Fans first at Perth's new stadium

• Stadium seating dimensions bigger or similar to Etihad Stadium across all tiers
• Sightlines equal to or better than MCG and Etihad

Premier Colin Barnett today announced two key decisions that will ensure a 'fan first' experience at the new Perth stadium.

"In early May, I committed to providing regular updates on progress of the new stadium and the provision of quality facilities for all spectators would be an important driver in our planning," Mr Barnett said.

"Today, I can confirm the seats at the new stadium will be much bigger and more comfortable than the seats at Patersons Stadium, with enough spacing between rows to allow patrons to pass through without other patrons necessarily having to stand up.

"The issues around seat size and lack of passing room at Patersons Stadium are something I am very much aware of, so for Perth's new stadium, both these have been set to be bigger than Etihad Stadium.  In fact the seats are less than a centimetre narrower than the traditional Qantas domestic business class seats."

The sightlines at the new stadium will ensure fans not only have comfortable seats, but the best view as well.

"This also means fans won't have to stand up to watch the action close to the boundary," the Premier said.

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said putting fans first meant ensuring there was a good view from all seats, that there were enough toilets and places for families to relax before and after the game as well as access to quality food choices.

"Watching a game at Perth's new stadium will be a far better experience than at Patersons Stadium, with a good view from every seat and a range of offerings available to everyone," he said.

The seats will be bigger or at least similar to Etihad Stadium across all tiers, with sightlines equal to or better than those experienced at the current benchmark Australian stadiums - the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Etihad Stadium.

"There will be more than the traditional corporate box on offer, allowing the people of Western Australia as much flexibility as possible for their match day experience," Mr Waldron said.

The Premier said the stadium Project Definition Plan was well under way with the report to Government expected in coming months, ready for the start of the design phase in late 2012.

      Fact File

• Seating dimensions for the bowl will be:
• General Admission - row depth 825mm, seat spacing 500mm (standard greater than Etihad)
• Premium seating level - row depth 900mm, seat spacing 550mm (standard similar to Etihad)
• Suite level - row depth 950mm, seat spacing 550mm (standard similar to Etihad)
• Seating bowl sightlines based on achieving best balance between sightlines & proximity to play
• Focal point for all tiers is to be 15m inside the fence line. This will produce sightlines:
• in the lower tier that are significantly better than the MCG lower tier
• in the upper tier sightlines to match the MCG upper tiers sightlines
• in the club & suite tier sightlines to match the MCG but with proximity similar to Etihad
• For more information go to: http://www.perthstadium.com.au

Premier's office - 6552 5000
Sport and Recreation Minister's office - 6552 6100