Dropping in at the
Telstra Dome
Three days before Christmas is a time when most men are thinking about their last minute shopping spree. However, for GAVIN DARBY, the Arena Manager at the Telstra Dome, Melbourne, presents for his nearest and dearest were the furthest thing from his mind
The 19,000 sq metre Telstra Dome arena is the only covered stadium in the Southern hemisphere and, four days previously, the stands and ground had been packed with 50,000 revellers enjoying a Green Day concert. At the time of my visit, Gavin was overseeing the instalment of three drop-in wickets for Australia’s
forthcoming one day internationals against Sri Lanka and South Africa.
The Telstra Dome
Gavin is a Kiwi, and there is no doubting his allegiances, but he is very proud of his
impressive Aussie venue, “The Dome is primarily used by our local Australian Rules Football (AFL) teams. There are five clubs - Essendon, Kangaroos, Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Carlton who all consider this to be their home ground. They each play between 9 and 12 home games per year.”
In addition to Aussie Rules the stadium is used for rugby (union and league), soccer and concerts, and, in March, it will be hosting the Commonwealth Game’s rugby sevens. “We try not to have non-sporting events during our AFL
season,” added Gavin. “We have tried in the past but the turf damage is too great
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