Venues NSW partners with Rizer to create world-class opening ceremony at Allianz Stadium

To showcase a world of sport and entertainment possibilities at the newly opened Allianz Stadium, Venues NSW joined forces with experience agency Rizer to create an opening ceremony to remember.

Having had great national and international success in public events, including the re-opening of the Spanish Steps for the City Of Rome, Rizer was excited to have the opportunity to devise and produce something spectacular on their home turf. The Sydney-based agency was engaged by Venues NSW to demonstrate the technical, theatrical and sporting abilities of this modern-day colosseum.

Collaborating with Sydney’s leading artistic director Nigel Jamieson, arts companies, musicians and performers, the story of the land on which the stadium is built transformed before the audience on August 28th through projection, music, dance and spoken word.

The opening ceremony incorporated the story of the stadium’s seating design by Indigenous artist Tony Albert and the day began with a Welcome To Country and smoking ceremony, acknowledging the land on which the stadium sits. During the evening, artist Baker Boy performed and Guy Sebastian anchored proceedings with a special performance for guests.

As Venue NSW’s creative and production partner, Rizer oversaw a number of key elements. These included the event’s creative concept, production design, original musical score, art direction of content, First Nations engagement, talent management, and event programming.

Rizer also devised an integrated promotional campaign that rolled out across print and digital channels.
Says Barry Wafer, founding director, Rizer: “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.”

Says Kerrie Mather, CEO, Venues NSW and Allianz Stadium: “It has been a fantastic experience working with the talented team at Rizer to deliver Sydney a spectacular opening of the new world-class Allianz Stadium with a free community event on Sunday.

“The unforgettable grand opening had it all – from large-scale projections, lighting, dancers, entertainment, involvement from our sporting heroes and of course the breathtaking performances by Guy Sebastian and Baker Boy. 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.

“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.”

Client: Venues NSW
Chief Executive Officer at Venues NSW & SCG: Kerrie Mather

Agency: Rizer
Founding Director: Barry Wafer
Executive Producer: Edward Woolrych
Chief Creative Officer: Bim Ricketson
Artistic Director: Nigel Jamieson
Show Producer: Simone Condon
Production Designer: Dan Potra
Video Production: Artists in Motion
Original Score: Paul Mac & Stephen Francis