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The Docklands Stadium is a multipurpose stadium located in Docklands, Melbourne in the state of Victoria. This stadium is known by its sponsor name as Etihad Stadium.
The stadium features games like Rugby, Football and Cricket but is also used for organising live concerts and other events in the city of Melbourne. The stadium is owned by the Australian Football Club and has a seating capacity of 53,359 spectators.
The stadium serves as the home ground for a number of teams from both cricket and football like Essendon Football Club, St. Kilda Football Club, Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne Football Club and Carlton Football Club. The Melbourne Renegades of the Big Bash League is the home team in cricket at this ground.
History
The stadium was constructed under the name of Victoria Stadium and was inaugurated in March 2000.
The first international match to be hosted by the stadium was the Australia vs South Africa in the Super Challenge Series of 2000. The match was won by Australia by 94 runs.
Major Matches
The Docklands Stadium has hosted a number of matches and tournaments till date. The most significant match was between Melbourne Knights and South Melbourne Hellas as it was the only National Soccer League match in Melbourne.
The stadium had also hosted some matches of the 2003 Rugby Cup and was the main ground of the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
Controversies
The Docklands Stadium has always been in the news for one controversial issue or the other since its inception. The common issues of criticism include the mismanagement and carelessness of the authorities leading to complaints about low quality surface of the ground, slippery ground and even low grass cover.
The Australian Football Club was criticised for expensive replacement of the turf. The stadium even lacks adequate sunlight with just 6 weeks of light on the northern part of the stadium.
