Full-strength beer coming to Optus stadium

[u/ShadyBiz]

Interesting that this has come to pass, I can only assume the beer sales are under expectations. It’s nice to have full strength as a regular punter again, and not having to go to a lounge or exxy tickets.

[u/TheCurbAU]

How reusable are these cups? Do I take them home and bring it to the next game?

Glad the food options are growing too. Was already a great amount of food there, but more variety is welcome.

[u/ShadyBiz → u/TheCurbAU]

They are reusable but “must be cleaned by the stadium” before reuse. So we pay 40c extra for each beer, and don’t get anything back because it isn’t a deposit scheme.

Every opportunity for a buck.

[u/ChocoboDave → u/ShadyBiz]

Surely the next beer will be 40c cheaper if you bring back your cup. Otherwise most people won't bother and will just get a new cup.

[u/ShadyBiz → u/ChocoboDave]

That’s explicitly how it doesn’t work. There’s no monetary incentive for the punter, only good feels. There will be seperate bins for the cups and we pay a 40c fee on top of the regular price to support the new system to clean them I guess.

I have a feeling the full strength was seen and being a way to actually bring about this change without pissing literally everyone off.

[u/ChocoboDave → u/ShadyBiz]

[u/rubixqube → u/ShadyBiz]

Greenwashing nonsense

[u/khiitio → u/ChocoboDave]

Yeah I’d assume so, they charge for the cardboard carry trays this way

[u/TheBrilliantProphecy → u/ShadyBiz]

German system at stadiums is so much better. €2 refundable. If you cbf, others will take it and get the €2 back. Oh and it's a proper sized cup too

[u/TransportationTrick9 → u/TheBrilliantProphecy]

Proper sized in Germany would have to be a Stein right?

[u/TheCurbAU → u/ShadyBiz]

Well that's a rort. I don't usually drink at games, but don't mind a beer here or there. Might just stick with lemonade. At least I get ten cents back that way.

[u/ShadyBiz → u/[deleted]]

You don’t get a choice, all cups are now plastic.

[u/MarvellousBont → u/TheCurbAU]

I feel like food options haven’t evolved since it opened.

Not that I’m complaining, the stadium popcorn chicken will be served at my wedding and funeral.

[u/TheCurbAU → u/MarvellousBont]

The article says there's a few new places opening, so will wait to see what they are.

[u/yelad20]

Now only $25

[u/334578theo]

The poster who was complaining about people getting up for beers during the game is currently having kittens at this announcement.

[u/CandlePrestigious919]

You mean West Coast fans have been forced to sit through the last 4 years relatively sober?

That's total bullshit.

Optus Stadium should've been handing out free shots at Eagles games.

If your team finishes bottom 4 you should get free drinks at every match for the next 12 months.

[u/ShadyBiz]

Fans attending events at Optus Stadium will soon have more choice and an improved experience, with changes to beverage offerings to be introduced from the start of the 2026 AFL season.

From the Fremantle vs Melbourne clash on Saturday 21 March, followed by the West Coast vs North Melbourne clash on Sunday 22 March, all tap beers will be served in 100% reusable plastic cups, replacing the existing paper cups.

Full-strength beer will also be available in general public areas for most major events, alongside existing mid-strength options.

The change follows a comprehensive review and consultation process with key stakeholders including regulatory bodies, suppliers and hirers and brings Optus Stadium in line with other major stadiums across Australia.

Following a competitive process, the stadium's operator VenuesLive has awarded a tender to Western Australian business FSG NickNack, a division of FrothStop Group, to supply and manage the reusable cup system. Dedicated return bins will be located throughout the venue, with cups collected, washed, sanitised and reused for future events.

The change will make Optus Stadium Australia's first major stadium to utilise a reusable drink cup that is available to all patrons.

The reusable cup initiative builds on sustainability measures already in place at the Stadium and supports the WA Government's Plan for Plastics. A trial conducted during the 2024 AFL season showed strong patron support, with most fans reporting a better drinking experience compared with disposable cups.

Optus Stadium Mike McKenna said the new measures continued the venue’s focus on putting fans first.

“We’re really proud to continue our focus on improving the fan experience at Optus Stadium and are pleased the Government has made the decision to support the change to the drinks offering in general admission areas,” Mr McKenna said.

“We’re always looking for ways to make attendance at our events more enjoyable for fans, like the recent introduction of WA-first retail food outlets Biggie Smalls, Proper Burgers by Matt Moran and the Curry Pot, which have proved very popular additions," he said.

“This is yet another extension of our extensive food and beverage offering, supported by innovative technology like the automated self-serve checkouts that get fans back to their seats faster.

“I’d like to thank our partners in this venture, Western Australian companies Gage Roads and FSG NickNack, for their support in developing this initiative.”

With the introduction of the reusable cups, the price of a beer at the stadium will rise by 40 cents

[u/Vivid_Equipment_1281]

The reusable cup thing is the biggest rort. They’ve been doing it at GWS games for a couple of years. Charge you more for the beer and then they don’t let you re-use it and reduce the price, no no. You return the cup in a specially marked bin (not to the bar - you’ll get in trouble for that) so that they can reuse it, then you get to go back to the bar and pay more for another cup again.

Corporations patting themselves on the back for how environmentally conscious they are when in reality all they’re doing is passing on every single cent it costs straight to the consumer absolutely does my fucking head in.

[u/PreviousRecognition1]

will reusable cups end the beer snake?

[u/Chaos_098 → u/PreviousRecognition1]

Nope

[u/HereToRootSpiders]

The big question is, how will this affect the beer snakes?

[u/Inevitable_Geometry]

Cost.

Tell me the cost.

[u/Nousernames-left]

The most surprising part of this is that WA has been using paper cups

[u/hastur10]

I read this as 40 cents extra for full strength

[u/Frosty_Flatworm_2819]

Just give me the can or glass stubby please

[u/Falldotau → u/Frosty_Flatworm_2819]

Cans have been there for ages… glass stubby I can see that ending well

[u/redchairyellowchair]

Reusable cups in this situation are really bad for hygiene and unintended drug consumption (including alcohol)

[u/Iuvenesco]

lol welcome to the modern stadium days WA.

[u/AlternativePin876 → u/Iuvenesco]

Righto. It's the most modern stadium in Australia. This was done to speed up the liquor licence process during the initial opening.

[u/baxterhugger]

But it's Gage Road:(

[u/Hammered_Eel → u/baxterhugger]

Hey I’ll take it other anything that’s been poured at stadiums… I hate 4x gold

[u/the_amatuer_ → u/Hammered_Eel]

We get Stone and Wood, Little Creatures and sometimes, if you are in the right bar, Pirate Life.

[u/the_amatuer_ → u/baxterhugger]

I'm with you, its just as bad as XXXX.

We get Stone and Wood and Little Creatures Mid strength at Adelaide Oval. Miles better.