Stadia brings troops live to the 'G on ANZAC Day

Over 85,000 AFL fans who packed the MCG on ANZAC Day were able to catch a glimpse of life on the front line thanks to Stadia Media, who organised a live cross on the big screen to Aussie soldiers in Afghanistan.

The idea was first touted by Anthony Charles, Managing Director – Diversified for the Mitchell Communication Group, just a few days before the game. Stadia’s Lachlan Macdonald called on his Australian Defence Force contacts to see if they thought troops would be interested in a live cross to the MCG.

“Within two minutes, I had a call back saying they’d love to do it,” says Lachlan.

“I made contact with the army’s PR officer on the ground in the Oruzgan province of Afghanistan. The guys over there use Skype every day to speak with their families back home, so we decided that was the easiest way to hook up the cross.

Sam Pemberton, Stadia’s Technical Manager, stepped in to execute the cross on the Thursday prior to the game, setting everything in place in just one day. The MCG gave the idea the all clear and a rehearsal on the Friday was the final step before game day.

About 10 minutes before the bounce on ANZAC Day, MC Craig Willis urged the crowd to think of our troops currently serving overseas and crossed live to Lieutenant-Colonel Shane Gabriel, commanding officer of the First Rendering and Reconstruction Task Force, and four of his men.

“It’s great to hear of the continued support of all Australians that remember this important date. It means a lot to us here serving in Afghanistan that so many of our fellow Australians are behind us,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Gabriel during the cross.

Proving that footy rivalry is alive and well even in the midst of a warzone, the soldiers cheered for either the Bombers and the Pies and, to the delight of half the crowd at least, unfurled an Essendon flag.

Founded in 2002, Stadia Media offers a comprehensive range of stadium advertising and signage solutions in some of the most prestigious sports environments in Australia.