Surprising Aussie footy venue beats the MCG to be ranked in the top 10 stadiums in the world

Melbourne's Marvel Stadium has pipped the MCG to be recognised as one of the top-10 stadiums in the world.
According to the 2025 Pollstar Mid-Year Top 50 Worldwide Stadium Rankings, the Docklands Stadium sits fifth in the world as one of the highest-grossing stadiums.
The 53,343-capacity venue also ranks seventh for the highest number of stadium ticket sales as part of the rankings, surpassing the MCG, SCG, Adelaide Oval and the Suncorp Stadium.
The rankings are measured between November 14, 2024, and May 14, 2025, with the venue now rubbing shoulders with some illustrious venues around the world, including California 's SoFi Stadium and Japan's Tokyo Dome, which both ranked inside the top-10.
While this is the first time Marvel has been recognised inside Pollstar's top-10 venues.
The acknowledgement also comes 12 months after the stadium broke into the 2024 Billboard Boxscore rankings after it was ranked the top venue in the world for its top-grossing concert revenue figures during October.
Despite boasting a much bigger capcity, Marvel topped the MCG for ticket sales to be ranked as the fifth highest-grossing stadium in the world
Marvel was first opened in 2000 and is currently owned by the AFL. It cost approximately $460million to build and last year underwent a $225m upgrade, which was funded by the Victorian Government.
The refurbishment works included the addition of two new video screens situated under the stadium's roof as well as amendments to the stadium's infrastructure, to enhance fan experience.
Over the past year, many fans have flocked to the venue to watch both cricket and footy, but the venue has also hosted some massive concerts.
Luke Combs recently sold out the venue with two shows in February, with 111,200 fans attending the concert. A month later, US rock band Green Day took to the stage at Marvel for a gig in March, with 60,000 fans in attendance.
Coldplay hosted four gigs at Marvel back in November, while the Weeknd and PINK all played last summer and plenty more big events are coming to the stadium to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
In October and November, Oasis will play three concerts at the venue as part of their reunion tour, while Metallica and Lady Gaga are also due to play at the venue before the year is out.
'Marvel Stadium is incredibly proud to have been recognised in Pollstar's Mid-Year Top 50 Stadiums worldwide,' AFL general manager of Marvel Stadium Scott Fitzgerald said.
'To be named among the best stadiums on the global stage is a true testament to the investment and innovation that has gone into evolving Marvel Stadium into a world-class, 365-day multi-purpose venue that is delivering unforgettable experiences for fans, artists, and athletes alike.'
'Events like these would not be possible without the support of our world-class partners including Disney, Live Nation, Frontier, Ticketmaster and Delaware North who work tirelessly to attract the best in global entertainment and ensure our fans have amazing guest experiences at our venue.
'Melbourne is a city that lives and breathes sport and live entertainment, and we're proud that Marvel Stadium is continuing to shine on an international stage and creating experiences that rival the world's best.'
Marvel sat fifth behind Mexo City's Estadio GNP Seguros, the SoFi Stadium in California, Allianz Parque in Brazil and the Autordromo Hermanos Rodrigues in Mexico for gross sales.
It also comes as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Wrexham are now set to travel Down Under for a pre-season tour and are due to play at Marvel on June 11.

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