Changes at Telstra Dome ahead of AFC Champions League 2008
Monday, 18 February 2008

Telstra Dome
Telstra Dome.

Melbourne Victory CEO Geoff Miles today announced several positive changes at Telstra Dome ahead of the club’s historic first AFC Champions League match against the Chunnam Dragons on Wednesday, 12 March.

With tickets for Victory’s three AFC Champions League home matches set to go on sale to Victory members tomorrow, Miles confirmed that the area on Level 1 behind the goal at the La Trobe Street end of Telstra Dome has been reinstated to Victory General Admission ticket holders.

Miles also advised that Telstra Dome has approved musical instruments and oversized flags in the areas on Level 1 behind the goals through a registration process with the club.

“Following consultation with our supporter groups, meetings with Telstra Dome and approval from Football Federation Australia, we’re pleased to announce several changes at Telstra Dome for our three AFC Champions League home matches,” Miles said.

“In these discussions, Telstra Dome has been supportive of the key requests from our supporter groups, and we look forward to building a strong relationship between the venue and our fans.

“The changes represent a positive step forward that acknowledge and recognise the great contribution of our fans in providing passionate support of our team and generating an amazing match day atmosphere.

“We appreciate the cooperation of Telstra Dome, who will continue to offer family friendly facilities at their world class stadium, including dry areas and reserved seating options, whilst also accommodating our supporter groups.

“Our players will no doubt receive fantastic home crowd support as we take on Asia’s best club teams in the AFC Champions League.”

The following points summarise the agreed position reached between Melbourne Victory, North Terrace supporter groups and Telstra Dome:

• The area on Level 1 behind the goal at the La Trobe Street end is reinstated to Victory General Admission ticket holders. This area and the area on Level 1 behind the goal at the Bourke Street end ("North Terrace") will be designated standing areas.

• Key supporter groups will have reserved bays at both ends on Level 1 of Telstra Dome to establish a presence, as seen at Victory’s last home game against Wellington Phoenix.

• Musical instruments, including drums and trumpets, will be allowed in the areas on Level 1 behind the goals through a registration process with the club.

• Oversized flags will be permitted within the areas on Level 1 behind the goals through a registration process with the club.

• Approved supporter banners can be displayed in the areas on Level 1 behind the goals, and if commercial signage allows, along the perimeter fence. Other banners will be considered, providing they don't obstruct commercial signage or impede spectator viewing.

• Supporter groups at both ends will have the use of one megaphone in order to assist nominated leaders with chants and directions.

• Supporter groups can organise choreographed displays of support within the areas on Level 1 behind the goals, as approved by Victory and Telstra Dome.

• The away team supporter area will be situated on the Harbour Esplanade side of Telstra Dome at the La Trobe St end (adjacent to Gate 8).

These key changes have been approved by FFA for the AFC Champions League 2008. FFA is in the process of reviewing stadium arrangements for all clubs and stadia ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 Season.

Tickets for Victory’s three AFC Champions League home matches will go on sale to the general public this Friday, 22 February, with Victory members receiving a priority purchase period from 9am tomorrow (Tuesday, 19 February).

Tickets will be available from Ticketmaster by calling 136 100 or through ticketmaster.com.au.