The Victorian government has inked an eight-year-deal with the Walt Disney Company to rename Etihad Stadium after comic publisher Marvel.
The Docklands stadium is set to be rebranded as Marvel Stadium from September 1, with a Marvel retail store on site.
Stadiums Limited chief executive Michael Green is excited about the redevelopment.
“This is far more than having a sign on a building,” he told 3AW this morning.
“We’ll be bringing characters to life, a lot of technology content so you’ll have no doubt at all you’ll have an immersive experience.”
There has been a mixed reaction to the announcement on Twitter, with the name change currently trending on the platform.
AFL writer and broadcaster Titus O’Reily called Marvel Stadium the ‘worst place in the world’.
I’m a new deal, Etihad Stadium will be renamed ‘Marvel Stadium’ and not the more accurate ‘Worst Place in the World’.
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) May 23, 2018
Stand-up comedian Adam Rozenbachs took the opportunity to joke about the overpriced food at the venue.
Marvel Stadium unveils new character, Overpriced Food Vendor Man. #AFL @JunktimeAFLPod
— adam rozenbachs (@arozenbachs) May 23, 2018
Some were on board with the idea.
Etihad Stadium to be named Marvel Stadium from Sep 1 this year. Sonething I can definitely get on board with!! #EtihadStadium pic.twitter.com/BLRJI5UvIz
— Val Febbo (@VFebbo96) May 23, 2018
Etihad Stadium is expected to undergo a $225 million makeover after the state government allocated funding in the May budget, but the timeline of the revamp has not been announced.
Previously named the Colonial Stadium and the Telstra Dome, Eithad airline purchased the naming rights to the venue in 2009.
