Melburnians are reacting to Etihad Stadium’s name change to Marvel Stadium after it locked in a new eight-year deal with the Walt Disney Company.
The marvel-lous deal will see the stadium change names from September 1 and also includes a complete rebranding of the stadium and a premium Marvel shop.
Marvel is responsible for some of this century’s biggest superhero blockbusters, including The Avengers and Captain America.
The stadium’s chief executive Michael Green said the new deal would mean far more than a new name.
“This will be a naming rights relationship like no other in Australia,” Mr Green said.
“We will be delivering an immersive entertainment experience by bringing to life marvel characters and content throughout Marvel Stadium,” the executive said.
While he wouldn’t give away what exactly was planned Mr Green said people would be left in “no doubt” that they’d be arriving at Marvel Stadium.
Melburnians had a mixed reaction to the news with satirical sports writer Titus O’Reily saying the new name would more accurately describe the stadium as the “Worst Place in the World”.
Matilda tweeted she wanted to see Thor actor Chris Hemsworth at the official launch.
“If Chris Hemsworth is not there when they officially launch as Marvel Stadium then it will be the worst marketing decision ever, like seriously you have an Avenger who is a Bulldogs fanatic, it just makes sense,”
But others weren’t so sure.
“Etihad stadium ANOTHER name change … WTF is Marvel Stadium,” Brad Gallagher said.
It comes as the Etihad Stadium precinct is set to undergo a $225 million upgrade.
It will help freeze ticket prices and keep footy affordable, AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has said.
The agreement between the AFL and Andrews Government will pave the way for Melbourne Cricket Club to embark on a $1 billion redevelopment of the MCG’s Great Southern Stand in about a decade, increasing the capacity above its current 100,024.
Etihad’s revamp will focus on improving fans’ viewing, with better seating for the footy and other major events on the bottom level.
Etihad Airways bought the naming rights to the stadium in 2009.
Before that the venue was known as Telstra Dome and Colonial Stadium.
Docklands Stadium’ was built as a replacement for Waverley Park and saw its first AFL match in 2000 between Essendon and Port Adelaide.
STADIUM’S PREVIOUS NAMES
Colonial Stadium: 2000 — 2002
Telstra Dome: 2002 — 2009
Etihad Stadium: 2009 — 2019
OTHER WEIRD STADIUM NAMES
1300 SMILES Stadium — Townsville (Storm plays there tonight)
Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium — Dumbarton, Scotland
Hunky Dorys Park — Drogheda, Ireland (chip brand)
KFC Yum! Center — Luisville, Kentucky
Hard Rock Stadium — Miami
Tony Macaroni Arena — Livingston, Scotland
Smoothie Centre — New Orleans (NBA)
Stub Hub Centre — LA (home of LA Galaxy soccer team)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park — Colorado
Beaver Stadium — college field in Pennsylvania
Sports Authority Field at Mile High — Denver Broncos
Mercedes Benz Super Dome — New Orleans