Optus Stadium senior executive made redundant less than two weeks after venue opening

A senior executive at Perth’s new Optus Stadium has been made redundant as part of an "organisational structure update" less than two weeks after the $1.6 billion venue's opening.

Chief Operating Officer Brad Paatsch has left as a result of "structural changes" to staffing at the venue, according to a statement from VenuesLive - Optus Stadium Chief Executive Mike McKenna.

The statement advised "after a year of pre-operational planning and preparation behind us and looking ahead to the future needs of our fans and customers now operations are underway, the VenuesLive organisational structure has been updated.

"Many of these structural changes impact the commercial operations area of Optus Stadium and as a result the role of chief operating officer, held by Brad Paatsch, has become redundant and Brad has left the business."

"During his time with VenuesLive, Brad was responsible for delivering a commercial program which included acquiring Optus as a naming rights partner, one of the largest rights deals of its type in Australia, along with the implementation of the Bankwest Club and procuring commercial agreements with local suppliers such as Gage Roads and Mrs Mac's.

"We wish Brad all the best for the future and thank him for his commitment to Optus Stadium."

Paatsch joined Perth Stadium in late 2016, leaving his strategic projects management position with the Fremantle Dockers to take up the role.

The move by VenuesLive follows the first sporting event at the Stadium - a One Day International between Australia and England - where fans expressed unhappiness with the catering options and which saw two of three tap beers running out, including in the stadium members' area.

VenuesLive confirmed their retail operations manager had resigned several weeks ago.

McKenna conceded at the time that the day was a massive learning curve for his staff and for Transperth officials, who also struggled with public transport services to the venue.

Perth Stadium train station became congested with thousands of people queuing to be let onto the platform in groups, as loudspeaker announcements asked patrons for patience.

The Public Transport Authority said the lack of a functioning footbridge put a greater strain on public transport.

The footbridge, which was delayed by a contract dispute and change of contractor, is expected to get up to 14,000 people out of the venue and is expected to be completed by May.

In the lead up to the opening of the Optus Stadium industry insiders questioned whether its senior management team, while highly experienced in sport, had appropriate experience in the operation of major venues. 

29th January 2018 - MORE THAN 53,000 FANS ATTEND FIRST SPORTING EVENT AT PERTH’S OPTUS STADIUM 

25th January 2018 - DAKTRONICS LED DISPLAY SYSTEM TO ENHANCE OPTUS STADIUM’S FAN EXPERIENCE

22nd January 2018 - WESTERN AUSTRALIAN PREMIER OPENS GATES TO PERTH’S NEW OPTUS STADIUM

18th January 2019 - SPORTING HISTORY TO BE MADE WITH OPENING OF PERTH’S OPTUS STADIUM 

4th January 2018 - WESTERN AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT ASSUMES OWNERSHIP OF PERTH’S OPTUS STADIUM

19th December 2017 - LOCAL BUSINESSES BENEFIT FROM NEW OPTUS STADIUM CONTRACTS 

20th November 2017 - ONE DAY CRICKET INTERNATIONAL TO BE FIRST SPORTING FIXTURE AT PERTH’S OPTUS STADIUM 

8th November 2017 - OPTUS SECURES NAMING RIGHTS FOR NEW PERTH STADIUM 

23rd November 2016 - BRAD PAATSCH NAMED PERTH STADIUM CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

21st September 2016 - MIKE MCKENNA APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR THE NEW PERTH STADIUM 

15th July 2016 - NEW PERTH STADIUM TO HOST NRL STATE OF ORIGIN IN 2019

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.