Sydney has demonstrated its ability to plan and deliver major international events by hosting three of the world's largest sporting events in recent years – the 2000 Olympic Games, 2000 Paralympic Games and Rugby World Cup 2003.

Other major events staged in Sydney in recent years include:

• ATP Tennis Masters Cup in 2001
• Gay Games in 2002
• Women's Australian Open Golf Championships in 2004 and 2007
• Men's Australian Open Golf Championships in 2004 and 2006
• Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2005
• Forbes Global CEO Conference in 2005
• Canoe Slalom World Championships in 2005
• ICC Super Series Cricket Test Match between Australia and a World XI in 2005
• 2006 FIFA World Cup playoff between Australia and Uruguay in 2005
• A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport in 2005 and 2007
• Socceroos' 2007 Asian Cup qualifiers against Kuwait and Bahrain in 2006
• Paris Opera Ballet tour 2007