You’d be surprised how much cleaning and maintenance professionals can learn from the unsung heroes behind Australia’s busiest venues. From AFL-packed stadiums to major entertainment arenas, facility managers are turning cleaning operations into high-performance machines that quietly power unforgettable fan experiences. What truly sets stadium facility teams apart isn’t just their ability to maintain pristine bathrooms or spotless seating areas – it’s their mindset. Always planning ahead, they’re constantly refining operations, even during the off season, and these strategies are adaptable and relevant across a number of sectors.

Here are three key takeaways for facility and cleaning professionals, inspired by Australia’s top-tier sports venues.

1. Keep your eyes on the end goal

Delivering top-tier hygiene involves more than scrubbing surfaces; it’s about crafting a clean, seamless experience for guests from the moment they enter the gates. Long queues outside toilets and untidy high-traffic areas can take the shine off the entire event. For fans, it’s an inconvenience that feels like wasted money and missed moments.

Smart hygiene management is essential for keeping fans happy and ensuring they come back again and again. High-capacity dispensers play a crucial role in perpetuating this sentiment. Not only do they keep soap and paper towels stocked, they also allow staff to focus on maintaining key areas instead of constantly running back for refills.

Paper towels add extra value for hygiene-conscious patrons who’d rather not touch taps or door handles. In Australia, the cleaning industry employs more than 180,000 people and is worth over $12 billion. With so much riding on cleanliness and efficiency, every small improvement counts.

2. Build your cleaning A-team

A venue that pulses with energy one night and lies quiet the next needs an agile cleaning team that can adapt. Finding a hygiene partner with deep experience in high-traffic environments is key.

Think of a bustling train station during peak hour. Now imagine that intensity condensed into 30-minute half-time breaks. A trusted partner will know how to manage these bursts, whether it’s a footy final or a regional concert.

Take a venue like Sydney’s Accor Stadium. One night it might host an NRL Grand Final, the next a sell-out concert. Each event demands a different cleaning rhythm, but with the right team in place, the transition is seamless.

3. Let hygiene drive your sustainability goals

When people think of sustainable operations, their minds often jump to solar panels or supply chain improvements. However,  cleaning routines can have a huge impact, too.

Australian consumers increasingly favour brands and venues that match their values. 

A recent study found that more than two-thirds of Australians consider sustainability when making purchases. That mindset extends to the venues they choose to visit.

‘One-at-a-time’ dispensers reduce napkin and paper towel waste, especially important in foodservice zones where oversupply leads to unnecessary disposal. Switching to biodegradable hand soaps and low-flow taps can also cut water use and minimise environmental impact, all while maintaining high hygiene standards. With a growing push for green operations, sustainability is no longer optional – it’s a differentiator. And it’s one area where the cleaning strategy can truly shine.

From stadiums to everyday spaces

Running a stadium might feel like a world away from managing a school, shopping centre or office block, but the principles are universal. Australian stadiums show how forward-thinking hygiene practices can elevate experiences, empower staff and support long-term sustainability goals.

In a high-stakes environment, where cleanliness is judged just as harshly as the final score, facilities that invest in smarter hygiene systems will always come out on top.

A version of this article first appeared in CMM.