Accor, a French hospitality company focusing on hotels, has acquired the naming rights to Stadium Australia in Sydney in a 7-year deal with Venues NSW.

The now Accor Stadium has been known as ANZ Stadium for the past 12 years since ANZ purchased the naming rights in 2008 in a 7-year deal that was later extended.

The agreed-upon amount was reported to be worth AUD$31.5m over 7-years, though the terms of the extension deal were not disclosed.

The stadium was originally built for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and can hold up to 100,000 spectators.

The stadium reverted to its non-commercial name in late 2020 and debuted its new name hosting the Australia women’s national soccer team’s match against the United States on 27th November.

Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the NSW Government was delighted to partner with Accor as the stadium’s naming rights sponsor and outlined a plan for an LED video screen installation.

“NSW is open for business, and we are thrilled our local fans, along with interstate and international visitors, will be able to experience fantastic sporting and entertainment venues like Accor Stadium.

“Accor Stadium will have an important role to play in NSW in 2022 and beyond and I can’t wait to see the seats filled again by those enjoying the experience of a large-scale live event.

“Accor Stadium will soon feature one of the world’s largest LED video screens at 1200sq metres.

“This screen is just one of many new enhancements that will improve the spectator and fan experience, and will be a unique signature of Accor Stadium,” Mrs Ward said.

Simon Mcgrath, Accor Pacific.

Chief executive of Accor Pacific, Simon McGrath, added: “We are immensely proud of this partnership, which is an investment in limitless experiences that bring people together, from world-class concerts, to sporting and family events.

“This commitment also expresses our support for tourism, hospitality, events and travel, which play a vital role in our culture,” he said.