5 days ago
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The first Ashes Test of the Summer is set to get underway in Perth on Friday – but it's the name of the stadium where the match will be held that has fans scratching their heads after a picture surfaced online.
While the ground hosting the first Test is known as 'Optus Stadium' by most sporting fans, this week it'll be called 'Perth Stadium', with any Optus advertising signage ripped away.
All of the telco giant's internal branding is in the process of being removed inside the 60,000-seat stadium.
The reason for the change is down to the specifics of a naming rights contract Optus signed with the WA state government in 2017, with a reported $50million spent on the deal, which doesn't expire until 2028.
An image of the signage being taken down has left fans puzzled after it was shared on X.
Aussie sporting fans know the venue for the first Ashes Test as Optus Stadium - but the telco's signage is being removed (pictured) and it'll be known as Perth Stadium during the match
The signage (pictured at an AFL match) is seen at every sporting event except cricket matches - leaving the arena with a very different look for fans who flock to Perth to watch the first Test
Former WA Premier Mark McGowan (pictured) signed the multi-million dollar deal behind the signage change in 2017
The change was discussed ad nauseum up in 2022, when matches were played at the location for the ICC T20 World Cup.
Cricket Australia requires the stadium to be known as Perth Stadium for all international cricket events - and the Ashes are no different.
Fans have taken to social media to express their bewilderment over the call.
'Could have saved a lot of hassle by just naming it Perth Stadium from the start,' one X user wrote.
'Why is it always called Optus Stadium when AFL is played there, but Perth Stadium when cricket is played there? That's so weird', added another commenter.
It comes just months after a campaign was mounted, urging officials to end the telco's association with the stadium.
WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas has been a key spokesperson behind the push, which only became stronger after an Optus outage was linked to three deaths.
Australia faced Sri Lanka at Perth Stadium in a 2022 T20 World Cup match - with David Warner and Aaron Finch opening the batting (pictured above)
The Perth arena (pictured) played host to a rain-affected ODI match between Australia and India a few weeks ago
Australian fast bowler Scott Boland (pictured at media conference) will play in a Test at Perth Stadium for the first time on Friday
Australia are yet to decide the starting 11 that will take the field for the opening match of the series, with the replacements for injured star Josh Hazlewood and the batter who'll partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order still up in the air.
Cummins was ruled out of the first Test weeks in advance, but has been spotted bowling in the nets in Perth, fuelling speculation that he'll be fit to be selected for the next match at the Gabba.
The first Ashes Test begins on Friday.
It will be the first time England plays an Ashes Test at Perth Stadium.
