Crafty choices in Perth stadium beer range

Perth’s new multipurpose stadium will feature full strength beer and a range of Australian craft brews when it opens for business next year.

Tender documents for the supply of beer and cider at the $1.3 billion venue in Burswood have been released to interested breweries and detail a vast upgrade of options available at the rundown Domain Stadium.

Subject to liquor licensing approval – which has already been touched by the usual Nanny State naysayers - provisions have been made for kiosks throughout the general admission areas to sell “full-strength, up to around 5% ABV” beers and the range should include “Australian and ideally non-Australian or differentiated brands”.

That is a win for The Sip's good beer campaign for the new stadium.

However, for those lucky enough to be in corporate boxes, dining or entertainment suites the choice becomes considerably greater.

Breweries have been asked to tender for supply to premium product areas with requested options to include, premium and mid-strength beer, Australian beer, two premium international beers and two full strength craft beers.

But one option that might be more in reach of local craft breweries and become a prime promotional base is a special boutique bar to be situated on the first level of the stadium.

In the 258sqm facility there will be 28 beer and cider taps with stadium management desiring four craft beers be amongst the lines. At least four craft beers are to be available in package.

The boutique bar will be open to all general admission ticket holders. It would suit smaller WA breweries because they could meet the supply requirements. Only a major production brewhouse would have the resources to supply the majority of the venue which could want “5000 kegs over a 5-day period” for particular events. That’s Lion or CUB territory.

A range of craft breweries have already shown interest in the boutique bar tender process. Colonial Brewing Company, which recently sealed a beer sponsorship deal with Essendon, is expected to push for the bar.

The beer contracts cover most of the events at the stadium and will cover all AFL matches. However, there could be changes for major events such as ICC World Cup, Commonwealth Games etc, which have their own beer sponsorships.

An announcement on the successful breweries is expected at the end of August.