Marvel Stadium’s $225m revamp includes bars, mini golf and new ‘Stadium Square’

It’s Marvel Stadium like you’ve never seen it before — take a sneak peek at the first stage of a major revamp of the AFL-owned stadium.

AFL customer manager Kylie Rogers took the Herald Sun on an exclusive tour. Photo: Aaron Francis.

Footy fans will be able to dine at a high class Italian restaurant or pub, play mini golf and book a private function overlooking the playing surface any day of the week under a major revamp of AFL-owned Marvel Stadium.

A world-class renovation of Victoria’s second biggest stadium is taking shape at Docklands, with the first stage of a $225 million redevelopment reaching its final stages.

The Herald Sun scored an exclusive sneak peek at the upgrade, with AFL chief Gillon McLachlan and executive Kylie Rogers showing off new areas that will greet fans for the start of next footy season.

They include a grand new “Stadium Square” which will serve as the main entrance and be turned into community markets and a live site with super screen for events such as Superbowl watch parties.

The level one ‘View Bar’. Picture: Aaron Francis

The revamp will greet fans next season. Picture: Aaron Francis

A level one “View Bar’’ with boutique beers, gastropub menu and floor to wall windows looking over the ground will provide one of Melbourne’s best new live sporting outlooks.

An indoor mini golf course, escape rooms and karaoke bars will entertain fans at half time of the footy or after work.

And new prayer, parents and sensory rooms will be open for community use during events but also on non match days.

Mr McLachlan said it would breath new life into the stadium and draw crowds to Docklands seven days a week.

“It was already a venue that had the best sight lines, the best location and the best parking but we felt it could interact a bit more with the surrounding precinct,’’ he said.

“So part of this is to work seven days, Stadium Square will operate seven days a week for everyone living and working in the area which is about 70,000 people working every day.’’

AFL customer general manager Kylie Rogers and chief executive Gillon McLachlan. Picture: Aaron Francis

Sneak peek at redeveloped parts of Marvel Stadium. Aaron Francis / Herald Sun

The new main stadium entrance, previously gates two and three, “Bar 102” in Stadium Square and ground level “Johnny Walker Bar’’, both with views of the ground, will open this weekend.

Function spaces and a revamped gate five entrance will open later this year.

“Whatever level you are on, on the southern or eastern side, on ground, or level one, two or three – everything is better,’’ Mr McLachlan said.

“Better food and beverage access, better rooms, everything has improved.’’

The new bar offers great views. Picture: Aaron Francis

Ms Rogers said opening the first stage of the redevelopment was only part of a bigger vision.

“Stage one is the east and south – more food and beverage, better amenities, rooftop bars, great function rooms for private rental,’’ she said.

“Then we are going to look at how we can improve our premium areas like Medallion Club next year.

“And then the final piece of the puzzle is north and west – what are we doing with Harbour Esplanade?

“How do we make sure that the city meets the water?’’

The AFL hopes to stage Tuesday night markets in the new public square, show live sporting events such as Matildas or Socceroos internationals and launch events in the space.

“So it is going to be activated all the time,’’ she said.

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Take a sneak peek inside Marvel Stadium's $225m revamp. #melbourne#victoria#marvel#marvelstadium#afl#sneakpeak

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The open design of Stadium Square is also expected to allow easy fan entry and exit from the stadium.

Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said: “This upgrade will ensure Marvel remains a great stadium for years to come and can host blockbuster football matches or other sporting events such as the Matildas send off match or the Kambosos Haney title fight.”


“The upgrades will provide a vibrant hub for the Docklands community, helping attract more visitors to Melbourne’s waterfront with bars and restaurants for any day of the week.”