Optus Stadium Perth: Modern Marvel of Australian Cricket

Optus Stadium — officially Perth Stadium, branded Optus Stadium from 2018 — is Australia's newest major cricket venue and the largest stadium in Western Australia. Built on the banks of the Swan River in Burswood, directly opposite central Perth, the 60,000-capacity stadium replaced the beloved WACA as Perth's Test cricket home when it opened in January 2018.

Construction and Opening

The $1.6 billion stadium was developed by the Western Australian government as a multi-purpose venue for AFL, cricket, soccer, and rugby. Construction ran from 2014 to late 2017. The ground was designed by Hassell architects in partnership with Cox Architecture and Arup engineering, with specific provisions for cricket including a removable cricket pitch square that allows the AFL oval to be maintained between seasons. The first cricket match was a BBL fixture in January 2018.

The Inaugural Ashes Test — 2017/18

The third Test of the 2017/18 Ashes series became the first Test match at Perth Stadium — played at the WACA in December 2017, while Optus Stadium was still completing final works. The transition symbolised a changing of the guard: the WACA's last Test was one of cricket's genuinely emotional goodbyes to a legendary ground. Optus Stadium then hosted the third Test of the 2021/22 Ashes — Australia won comprehensively as England's batting collapsed under Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.

England came in looking to stay in the series after a heavy Brisbane loss. Pat Cummins bowled superbly in the opening session. England were 68/5 by lunch on day one. David Warner and Travis Head scored centuries. Australia won by an innings and 26 runs to take a 3-0 lead. The pitch played fast and true — reminiscent of WACA conditions but with a more even bounce.

How the Pitch Compares to the WACA

Cricket purists debated whether Optus Stadium could match the WACA's legendary pace and bounce. Early evidence suggests the pitch — while quick — does not replicate the WACA's most extreme conditions. The larger outfield, different subsoil composition, and covered drop-in pitch technology produce a fast but more predictable surface. The extravagant irregular bounce that defined great WACA Tests has not yet been a consistent feature at Optus Stadium.

Stadium Features

Optus Stadium is among the world's most modern sporting venues. Its design incorporates natural ventilation channels between stands that reduce heat buildup for spectators — important in Perth's summer temperatures. The ground includes standing areas, premium hospitality suites, a restaurant strip along the Burswood Riverside precinct, and excellent transport links including a free train service from Perth CBD on match days. The stadium has won numerous architectural and engineering awards.

The View

From most vantage points inside Optus Stadium, the view extends beyond the playing field to the Perth city skyline across the Swan River. The combination of the river, the city, and the blue Western Australian sky on a summer Test day creates a visual spectacle that competes with Adelaide Oval for aesthetic appeal. At night, the lighting system transforms the stadium into a vivid backdrop for BBL cricket.

Big Bash League and Perth Scorchers

The Perth Scorchers — one of the most successful Big Bash League franchises, winning four BBL titles — play home matches at Optus Stadium. Scorchers crowds have often exceeded 50,000 for BBL finals, making Perth one of the most vibrant T20 cricket markets in the world. The combination of a young, enthusiastic fanbase and a winning team has transformed Perth cricket culture since the BBL's launch in 2011.