A new era for events: The evolution of Marvel Stadium

Following a $225 million redevelopment, Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium has transformed into a premium events and entertainment precinct that reflects the city’s dynamic cultural identity.

The distinctive facade of Marvel Stadium has framed the skyline of Melbourne’s CBD for a quarter of a century since opening in March 2000.

Following its $225 million redevelopment in 2024, the venue has evolved into a premium, versatile and future-focused events precinct that is symbolic of the Victorian capital’s cultural heartbeat.

Whether you are planning an occasion for seven guests or 70,000 people, Marvel Stadium offers a diverse array of settings that speak to Victoria’s vibrant events scene.

From intimate presentations to large-scale public activations, the upgraded spaces combine cutting-edge facilities with striking design, echoing the creative energy of Melbourne.

Marvel Stadium general manager Scott Fitzgerald says the intention behind the redevelopment goes well beyond logistics.

Marvel Stadium’s premium offering at Stoke-Grill.

“We’re not just hosting events,” he says.

“Our aim is to create experiences that deliver impact through seamless execution, elevated dining and considered design.

“Melbourne is the epicentre of business events in Australia, and Marvel Stadium is proud to play a leading role in showcasing the innovation and excellence this city is known for.”

Rooms with a view

Marvel Stadium is home to more than 20 new and improved function spaces, which are suitable for multiple formats and styles.

For premium celebrations that require something extra, the new Skyline Room offers sweeping views of Australia’s cultural capital through floor-to-ceiling windows. This luxurious room provides a five-star dining experience with an exclusive menu showcasing local produce.

The rooftop Horizon Room delivers equally stunning panoramic views, making it the perfect backdrop for gala dinners, grand conferences and sophisticated cocktail parties. This room includes state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and can accommodate up to 350 guests.

Marvel Stadium executive chef Jason Staudt with general manager Scott Fitzgerald.

For high-impact activations – such as Chery Australia’s recent launch of the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, which featured six cars, a pyrotechnics show and a display of Chery’s futuristic robot dogs – and immersive experiences such as the NFL Super Bowl Live Site, the dynamic Stadium Square precinct is a premium-standard entertainment zone. Positioned at Gates 2 and 3, this dual-level hub features overhead coverage to protect against Melbourne’s famously fickle weather.

The largest and most versatile area, the Victory Room, delivers spectacular views of Victoria Harbour for up to 2000 guests. It can be divided into five areas and includes AV and excellent acoustics – ideal for trade shows, conferences and presentations.

A space for every occasion

“Versatility is the central theme of Marvel Stadium’s post-redevelopment identity,” says Fitzgerald.

“We can accommodate almost any event, no matter the size or setting.

“We’re particularly proud of the stadium’s advanced functionality – elements such as a retractable roof and seating, reconfigurable spaces and integrated AV.

“These features offer the flexibility and calibre premium event producers expect.”

Stoke-Grill, from the team behind Melbourne’s Stokehouse restaurant.

Marvel Stadium also plays an important role in celebrating the communities that give Melbourne its soul.

Events such as NBA Live Sites, Diwali festivals, the enchanting North Pole Christmas experience and Stadium Golf offer a place for the city’s inhabitants to come together to connect, celebrate and share.

New dawn for stadium dining

In 2025, Marvel Stadium has unveiled three new destination restaurants, each led by an acclaimed Victorian chef.

Among the dining experiences are Altis by Stephen Nairn of Yugen Dining and Omnia fame; a reimagined Lee Ho Fook by hatted chef Victor Liong; and the newest offering, Stoke-Grill, by Jason Staudt and the team behind Melbourne institution Stokehouse.

Guests at Marvel Stadium are treated to exceptional cuisine.

While each restaurant offers a distinct identity, all share an ambition to push the boundaries of stadium dining.

Spearheaded by executive chef Dushyant Bhati – from Delaware North, Marvel Stadium’s long-term hospitality partner – the venue’s new food direction champions local ingredients and spices, paying homage to Victoria’s rich produce while embracing the diverse culinary traditions that define Melbourne’s identity.

The result is an evolving menu that brings multicuisine experiences to the stands – vibrant, bold and authentically Melbourne.

From football to concerts and beyond

As Marvel Stadium raises the bar for event hospitality, it is also redefining its role in the city’s cultural landscape by establishing itself as one of Melbourne’s favourite event destinations.

In 2024, the stadium experienced record attendance and was the world’s highest-attended venue in October that year. Coldplay also broke Marvel Stadium’s all-time concert attendance record, with 227,000 fans across four shows.

Marvel Stadium was also recently recognised as one of the top 10 stadiums globally in the official 2025 Pollstar Mid-Year Top 50 Worldwide Stadium rankings – ranked number five in the world for highest-grossing stadiums, and number seven for highest stadium ticket sales.

The venue’s redevelopment feels like a natural progression of this success.

“It’s more than just a physical upgrade,” says Fitzgerald.

“It signals a shift in what Marvel Stadium represents. For decades, we’ve played a central role in Melbourne’s passion for sport. Now we offer a destination for connection, culture and world-class cuisine.”

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