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The State Government has overlooked a bid by football to operate the new Perth Stadium.
Premier Colin Barnett today announced that Stadium Australia Operations, operator of Sydney’s ANZ Stadium, had been chosen as the preferred operator.
The decision is a shock for WA football. It's consortium was not even listed as a fallback.
The battle for the operator contract was fought out between Perth Stadium Management, a vehicle of the WA Football Commission in partnership with Live Nation, Ticketmaster and Delaware North; AEG Ogden, which manages Perth Arena among its global portfolio of venues; Nationwide Venue Management, a division of Spotless which runs the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre; and Stadium Australia Operations, operator of Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.
Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies said AEG Ogden was also approved as reserve respondent, in the event the State Government could not conclude negotiations with Stadium Australia Operations.
Sensitive commercial negotiations between the State Government, West Coast Eagles, Fremantle Dockers and AFL have been on hold until the operator is appointed.
The Government originally hoped to have user agreements for AFL matches to be played at the stadium concluded last year but talks were put on hold in the lead-up to Christmas.
In a statement, the Premier Colin Barnett said the State Government would enter into exclusive negotiations with Stadium Australia Operations to become the operator, following a three-month evaluation period and subsequent approval by State Cabinet.
Mr Barnett said Stadium Australia Operations' proposal offered the best value for money and an operating approach which put fans first.
"A key feature of the bid was the depth and breadth of proposed events to be held at Perth Stadium and the strategies to secure them," he said.
"The 60,000 seat Perth Stadium will be a world-class venue and it is fitting that a world-class operator is appointed," Mr Barnett said.
The operator will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the stadium and sports precinct, including catering, securing event content, event management and ticketing.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa...-stadium-deal/