From September this year, Etihad Stadium will be renamed Marvel Stadium following an eight-year deal struck with Walt Disney Co.
As well as winning exclusive naming rights, Walt Disney also plans to also open up a premium Marvel retail store.
In a statement to Newscorp, Melbourne Stadiums Limited chief executive Michael Green said: “Marvel is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry and one of the most recognised brand names in the world.
“It is a brand dedicated to audience experiences, which firmly aligns with our vision to create incredible experiences for fans.”
“This partnership will allow us to take the stadium atmosphere to the next level and create memorable experiences for a vast array of audiences and we look forward to delivering a truly game-changing experience.”
Marvel Studios is responsible for superhero blockbusters such as The Avengers, Captain America, Thor and Ironman.
News of the rename is already trending on Twitter, with mixed responses.
Some adored it.
Number of times my son has asked to buy a plane ticket after going to the footy at Etihad: 0
Number of times my son will ask for a Marvel product after going to the footy at Marvel Stadium: Every. Bloody. Time.
— roody (@thatsjustrood) May 23, 2018
Safe to say I reckon Etihad’s name change to Marvel stadium is elite. Endless possibilities in which bars and stand names will be changed, I must’ve died and went to heaven #thursdaypositivity
— Shaun Kennedy (@ShaunAidsBurger) May 23, 2018
While others weren’t so sure.
guys I’m not calling it Marvel Stadium. that’s never going to happen.
— gary dickson (@gzy_d) May 23, 2018
Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds, star of Marvel’s Deadpool franchise asked if he would be granted free entry into the stadium.
Do I get free entry into Marvel Stadium? #Deadpool2
— Ryan Reynolds (@Reynolds_R) May 23, 2018
The official announcement is scheduled to be made at noon today in Melbourne.
