Nice arena though construction is a nuisance

Built in 2000, Etihad Stadium, or "Docklands Stadium" has been seen as the new age in sporting stadium technology.

With a retractable roof, stadium "club" seating on the second level (where each seat has a cushion and a private small video screen attached) and many amenities, Etihad Stadium has become one of the premier spots to watch professional sport in the city of Melbourne.

There are three seating levels at Etihad Stadium. The lower level, level 1, is usually able to be accessed on event days (unless the game is a sell-out) and so is level 3.

Level 2 is strictly for ticket holders of such clubs as the exclusive "Medallion Club" run by the stadium. You won't be able to sit on level 2 if you are a walk-up to a sporting game.

Etihad Stadium is the home ground of AFL clubs Essendon, Carlton, North Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs and St. Kilda, though Carlton will move their home base to the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2015.

Etihad Stadium also houses the Melbourne Renegades "Big Bash League" franchise, plus some of the bigger games for the Melbourne Victory "A-League" team.

Etihad Stadium has also proven to be popular as a major concert venue, with acts such as Robbie Williams, Mariah Carey and AC/DC all playing there.

One-off events such as rugby league State of Origin, rugby union Wallabies games and professional wrestling have been staged there in the past, and will likely be staged there again in future.

Ticket prices for Etihad Stadium are genuinely quite expensive for an Australian sporting stadium, but not having to worry about sitting in the rain is something you probably could expect to have to pay for.

There are food vendors, merchandise outlets, bars, clubs, toilets, restaurants and betting agencies dotted right around the stadium, offering a number of different options for patrons. Most of it is priced quite high compared to the standard, and particularly when it comes to the food, you probably don't get great value for money.

When it comes to watching professional sport in Australia, Etihad Stadium offers a rich array for a sporting enthusiast's pleasure.

The stadium is hosting events basically 12 months a year, and with the Southern Cross station located right outside the door, it's very easy to get to via public transport.

There is a massive carpark underneath the playing field, but it can run out quite expensive to park there on game day's.

There is a bunch of shops and food stalls outside the stadium if you want cheaper food.

Smoking is not allowed inside the stadium, but there is a designated smokers area.