleague Melbourne derbies there. I love the atmosphere at Etihad and I do wonder what will happen to it. I feel Melbourne might need a third stadium for all three AFL, NRL and Aleague comps having better retractable seating
Edit- the sad thing is Etihad is Docklands last identity. Docklands is a ghost town now and only surviving due to Etihad and some tourism
It's a great stadium in a great location. Just replace the roof and it would be perfect!
Being a bulldogs member here, I love Marvel, easy to get too quick from V-Line, being closed roof its nice and warm dont get why you say damp .... No wind means its much nicer for winter games like football. Go to GMHBA stadium on a gloomy south wind day and you appreciate Marvel 100%. The lighting is fine and I think it locks in the atmosphere of the game. Each to their own I guess
Ik that at least in day games they open the roof pregame but close it after. I feel like it is a missed opportunity having it closed on a really nice day.
I heard someone saying that the stadium is too sterile compared with other stadiums; no mud, just green grass.
They should NEVER have pulled down Waverley (VFL Park). More people in the east than ever. John Cain destroyed Waverley stopping the line extension to protect The MCG. It's rubbish regarding the weather, it was the same anywhere in Melbourne in Winter. Now approximately 2 million people have to drive or train into the city to go to that sterile Docklands stadium. Waverley should have remained. Ps JohnCain was on the MCC board, he also bankrupted Victoria.
Labor governments Premiers and their Ministers have consistently made it a regular habit of doing that to Victoria
Waverley was pulled down since it's far more ridiculous to expect everyone else around Melbourne who use public transport to get to the footy, to have to travel all the way into the city and then back out again all the way to Waverley, just to get to the football.
And that's not even taking into account those people who may also have to catch a bus from their homes to get to a train station, just to get into the city.
Having all or most AFL games located more centrally, allows EVERYONE around Melbourne to only have to rely on just one or two forms of public transport to get to the footy.
And that makes a whole lot of sense to me.
Standing around in the rain, waiting for one of the coaches at Waverley to take us to a train station, was a massive pain in the ....
Waverley was a white elephant.
Infrastructure of this type isn’t just about serving the Eastern Suburbs.
100% agree. People forget half the city lives within 20 I’m of Waverley and with the Monash and now Eastlink and the freeway down to the Latrobe valley it would have great connectivity. The city is getting too big for people wanting to travel all that way in. It had room to grow and plenty of parking.
@@mebeme007but we expect them to travel all the way down to Geelong? Or country people to the MCG. Half the city live within 20 kms and two major freeways that interconnect with every other freeway. It’s hardly in a bad location to get too and in many ways by car far more straight forward door to door than people now driving to a station, getting a trains for an hour , then walking.
Time to build/renovate boutique stadiums for all clubs. Clubs already have training grounds that are fit for purpose and crowd sizes can be controlled with ticket prices. There has to be genuine home ground advantage for each club without the bias of some clubs getting maximum exposure to the MCG. I would also look towards removing the strangle hold the MCG has on finals, they are a cricket ground that is reliant on football, time to make them acknowledge that. If Covid proved anything, it is that other grounds are capable of hosting grand finals. For people to complain that MCG ensures a large crowd, the fact that each participating club is only allocated 15K tickets each to members suggests that it isn’t geared at the loyal fan but rather the corporate interests, so any of the boutique clubs could facilitate 15K per club within their stadiums, membership packages that guarantee attendance and perhaps even look toward a best of 3 scenario with the higher finishing club rewarded with hosting 2 games or game 1 at a ground pre determined at the start of the season and the higher placed given the option to host game 2 or 3. Sooner this and the fixture being normalized without the stupid thematic rounds that ruin the fairness of the competition the better for the game to be recognized as the best sport in the world.
Yeah I’m sure the AFL has the budget to buy land and build 6 stadia in Melbourne.
What in the hell are you smoking?
