Optus Stadium prepares for AFL fixtures this week

Perth’s Optus Stadium is preparing to welcome AFL fans this week with two matches to be held with the venue operating at half capacity.

The venue is expecting to welcome 30,000 spectators for Thursday night’s clash between Geelong and Collingwood and Sunday’s derby game between Fremantle and West Coast.

With the crowds of up to 30,633 to be the biggest seen in Western Australia since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic fans will be carefully monitored.

Hand sanitising facilities have been placed throughout the venue, payments will be contactless and extra cleaning will be carried out on event days.

More than 1400 casual staff, security and cleaners, all of whom have undertaken hygiene training, will work at the venue across the two games.

Hand sanitising facilities will be placed throughout the venue, payments will be contactless and extra cleaning will be carried out on event days.

Advising of the safety measures being undertaken, Optus Stadium Chief Executive, Mike McKenna advised “we have undertaken a deep clean of retail and premium product spaces, installation of sanitising stations, sanitising of all equipment and areas, upgrades to stadium security and CCTV systems and decommissioning and now recommissioning of all electrical equipment and infrastructure that had meant big savings in utility consumption.

“Football is a major avenue for the people of WA to connect with family and friends, it’s a key component of our community and culture and an opportunity for outdoor social activity and engagement.”

Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has advised that additional trains and buses will be put on before and after the games with capped capacity on each service.

Minister Saffioti explained “(Public Transport Authority) staff will be monitoring the loading of passengers at the stadium, to ensure there is sufficient space on our services.

“However, we expect it may take longer to clear the Stadium so we ask all football fans to be patient.

“Crews will be cleaning buses and trains before and during the game, as well as additional cleaning services taking place at Stadium Station.”

The Western Australian Government had been planning to move into phase five of its recovery plan on Saturday, allowing a 60,000-capacity crowd to attend the Fremantle vs West Coast clash.

However, this date has been tentatively pushed back to 1st August amid concerns about the latest outbreak in Victoria.

Other big events this week include Wednesday’s West Coast Fever netball clash at RAC Arena and the WA Unlocked concert at HBF Stadium on Saturday.

Thursday's clash between Geelong and Collingwood will be the first in Perth featuring two non-local teams.

The Queen + Adam Lambert concert on 23rd February was the venue's last event.

Images; Perth's Optus Stadium (top) and security at the venue (below).