FOOTY fans are being urged to leave their cars behind and arrive earlier than usual at Optus Stadium for Sunday's historic clash between West Coast and Sydney.
About 55,000 supporters are set to converge on the Burswood peninsula for the first AFL match at the world-class venue.
It should be a record crowd for a football match in WA – surpassing the 52,781 who witnessed the 1979 WAFL Grand Final – and will be another test for Perth's public transport system.
Previous events including a one-day international cricket match, Big Bash League semi-final and two Ed Sheeran concerts have run relatively smoothly.
Many West Coast fans traditionally drove to Subiaco Oval matches, but supporters are being reminded there is no parking at Optus Stadium and Eagles fans need a shift in thinking to arrive via train or bus.
"We're really confident that once people get used to the stadium, get used to travelling by train or bus, they're going to understand this is a fabulous world-class stadium," West Coast CEO Trevor Nisbett told AFL.com.au.
"We expect some hiccups along the way, you always do with something brand new and so much change all of a sudden.
"Hopefully it's not too bad for most people."
The Public Transport Authority will run special event services for the match – and Freo's first home game against Essendon next Saturday night – and advise to check the website for start times.
"Public transport is included in the ticket for three hours before the start of the game and three hours after its completion, so all fans need to do is show their ticket as they board their train or bus service," Transperth spokesman David Hynes said.
"This means you should not pay using your SmartRider or buy a cash ticket.
"These services have been designed specifically for the Stadium – so it is vital people check the Transperth website or App, plan ahead, be patient and respect their fellow travellers."
The Eagles are planning pre-game entertainment for fans who arrive in advance of the 4.20pm bouncedown.
A curtain-raising legends game will kick-off at 2.20pm and 'Auzzie' the club's mascot will take flight at 4.02pm.
Nisbett was tight-lipped about other entertainment but West Coast aims to make full use of the stadium's features, including lighting up the roof post-match if the Eagles win.
"A lot depends on the win-loss scenario after the game. If we can perform well with what is now a young team it will be exciting," Nisbett said.
"There will be some things we're going to do differently all year. We will surprise some people and some people may not like what we do but in the end we're going to try some things that will be a bit different.
"Some will be unveiled for the first game, others will be unveiled as the year goes on."
