When Etihad Stadium’s Arena Mode is in use, you could be forgiven for forgetting you are at a sports stadium with elaborate curtains hanging from the retractable roof to create the look and feel of a large indoor concert arena. As well as looking like an indoor concert arena, Etihad Stadium’s Arena Mode offers exceptional sound quality, which is crucial for concerts and major events.
Arena mode has a capacity of 25,000 and flexible configuration with options for seating or general admission standing on the arena (up to 9000 standing, up to 5200 seated). Additionally, Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the seating bowl can be utilised. There is also capability to use function rooms at the back of Level 2 to offer corporate hospitality and dining packages.
Arena Mode allows concert goers to feel closer to the performer than is normally possible at a stadium show. Patrons in the seating bowl – in addition to fans on the arena – get a more-intimate experience. The distance from the furthest seat to the front of stage is just 85 metres, which is shorter than many smaller arenas throughout Australia.
Etihad Stadium has used Arena Mode to great effect previously with an array of different events including concerts such as Mariah Carey and Kiss, major on field functions such as the Blackwoods North Melbourne Grand Final Breakfast and sporting events such as the Darts Invitational Challenge.
Etihad Stadium and Ticketmaster developed Arena Mode as a direct response to feedback from Australian concert promoters who highlighted a gap in the market for a concert space between arena and stadium sizes.
The recent performances from major artists reinforce the advantages of using Etihad Stadium’s Arena Mode for major concert tours.
