Overall... Very disappointed.... but, before I get into that...
Accessibility: Travel to the Arena was easy using the T7 line to the Olympic Park Station. The area is highly walkable and easy to access in general.
Inside the Arena: Directions to the relevant areas and Doors are clear and the staff are pleasant and helpful.
Now the downside of our experience today...
For information purposes, we went to see Cirque Du Soleil Corteo, the 4pm show on Sunday 7 September 2025.
Bag Check: When you think of bag check, you think of "are you carrying illicit items, weapons or even food items from external sources.", not "your bag exceeds the arbitrary limit of 15cm by 21cm" !!??! First, that is a tiny bag, most average (and ultimately) functional handbags exceed that size. While I am a guy, I can speak confidently of my wife and most women (if not all) women I know, have a bag that exceeds that size. A bag that carries a wallet (not some tiny sliver of a thing that most men carry) phone, keys, lipstick, powder, tissues, hand sanitizer... the list goes on... and often hubby's things that he doesn't want to carry... And then are those with kids... Need I say more. Quite frankly, that size limit (with no reason that the person doing the bag check could provide, other than telling us it will cost $10 to check the bag in... are you lot insane!!!) that size limit in my humble opinion is some male chauvinism shining through!! And a CASH GRAB!!!
When you cannot provide a reason for a rule, you cannot enforce it. If you want to apply this rule, you must provide that information in advance, not drop it on everyone at the gate and expect compliance.
The fact is those bags exceeding your BS size limit, fit quite comfortably in-between legs under seats!
Oh, but it is ok for us to go to the Cirque kiosk, and purchase expensive junk which we will never use, have those purchases placed in bags that exceed your limit and take that into the venue!!! Please explain, I would love to hear you justify that...!
The other Cash Grabs: The food and drinks... In what universe can you justify $14.40 for popcorn, $8 for water, and the list goes on... It is absolutely disgusting! It's costly enough to get half decent seating that feels like it is going to collapse everytime your neighbour twitches their damn fingers! Yet, you have no issues gouging people for second rate, low quality, rubbish food!
Late arrivals should be locked out! Do not let people in when they are late, it is the responsibility of the individual to be on-time! Everyone else was, and the moron that comes in 15 minutes late, disrupts everyone elase around their seat. We and others, did not pay good money, hard earned money, to have our experience ruined because some people decide they are special and can arrive when they want to. Close the damn doors, if they cannot respect that the show has a start time, the don't deserve to be there!
And for the love of everything on this planet... People get your damn seats right! Everything is marked clearly, you are not special, be considerate of others!
Overall, with the venue having been around for so long, you would think things would be organised better and NOT focused on gouging people's wallets and provide an experience worthy of the price paid, but apparently that is too...
Read moreSydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena: A Spectacular Basketball Experience
Attending a Sydney Kings game at Qudos Bank Arena was an electrifying experience from start to finish. Here's why:
Atmosphere: The atmosphere at Qudos Bank Arena during a Sydney Kings game is nothing short of electric. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the energy pulsating through the crowd. The arena's state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable basketball experience.
Gameplay: Watching the Sydney Kings in action is a true spectacle. With their fast-paced plays, impressive skills, and strategic maneuvers, the players never fail to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan or a casual observer, the excitement of the game is palpable from every seat in the arena.
Entertainment: Beyond the thrilling gameplay, the Sydney Kings games at Qudos Bank Arena offer a variety of entertainment options to keep fans engaged throughout the event. From halftime performances to interactive fan experiences, there's never a dull moment at a Kings game.
Facilities: Qudos Bank Arena boasts top-notch facilities that enhance the overall experience for attendees. Ample seating, clear sightlines, and excellent acoustics ensure that every seat in the house offers a great view of the action. Additionally, the arena's convenient location and accessible amenities make it easy for fans to enjoy the game without any hassle.
Fan Engagement: The Sydney Kings organization goes above and beyond to engage with fans and create a sense of community. Whether it's through meet-and-greet opportunities with players, fan giveaways, or interactive social media campaigns, the Kings make sure that every fan feels valued and appreciated.
In conclusion, attending a Sydney Kings game at Qudos Bank Arena is an exhilarating experience that basketball fans won't soon forget. With its electrifying atmosphere, thrilling gameplay, top-notch facilities, and commitment to fan engagement, it's no wonder that the Kings have become a beloved institution in the world of...
Read moreUnlawful Confiscation of Personal Property at Qudos Bank Arena:
I recently attended an event at Qudos Bank Arena and had a deeply disappointing experience concerning their handling of personal property. During the event, I visited the designated smoking area to use my vape device. Upon arrival, security personnel informed me that I needed to "sign in" my vape. However, instead of a straightforward process, they confiscated my device without clear explanation or indication of how I could retrieve it.
While I respect the venue's policies and the enforcement of the Smoke-Free Environment Act 2000, it's crucial to distinguish between prohibiting the use of certain items and unlawfully seizing personal property. The Act restricts smoking in specific areas but does not grant private venues the authority to confiscate lawfully owned items.
The Conditions of Entry on Qudos Bank Arena's official website do not explicitly state that patrons are prohibited from bringing vape devices into the premises, nor do they mention any policy regarding the confiscation of such items. This lack of transparency and communication is concerning.
Under Australian law, property rights are protected, and any interference with personal property must be legally justified. The Australian Law Reform Commission emphasises that unauthorised confiscation of personal items by private entities, without legal backing, could be considered an infringement of these rights.
Moreover, the Confiscation of Proceeds of Crime Act 1989 outlines specific circumstances under which property can be lawfully seized, typically involving criminal activity. In my case, possessing a vape device is not illegal, and I was not using it in a prohibited area at the time of confiscation.
This experience has left me questioning the venue's respect for patrons' rights and their understanding of legal boundaries. I urge Qudos Bank Arena to review their policies and ensure that staff are adequately trained to handle such situations lawfully and respectfully.
For future patrons, be aware of this policy and consider...
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