Fremantle’s new home ground has been given a glowing review after Perth-based Fairfax Media reporter David Prestipino was given a behind the scenes look at Perth Stadium.

In his story on The Age website, Prestipino said the ground lived up to it’s billing of a world-class stadium and came good on a promise to not have a bad seat in the house.

Prestipino said the most impressive aspect of the ground was its ability to ensure every fan is close to the action, particularly those in the higher tiers.

“There's no doubt the stadium is world-class in every aspect, but the biggest different fans will first notice when they take their seats next season is the stadium's seating bowl, which brings them closer to the action and gives exceptional bird-eye views of how play is unfolding on the field,” Prestipino wrote on theage.com.au.

“From the very highest tiers, like level five, it feels like you're sitting right on top of the ground, rather than away from it like at Subiaco Oval, with the atmosphere enhanced by the lower levels below being almost non-existent to the naked eye when seated this high.”

Members and fans won’t have any problems in accessing the spectacular views form the upper tiers, with increased accessibility to all parts of the stadium.

“There are stairs, escalators and lifts to take footy fans of all ages to the higher tiers, where fans up there won't miss the two massive, 340sqm TV screens at either end of the ground, some of the biggest in Australia,” said Prestipino.

“Walking through the wide concourse behind the sectioned seating is like a postcard of our city, with fans treated to generous views of the CBD skyline and Swan River, after parts of the exterior panels were purposely left off the shell of the stadium.

“Nearby is the premium Skyview Lounge, which shares a long balcony with a public area for members and fans who may require a breather from the action.” 

Perth Stadium will officially open with a free Community Open Day on Sunday January 21.

Fremantle fans will be among the first to see the ground in use, with Freo’s AFLW side playing Collingwood in round 2 of the AFLW season on Saturday February 10.

FAN-FIRST FEATURES:

  • 4G coverage across the stadium
  • 2 x 340sqm super screens at either end
  • 1000 other TV screens strategically placed throughout the stadium
  • 85% of seats are covered by the lightweight fabric roof
  • 70 food and beverage outlets, 50 of which have views of the ground
  • 50cm-wide seats that all include cup holders
  • 12 lifts, elevators, 3 adult change rooms, parents/baby room, bigger cubicles
  • 360-degree access at all GA levels
  • 60 universal toilets
  • 748 male bathrooms, 781 female bathrooms
  • 600 bike racks
  • 450 wheelchair positions and 327 seats for fans with other mobility requirements
  • 10,000 additional seats can be used if needed

Freo fans will also be among the first to see the ground’s lighting system in action, with the side’s round two AFL home opener scheduled for 5:10pm against Essendon.

“The atmosphere at respective home games will light up the eyes of fans, literally, with state-of-the-art LED in club colours illuminated through the roof,” Prestipino said.

“It should make the home-ground advantage both WA clubs enjoy even greater than what they experienced at Subi.

“Coaches aren't forgotten either, with access to a 60-person briefing room as well as the 30-person coaches' box, medical rooms and recovery facilities that include hot and cold spas on level three.” 

Prestipino was also full of praise for The Field Club, which allows fans the chance to see the team warm up and run onto the ground.

But the first-class fan experience is continued on the outside of the ground, according to Prestipino.

“A restaurant overlooking the Swan River will also be open pre and post-game and on non-event days,” said Prestipino.

“Facilities outside the stadium have been designed also with the fan forefront of mind, with a covered community arbour representing Noongar stories linking the six-platform Stadium Station to the Swan River.”

“The grounds west of the stadium house a boardwalk and amphitheatre, parkland, children's playgrounds, BBQ and picnic areas while an oval on the north is available for public use on non-event days.”

“A network of walking and cycle tracks will come in handy on game day and beyond, while the transport strategy promises safe and efficient movement of 83 per cent of a capacity crowd within 30 minutes of a game finishing.”