They do the moveable seating because they want to be able to host other sports, eg. If Australia hosted the World Cup then Melbourne and Adelaide and Perth wouldn’t be able to have any games as fifa don’t want to play on cricket ovals and the other stadiums in those states are too small.
I would disagree. I hate going to G. Everytime I've been there for AFL, it's raining and windy or the sun is in your face. Plus Marvel is easier to get to on PT and park at.
Yes, it could use some work like a wind block near the gates at either end, improvement to the playing surface (maybe an NFL style synthetic) and a transparent roof for some natural light.
Retractable seating is a must have for any modern day oval stadium, i will die on this hill, makes the atmosphere must better (eg london stadium that was for olypmics). Do not @ me 😂!
Plain and simple they built it north-south instead of east-west viewing like every other football-cricket ground so there’s your problem with the sun etc. Also, it’s like a wind tunnel so it’s freezing in the winter, furthermore, they took the cheapest way out with the lifts. They are about a quarter of the size they should be which hampers everyone, especially wheelchair users and the elderly. Getting down to the car park after the game is a nightmare. Costco down the road has a lift/elevator 5-6 times bigger than the Marvel Stadium lifts
i find the seats on level 2 are to tight - very poor leg room. roof doesnt retract back far enough either which adds to the issues when not in use. if you dont come by train its a nightmare. realistically it should have only been a 40,000 seat stadium tops given the facilities. when it opened it was hard as hell to get in because there wasnt enough gates - they worked on this assumption that people would come early to dine and drink - doesnt happen, AFL crowds roll in 20mins before the game starts. when we use to have curtain raiser games there was heaps less crowd congestion issues. i still believe the AFL needs a 3rd metro stadium with 30K capacity, especially with the rise of AFLW.
Why demolish it? It’s not that old. Just replace the roof with a transparent one. Job done. What Melbourne needs is a smaller stadium. Around 25,000. If you demolish Docklands what are you going to replace it with?
The issue is that it’s concrete everywhere. Southern Cross station is concrete, soulless. The roof makes Marvel feel the same. As a stadium it’s a decent atmosphere and good enough viewing but it’s badly built and thought through
Feel Princes Park still has life in it as an AFL venue with a redevelopment
As a Essendon member I hate it. Being a tall guy the seats are crammed in with limited leg room. The wind tunnel effect from Gate 5 is terrible. Also the noise of staff stacking the portable fencing at Gate 5 entrance during the game is a shocker. I hate the place.
Keep making these
Always thought it was a sub standard venue, just concrete and dead grass. Should have built up Ikon Park to be a 30k seat venue with no roof. Marvel rarely gets over 40k. Optus and Adelaide oval show its more than a venue to play but somewhere to watch
So should have built up Ikon to be a 30k seat venue.
Then bleat about Marvel never getting over 40k.
Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. 🙄
Marvel is more central.
No point building up grounds where people have to travel into the city and then back out again (if they're taking public transport) just to get to a game, and then have to do it all again in reverse just to get home after the game.
Relying on 3 or 4 forms of public transport just to go one way to a game, is ridiculous.
They wanted to but couldn’t get the planning permission.
Love marvel. Best views, easy to get to, good atmosphere.
It’s the roof. The viewing isn’t that bad but when the roof is closed but it’s dark and not that embracing. The planning for the stadium missed a beat. It should’ve had a capacity of at least 60K with a translucent roof, but not fixed. Given the number of teams in Melbourne and the reality of low attendance games with some interstate teams, there needs to be a third Melbourne stadium with a capacity of about 30K. Redevelop the Junction Oval? The AFL tried using Princes Park in this role but it failed because it was, is, the home of Carlton. Then they demolished most of the stands. A third, smaller, stadium is needed. Junction Oval. 25-30K capacity. Neutral territory for Melbourne clubs, ie, nobodies training base, a new base for Cricket Victoria for Shield Cricket, etc, and put a translucent roof, in part or full on Marvel. Marvel isn’t going to be demolished anytime soon, the AFL has too much invested and they own it unlike the MCG, but it does need more light when the roof is closed. Then wait until about 2040-2050 a get it right.
