Etihad Stadium’s 20 millionth patron is Parkdale mother of two and cardiac nurse, Penny MacQuire.

Penny entered the stadium at Gate 3 about 45 minutes before the start of the Round 4 North Melbourne v Essendon match to be informed that she was the milestone patron.

For her good fortune, Penny receives two Etihad Airways tickets to London or Europe.

Penny, who was given the good news by Etihad Stadium’s Chief Operating Officer, Michael Green, was accompanied to the venue by her husband, Nick and their two children, Kelly aged 11 and eight year old Luke (all pictured above).

The first event at the venue now known as Etihad Stadium took place on March 9, 2000 – just three days after the venue’s completion.

Co-incidentally anchor tenant, Essendon also participated in the opening match downing Port Adelaide 24 goals 12 (156) to 8.14 (62).

Michael Green congratulated Penny and also thanked Etihad Airways – the venue’s new naming rights sponsor – for its generous gift in the marking of the milestone patron.

Choking back tears, Penny said she couldn’t at first believe her good luck.

“We actually went within a hair’s breath of missing the train to the stadium.

“Obviously if we’d missed it that would have ruined our chances,” she said.

“At the time, I couldn’t figure out why these camera crews and photographers were coming in my direction.

“It really has turned out to be a day to remember”, Penny said.