Sporting Stars Honoured at Allianz Stadium

Five legendary Australians are recognised in Allianz Stadium’s Ring of Champions, a modern celebration of sporting greats around the concourse of the state-of-the-art venue.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens today announced that Arthur Beetson, Ron Coote, Betty Cuthbert, Nick Shehadie and Johnny Warren are the first five honourees at Allianz Stadium, which will officially open on Sunday.

Mr Henskens was joined by Mr Coote and friends and family of the other honourees at Allianz Stadium on Thursday to confirm their inclusion.

“Betty Cuthbert’s feat of winning Olympic Gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m is still yet to be matched and she set or equalled three world records at the old Sydney Sports Ground during her career,” Mr Henskens said.

“Nick Shehadie’s contribution to our city across sport, politics, media and much more is unmatched and Johnny Warren taught us all to love the beautiful game.

“In rugby league, it is fitting that we honour Arthur Beetson and Ron Coote, two great players and two great Australians, who won grand finals and represented their clubs, NSW and Australia at Moore Park.”

Venues NSW chairman Tony Shepherd AO said the first five members of the Ring of Champions would be joined by more greats in the future.

“The Ring of Champions is a modern solution for a modern stadium, so it will reflect the changing nature of the sports that draw people to our venues, including the rise of elite women’s team sport that is driving so much interest and excitement,” Mr Shepherd said.

“I thank the SCG Heritage Trust for the important foundational and educational work they completed on this task and look forward to the next phase of celebrating our sporting greats.”

Several other areas or rooms have also been named in the new stadium, including the new plaza areas around the venue.

These include Damun Place, Busby’s Corner, the Sheridan Stairs, the Ray Warren Media Centre and suites named in honour of JW Turner and Jack Brabham.

Turner was a former chairman of the Sports Ground Trust and hugely significant in its history, while Brabham’s motorsport career began at the Sports Ground and took him all the way to the F1 world title.

Allianz Stadium will be officially opened this Sunday 28 August with a free community day and night delivered in partnership between Venues NSW, Destination NSW and leading Sydney events company Rizer.

The free community event kicks off a bumper opening schedule of events, starting with NRLW (Roosters v Dragons) and NRL (Roosters v Rabbitohs) on September 2, Wallabies v Springboks on September 3 and Matildas v Canada on September 6.