In the first of a two-part series, Australia Post is celebrating some of Australia’s most loved and recognisable sporting venues, each with a special place in the lives of many Australians.
Speaking on the stamp release, Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said it was an opportunity to recognise the importance of sport as a big part of Australian popular culture.
“These popular venues play a role in shaping a city’s identity. We’re thrilled to shine a light on these iconic venues, with stamps to be enjoyed by sport lovers and collectors alike.”
The four domestic base-rate ($1) stamps, designed by Andrew Hogg Design, feature:
$1 AAMI Park, Victoria
The award-winning AAMI Park was welcomed to Melbourne & Olympic Parks’ precinct in May 2010, giving Victoria its first world-class pitch for elite-level rugby league, rugby union and football codes. The 30,050-seat stadium is defined by its distinctive bio-frame design, the roof of which provides covered seating for most of a capacity crowd enjoying the spectacle on the 136 x 82 metre playing field below.
$1 Optus Stadium, WA
Optus Stadium was opened in Perth in January 2018, and in its first 12 months of operation attracted more than two million fans. The 60,000-seat stadium can host AFL, rugby union, rugby league, football and cricket, as well as large entertainment events. From fence to fence the pitch covers 177 x 141 metres, with 165 x 130 metres for the AFL field of play.
$1 Sydney Cricket Ground, NSW
Located on the edge of the CBD, the Sydney Cricket Ground has a long and venerable history dating back to the mid-19th century. It hosted its first game of cricket in 1854, and has been home to major cricket matches since 1876. With a capacity of 48,000, in addition to hosting cricket in its various formats, it also regularly hosts AFL, rugby league and union, and football.
$1 Melbourne Cricket Ground, Victoria
Melbourne Cricket Ground, or the MCG or ‘G, as it is fondly known, is considered by many to be one of the premium stadia of the world. Built in 1853, it was the main venue for the first Olympic Games held in the Southern Hemisphere in 1956, a centrepiece for the 2006 Commonwealth Games and host to two cricket World Cups, in 1992 and 2015. Primarily a ground for AFL and cricket, with a capacity exceeding 100,000, it sits fondly in the heart of many Victorians and Australians alike.
Products associated with this issue include first day cover, stamp pack, medallion cover, booklet collection pack, maxicard set and four booklets of 10 x $1 self-adhesive stamps.
The stamp and associated products are available at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794, and online at auspost.com.au/stamps, from Tuesday 4 June 2019 while stocks last.
