The Matildas create a cultural movement
It’s a question that has become more common as the FIFA Women’s World Cup rolls on – what’s the plan for the next Matildas match?
“Beg, borrow, and steal until I’ve secured a ticket,” said one friend, a football player. “Or watch it at Allianz [Stadium] as a last resort.”
But even a seat at Allianz might be difficult. Parts of the 45,500-seat rectangular stadium in Sydney’s inner east Moore Park will be opened to allow fans to watch the semi-final for free on big screens. It is one of many screening sites set up across the country – in addition to countless pubs, clubs, restaurants and other venues – as the Matildas’ historic World Cup captures the imaginations of the nation.
The crowds watch the Matildas game at Merivale pub The Alex in Alexandria.
Venues NSW is expecting more than 10,000 fans at Allianz and a similar number at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, in addition to the more than 75,000 who will be watching the match live at Stadium Australia.
AAMI Park will open in Melbourne, complementing what is expected to be a packed out Federation Square. Brisbane will open multiple live sites at South Bank, among others, while big screens will be set up in Adelaide and Perth. It all reflects the extraordinary ability of the Matildas to bring people together in what is turning into a rare cultural moment.
Kerrie Mather, chief executive of Venues NSW, said this is the first time in history three live-site stadiums have run in one city before.
“We’ve held live sites at our venues before but to hold them at three major stadiums in the one city is a genuine first,” Ms Mather told The Australian Financial Review.
After 40,000 fans flocked to its venues last Saturday Merivale decided to make an offer – 49 per cent off drinks
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