As you said the Junction is CA's HQ, also plenty of shield games clash with footy in march so it'll never happen. Junction is probably the best sporting venue in Melbourne but it's precisely because it isn't a footy ground ie grassy hills, small stands and open space
@@eponymous7910 The Junction Oval was established in 1856. The St Kilda FC started playing footy there in 1870. It’s part of their heritage. South Melbourne & Fitzroy also used it as a home ground. I know. I was there. It is both a cricket ground and footy ground. I don’t disagree with keeping the character of the place but it could be improved. You don’t think that Victorian Cricket wouldn’t accept further investment in the venue by the AFL & Government if it was done right?
But you’re missing my point (hence the “?”). The AFL needs a smaller capacity venue in Melbourne. Who wants to go to Marvel to watch North v Gold Coast with 10-15K watching in a 50K stadium? Whether it’s the Junction Oval or somewhere else I really don’t care so long as it’s accessible by public transport and not another Waverley debacle and provides a better spectator experience.
People in Victoria need to question the massive waste of money by Victorian govt and Federal govt too, as the AFL always goes to the Feds whinging too. The likes of Eddie Everywhere wants half of the MCG rebuilt. Also talks about Marvel being replaced with another stadium closer to MCG. He wanted large walkways and piazzas outside the stadium etc. Not surprisingly its not his money. In fact no doubt some key players in Victoria will benefit largely from rebuilding stadiums. No doubt the building industry. Its completely unnecessary. In the long term clubs will eventually fold in Victoria, as the power clubs continue to ramp up pressure on the AFL to remove various equalisation measures.
That’s just Eddie being Eddie, no way was that plan ever getting a look in. Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust would be a massive hurdle.
@@paulorocky he's good at spending other people's money.
As someone who hates the stadium it’s pretty annoying that this city took the harbour and Docklands view to a stadium that is unnecessary. The most connected part of the Docklands and CBD given to a stadium is pretty stupid in retrospect. Especially one that is only for one sport that isn’t global. It also is crappy to live and work in the Docklands due to the footy fans.
The Docklands stadium was built in a city with a massive arena precinct and didn’t use it. The urban environment is pretty garbage in the Docklands as a result.
It won’t be remewed by 2045. The Melbourne public would probably demolish it with hammers and sticks before a construction crew comes the exact second it’s announced to be demolished. I will be there smashing until I can finally see the Harbour from the CBD.
Footy fans like you act so entitled to major parts of cities that you don’t realise the rest of the nation hates you. That you’re the reason for blighted spaces of our major cities.
❤️
AFL teams that have used the MCG don't want to get shifted to Marvell. This is why fans of clubs like Melbourne don't go to the ground.
Just put another roof on it and it should be good until the end of the century.
Needs a big Marvel character that greets you
When they closed down Waverly Park they left the eastern suburbs without a stadium. It left a big hole. The west doesn't have a stadium either. They don't have to build so close to the city.
feasibility studies show most people what to come into the middle of town for the footy. If a game is the east people from the east won’t come and vice versa.
Having grounds in the CBD maximises the amount of people to come to games.
Those that don’t want to are in the minority and you can’t please all the people all of the time.
Are you saying for sure that it would be demolished in 2045?
It definitely isn't considering the 100s of millions of dollars in upgrades being done
I liked it when the roof was off. Gave the place way more vibe with the natural light. Then people complained with the sun blinding people. Damn
Don"t get the hate on Marvel, yeah sure natural light is great on a sunny day but when its raining having the roof is an asset. Demolishing the stadium in 2045 would mean its only had about a 50 year life which is crazy, was that always the plan...
I've personally never been a fan on roofs of footy stadiums. Footy is an outdoor sport and weather conditions have always been a part of it.
If I wanted to watch an indoor sport, I'd watch basketball.