Sydney Showground Stadium - Sports Tourist

Sydney Showground Stadium, located in the heart of Sydney Olympic Park, is a modern multi-purpose stadium and a central feature of the city’s sports and entertainment landscape. More than just a sports arena, it is a landmark that symbolizes Sydney’s legacy from the 2000 Olympic Games and its ongoing passion for both sport and major events. With its adaptable design and key location, the stadium has become a premier destination in Australia for major sporting competitions, festivals, and concerts.

History and Design

The stadium was built for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, where it hosted the baseball competition. Following the Olympics, it was redeveloped as the main arena for the Sydney Showground, a purpose-built precinct for the annual Sydney Royal Easter Show. Its design is a triumph of modern engineering, featuring a unique seating bowl that provides excellent sightlines for a variety of events.

The venue’s most notable feature is its versatility. It can be transformed to host a range of sports, from Australian rules football (AFL) and cricket to rugby league, as well as being the main arena for the agricultural shows and concerts. The stadium is seamlessly integrated into the wider Sydney Olympic Park, providing world-class facilities and excellent access for spectators.

Major Events Hosted

While its primary purpose is to host a variety of sports and events, the Sydney Showground Stadium has quickly established a rich history of hosting major events, cementing its status as a regional hub for sports and entertainment.

Sydney 2000 Olympic Games: The stadium was a key venue, hosting the baseball tournament, including the gold medal game.
AFL Home Games: It serves as the primary home ground for the GWS Giants, a major club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Big Bash League Cricket: The stadium is a home ground for the Sydney Thunder, one of the leading teams in the Big Bash League (BBL), Australia’s premier Twenty20 cricket competition.
Sydney Royal Easter Show: The stadium is the main arena for the iconic annual show, which features major entertainment and agricultural events.
Music Concerts and Festivals: The venue has hosted major concerts and festivals, including the Big Day Out and Soundwave.

Key Information

Official Name: ENGIE Stadium (for sponsorship reasons)
Location: Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales, Australia
Opened: 1998
Capacity: 24,000 (for sports events)
Primary Tenants: GWS Giants (AFL) and Sydney Thunder (BBL)
Address: 1 Showground Rd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia

Contents

Getting to the Sydney Showground Stadium

The stadium is located within the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, approximately 16 km from the Sydney city center. It is conveniently located and easily accessible via public transport.

By Air: For visitors traveling from out of town, the nearest airport is Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). From the airport, the most convenient options are a taxi or rideshare service, or taking a train to Central Station and then transferring to a train to Sydney Olympic Park.
By Public Transport (Train & Bus): The most reliable and recommended way to get to the stadium is by public transport. Take a train on the Olympic Park line and alight at the “Olympic Park” stop, which is a short walk from the stadium. On major event days, direct trains often run from Central Station. Several bus routes also serve the Sydney Olympic Park precinct.
By Taxi / Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services are a quick and convenient option, but traffic can be heavy on event days.
Parking: On-site parking is available, but it can be heavily congested on event days. Public transport is highly recommended.

Tickets & Tours at the Sydney Showground Stadium

GWS Giants Tickets

Tickets for GWS Giants matches can be purchased through official ticketing partners like Ticketmaster. It’s best to book in advance, especially for high-profile matches, as they can sell out quickly.

Sydney Thunder Tickets

Tickets for Sydney Thunder games can also be purchased through official ticketing partners, including Ticketmaster. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure you get a seat, especially for popular matches.

Tours

Guided tours of the Sydney Showground and Sydney Olympic Park precinct are available, which provide a behind-the-scenes look at the various venues, including the stadium’s unique features and facilities. Tour information and booking can be found on the official Sydney Olympic Park website.

Where to Stay Near the Sydney Showground Stadium

Staying in Sydney Olympic Park is a convenient option if you want to be within walking distance of the stadium and other venues. The precinct offers several hotel options. Alternatively, staying in the Sydney city center is an excellent choice as it provides a wider range of attractions, restaurants, and bars, and you’ll have easy access to the train network for getting to and from the stadium.

Booking Tips:
- Plan Ahead: Book your accommodation and tickets well in advance, especially during major events like the Royal Easter Show, as demand can be very high.
- Check Transport: Ensure your hotel has convenient access to the train network, as it is the most efficient way to get to the stadium on event days.
- Use Reputable Sites: Use well-known and trustworthy booking websites like TripAdvisor to find and compare accommodation options.

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Sydney Showground Stadium

We hope this guide helps you have an incredible experience at Sydney Showground Stadium!

Last Updated on September 16, 2025 by Sports Tourist