No, that headline isn't a joke.

The Walt Disney Company Australia have purchases the naming rights to Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.

The company will change the name to Marvel Stadium and create a partnership between the sports ground and world-renowned comic book franchise.

The rebranding of the stadium will take place on September 1 this year.

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A new family-friendly environment will take place inside the arena, with a retail store and other activations set up to provide a new culture around the ground.

"Marvel is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry and one of the most recognised brand names in the world," said Melbourne Stadiums Limited CEO Michael Green.

"This partnership will allow us to take the stadium atmosphere to the next level."

The deal between will last eight years, after the previous nine and a half-year partnership between the stadium and Etihad Airways finishes in September of this year.

The ground has many AFL fixtures during the year, as well as Big Bash games.

Essendon Bombers, St Kilda Saints, Noth Melbourne Kangaroos, Western Bulldogs and Carlton Blues host matches there in the AFL, while the Melbourne Renegades play their homer T20 games at Etihad also.

As well as footy and cricket, A-League champs Melbourne Victory also play a few home football fixtures at the soon to be called Marvel Stadium.

Fans were surprised by the news.

It’s not April 1st again is it? — Doedee Roadnerd Berry (@Strauchanside) May 23, 2018





If true, classic AFL HQ mantra.. The irony is that the stadium isnt at marvel at all... Im suprised they didn't call it Gill & Co. — The Correspondent (@EFCcorrespond) May 23, 2018





Seriously? That’s #marvellous ha! — uh you cant tweet that bru (@Kwassi_bro) May 23, 2018





Are you taking the “Mickey”? — David Milana (@AFLNow) May 23, 2018





Terrible name but it’s all about $$$ — Mont Hoyt (@monthoyt) May 23, 2018





Maybe they will shoot the next avengers there and finally blow up this crap stadium! — Nick Petro (@nickpetronic) May 23, 2018



