Venues NSW partnered up with experience agency Rizer to create the opening ceremony for the newly opened Allianz Stadium in Sydney’s Moore Park.
After achieving great national and international success in public events, including the re-opening of the Spanish Steps in Rome, the Sydney-based agency was engaged by Venues NSW to showcase the technical, theatrical and sporting abilities of the venue.
“Announcing the arrival of a flagship new Sydney icon to the world, we were thrilled to work alongside Venues NSW to create such an epic event designed to engage and inspire sports and entertainment lovers alike. The show is a celebration of the stadium, its past and future,” Rizer founding director Barry Wafer said.
The opening ceremony, which was held on Sunday 28 August, began with a Welcome To Country and smoking ceremony and featured the story of the land on which the stadium is built through projection, music, dance and spoken word. The evening included performances by artist Baker Boy and Guy Sebastian.
Included in the collaboration was Sydney’s leading artistic director, Nigel Jamieson, as well as arts companies, musicians and performers. As Venue NSW’s creative and production partner, Rizer oversaw a number of key elements including the creative concept, production design, original musical score, art direction of content, First Nations engagement, talent management, event programming, and an integrated print and digital promotional campaign.
Venues NSW and Allianz Stadium chief executive officer Kerrie Mather said that working with Rizer on the opening event had been a fantastic experience.
“The unforgettable grand opening had it all and the event demonstrated just how many ways the state-of-the-art Allianz Stadium can be used and will be used over the coming months,” Mather said.
“Opening Day and Night was the perfect way to celebrate a new era at Sydney’s newest sports and entertainment destination, with the Allianz Stadium opening series to continue from Friday with the historic NRLW-NRL double-header.”
