News

Main Event Mindset: Four hour Turnaround to get Qudos Bank Arena UFC ready

19.02.2026
Afterpay Arena

Qudos Bank Area (QBA) proudly operated by Legends Global and owned by TEG, hosted the historic UFC 325 on 1 February 2026.

After the conclusion of the Sydney Kings match at 9:30pm, the arena team completed a full overnight transformation of the venue into UFC mode, with doors reopening at 8:00am. The Arena delivered this remarkable operational turnaround and seamless transition to host the UFC’s return to Sydney, headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes.

The conversion showcased the extraordinary all hands-on dedication. A total of 120 rigging points were installed to suspend a total of 38.8 tonnes of production equipment. In preparation, 130 content files were programmed for playback across the Arena’s scoreboard system, supporting global broadcasting delivered via pay-per-view.

Defending his Featherweight Championship title on home soil, Alexander Volkanovski’s anticipated match generated exceptional demand for tickets. More than 16,500 tickets were issued, including nearly 500 purchased internationally across 22 countries, making it the largest UFC box office record outside the United States.

Global demand spanned Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and North America. With local hero Volkanovski headlining the card, there was also strong representation from the Illawarra, with 5.9% of ticket holders attending from the area.

From a corporate hospitality perspective, a total of 1,000 attendees were hosted in 52 suites, sold out Terrace seats, while both the Amex and Qudos Bank Member Lounges opened their doors, together welcoming just under 1,000 guests.

The IT team performed strongly as well with four dedicated networks, delivering a total of 3 Tera Bytes of data, supported by eight wireless networks, three IP phones, and two additional network switches. The setup also included eight extra access points and five merchandise locations, resulting in 1,360 connections on the production network. To support this extensive infrastructure, nearly 1 km custom-made network cabling was installed.

A wide range of food and beverage options were offered at UFC 325 including a tequila cocktail cart serving pineapple margaritas while Corporate Suite guests enjoyed curated premium options such as sushi and sashimi platters, elevated wine and drinks packages.

Classic ring side favourites proved most popular with our catering team satisfying hungry fans with

  • 5,000 serves of fries,
  • 1,600 Beef Burgers,
  • 1,200 Chicken Bites,
  • 1,000 Loaded Hot Dogs and
  • 500 Breakfast Burritos.

Legends Global Executive Vice President ‑ Entertainment & Content (APAC), Matthew Lazarus-Hall added,

“Thank you to over 1,000 staff members who made UFC 325 operate smoothly. Qudos Bank Arena has now hosted eight UFC matches, and none of this would be possible without the incredible team effort from our talented and dedicate staff. It really does personify teamwork at the highest level.  We would also like to thank the UFC for the partnership and trust that allowed UFC325 such a success and we look forward to welcoming them back in the future. We couldn’t be prouder of the result and thank each and every one of the team.”

The team at Qudos Bank Arena showcased their professionalism and support in delivering a global record-breaking box office event. The successful transformation of the venue, in just four hours, demonstrates the exceptional operational capability and teamwork.

ABOUT QUDOS BANK ARENA

Qudos Bank Arena is Australasia’s number 1 venue for live entertainment and largest indoor arena, located in Sydney Olympic Park. As a world-class venue, the Arena was named in the Top-5 Live Music Venues in the World for 2025 by Billboard magazine (*Venues with a capacity of 15,001 or more).  The venue hosts concerts, sports events, comedy and family entertainment experiences, attracting over 1 million patrons annually.

ABOUT LEGENDS GLOBAL

Legends Global is the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services, including feasibility and consulting, project development, sales, partnerships, venue management, hospitality, merchandise, and content and booking. Our white-label approach ensures our partners remain front and centre while we harness the power of our global network – including over 450 venues, 20,000 events, and 165 million guests annually – to enhance their business and guest experience. To learn more, visit us at www.LegendsGlobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

LEGENDS GLOBAL (APAC and MENA)

From its APAC regional headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, Legends Global operates, manages and books a network of venues that includes:

Stadiums – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane; Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium, Hong Kong; and 50% ownership of VenuesLive, the operator of Optus Stadium, Perth ;

Entertainment and Indoor Sports Arenas – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney; RAC Arena, Perth; Brisbane Entertainment Centre; Newcastle Entertainment Centre, TikTok Entertainment Centre; Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Great Hall; Cairns Arena, Bangkok Arena (under construction); Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai; and Kai Tak Sports Park Indoor Arena, Hong Kong;

Live Performance Theatres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Sydney, Bahrain, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur;

Convention & Exhibition Centres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Newcastle, Sydney, Christchurch, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Bahrain, and Riyadh.

ABOUT TEG

Ticketek Entertainment Group (TEG) is a Fan Experience Group, powered by digital, data, and technology, united by our purpose – We Partner to Make Life Better Live. With the Fan as our Star, TEG brings together Ticketek, TEG Touring, TEG Sport, TEG Experiences, and Ovation to create, promote, and power world-class live entertainment.

From global concert tours and major sporting events to immersive family and cultural experiences, TEG makes it easier for Fans to find, and attend unforgettable events.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Qudos Bank Arena acknowledges that we are on Wangal land. This land connects us all to the past and the future. We respect Wangal Country, recognise Elders past, present and emerging as Traditional Custodians of it, and celebrate the ongoing deep cultural connection of the people who continue to carry its language, song, dance, and stories.

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