Marvel (Etihad) Stadium

Project scope

740 Bourke St, Docklands VIC 3008

Originally built as a replacement for Waverley Park, the stadium is home to a number of domestic and international sporting events including the AFL, Twenty20 cricket matches, Rugby league and union matches, and also hosts a number of entertainment events and concerts. The stadium owes its iconic status to its distinctive retractable roof. Positioned 38 meters (125 feet) above the playing surface and fully opening from east to west in 8 minutes, the stadiums roof structure is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. COVA (as SEMF previously) designed the innovative moving roof, including the complete control system and SCADA interface. COVA also designed 16 x long travel bogies and sophisticated linear drive system which was the first to be used in Australia, 4 x 8 tonne lateral restraint trolleys including state-of the-art hydraulic power packs and a storm brake system for withstanding external wind loading. With each roof panel measuring over 165 meters in height and weighing more than 1,200 tonnes, design safety was an important consideration during the project. Following the completion of the project, COVA have continued to provide technical and breakdown support services including 24/7 phone support, for all aspects of the roof including electrical, mechanical, structural and automation services.