The Wild Ones: Sydney Stadium 1908-1970

Of all Australian cities, Sydney is perhaps the one most associated with leisure pursuits.

The Wild Ones: Sydney Stadium 1908-1970 exhibition celebrated one of Sydney’s most iconic venues, the Sydney Stadium, which was fondly known as ‘The Old Tin Shed’.

From its early days as a rough-and-ready open-air boxing arena to the heights of hysteria when the Beatles rolled into town, the stadium charted the evolution of entertainment in Sydney. Now sadly demolished, it played host to numerous boxing and wrestling legends, as well as international music stars the likes of which Sydney had never before seen.

The Wild Ones traced the history and significance of Sydney Stadium through promoters, stars, patrons and key events associated with the venue. The landmark bouts, unforgettable performances and folklore surrounding the stadium were celebrated through artworks, posters, photographs, sporting and music ephemera, objects, film footage, music and personal recollections. The exhibition celebrated events held at the Sydney Stadium including performances by Johnnie Ray, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Cliff Richard, The Beach Boys, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Beatles and Col Joy and the Joy Boys.

See The Sydney Morning Herald's story on the exhibition and their gallery of images including: Ricky Nelson, Frankie Avalon, Crowds at the Frank Sinatra Concert, a Beatles Fan, the Beatles concert and crowds assembling for the Johnnie Ray concert.