Telstra Stadium
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Telstra Stadium, formerly Stadium Australia, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Homebush, Sydney, Australia which opened in March 1999. The stadium was originally built at a cost of $600 million to host the 2000 Summer Olympics.
The National Rugby League (NRL) holds its Grand Final at the stadium. NRL games are also played throughout the regular season. The stadium also plays host to the annual Rugby League State of Origin series between New South Wales and Queensland.
In 2002, the stadium went through a major reconfiguration, as to allow cricket and Australian Rules Football to be played at the ground. The athletics track was removed and a moveable seating section was introduced in its place. The moveable section is removed for sports that require an oval field, such as cricket and Australian Rules. Also as part of the reconfiguration, seats that had a poor view of the field were removed.
Before the reconfiguration the stadium could hold 110,000 spectators, making it the largest Olympic Stadium ever. After the reconfiguration the capacity was reduced to 83,500 for a rectangular field and 73,000 for an oval field. In 2003 roofs were added over the North and South stands, which means that now 90% of all seating is under cover.
The 2003 Rugby Union World Cup held its Semi-Finals and Final at Telstra Stadium.
External link
- Telstra Stadium official website (http://www.telstrastadium.com.au/)