Australian sport stadia honoured in new postage stamp series

Australia Post has released a new series of stamps titled Sports Stadiums, marking the significance of major sporting venues in the nation’s way of life.

The series, which was released earlier this month, seeks, according to an Australia Posts statement “to recognise the importance of sporting venues, not only in fostering the enthusiastic atmosphere typical to spectator sport, but also as part of a club’s sporting heritage and even in terms of architectural merit.”

The stamp issue features four major sporting stadiums from across the country, representing both historic and new venues: Melbourne’s AAMI Park, Perth’s Optus Stadium, the Sydney Cricket Ground and the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The issue includes self-adhesive booklets of 10 and a booklet collection, testament to how sporting can give their city an identity, contributing to it economically, socially and visually.

The release follows the Sporting Legends commemorative stamp series released in 1997.

Commenting on Optus Stadium’s inclusion in the series, Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray stated “the stamp not only celebrates the terrific Optus Stadium, but also puts Perth's stunning skyline on display to the country.

"To be recognised alongside Australia's most historic and iconic sports venues is a deserved honour for Optus Stadium.

"Limited edition stamp series released by Australia Post are highly sought after and valued, and I'm sure the Sports Stadium series will enjoy the same standing."

Images show the SCG stamp (top) and the full Sports Stadium series (below).