Architecture. Sometimes, it is used for quite practical uses, other times those practical uses cover up the initial intent of the structure. Ego boosters, a giant reminder of ‘Yeah, I was here, and I was kind of a big thing'.
Take Florence for example. For those of you lucky enough to have visited the beautiful city, you'll notice that the skyline is dominated by the biggest ego booster going around; Il Duomo. The magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, with its groundbreaking domed roof, represents all that was awesome about Italian Renaissance, and in particular, serves as a reminder of just how important Cosimo and the Medici family were in 15th century Italy. Heck, the guy bought his way into heaven through this gift to the Catholic Church, the most popular past-time of the 15th century. His impact on Italian society was so great, that he is credited with kick-starting the glorious age of the Renaissance, in Florence at least.
What does this history lesson have to do with Victory? Well, quite a lot, when you think about it.
Soon, Melbourne Victory, the most successful Australian club in recent history, will unveil their own Il Duomo; La bolla di sapone cupola (strictly translated as The Bubble Dome).
This shining monument is a testament to the impact that the club has had in five short years. They singlehandedly dominated the competition in season 2, pioneered the Central American experiment in season 3, took the double again in season 4 before fighting to the last man in season 5. All this in front of crowd's the envy of everyone, with a strong business model ensuring we can keep club legends such as ‘El Zorro' kicking around in the A-League.
No club has contributed to the success of the A-League more than Victory, and this is now enshrined in our monument to Australian football at AAMI Park, the Bubble Dome. This glorious piece of architectural beauty shows just how far Victory have taken football in this country, and serves as a stepping stone to greater things.
The stadium won't be christened by its rightful owners until August 14. Instead, I'll have to watch a bunch of barbershop poles dance around on it first on August 5. Old habits die hard, and it might be a few seasons before all matches are conducted at AAMI Park, but until then, I'll savour every week that we do play on the hallowed turf.
Just seeing the stadium alongside such sporting icons as the MCG, Rod Laver Arena and Olympic Park is enough to know that we've well and truly arrived, and it is all because of Victory. The Bubble Dome is our gift to Australian football, and you're all invited to join the ride and be a part of history in the making.
I wish every club to enjoy the same success that Victory does, but until they do, I'll be here basking in the reflected glory of the Big V.
Not long to go now.
