By Michael McGowan
Two major Sydney stadiums will be opened as live sites for the Matildas’ historic World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday.
As Sydneysiders’ interest in the Australians’ record-breaking run in the Women’s World Cup reaches fever pitch following Saturday’s nail-biting win against France, Premier Chris Minns announced Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta and the Sydney Football Stadium in Moore Park will show the blockbuster.
Fans watch the Matildas v France match at Tumbalong Park, Sydney on Saturday night.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos
Minns said the “heroics” of the Matildas meant the government was opening up the stadiums so that “as many families as possible can get to live sites to watch the action with fellow Australians as we make our way through the semi-finals and make the finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup”.
The two stadiums will join Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour in playing the game live.
Stadium Australia at Homebush had doubled as a live site for the match on Saturday, while also hosting the quarter-final between Colombia and England.
But with 80,000 fans to descend on Homebush for the semi-final on Wednesday, Minns said it was not feasible for it to also host a live site there.
NSW Premier Chris Minns at the Sydney Football Stadium in April.Credit: Getty
“We would encourage you to go to Parramatta, Tumbalong Park or Moore Park,” he said.
“The reason we cannot do it again [at Stadium Australia] is because last night the two games were separated by a couple of hours so the Matildas crowd could come in at five o’clock even though it was an extended game [but] we can’t do that on the same night if you’re expecting 80,000 in the stadium and thousands outside as well.”
Minns made the announcement after the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said Melbourne’s AAMI Park would also welcome fans. The stadium – which has hosted six World Cup matches during the tournament – joins Melbourne’s Federation Square as one of that city’s two live sites for the match.
“Big game needs a bigger stadium. AAMI Park. Wednesday night. Be there,” Andrews wrote on social media.
Not to be outdone, Minns said Sydney will again light the sails of the Opera House and buildings across the CBD ahead of Wednesday’s game.
Despite pushback from federal Nationals leader David Littleproud, Minns remained enthusiastic about a public holiday if the Matilda’s were able to win the World Cup.
“I’m conscious there are a couple of games to go, but we are in the midst of logistics and contingencies in relation to that,” he said.
“Obviously, we’re talking to the FFA. We will speak to other premiers when national cabinet meets later this week. But we’ve got two games to go before.”
After watching Saturday night’s match at home in Kogarah, he said the noise from celebrating neighbours drove home the significance of the event.
“I just think everyone in Australia stayed at home and watched the game, or went to the live sites ... this is genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.
“For the World Cup to be in Australia and to have the home team progressing so far, not many countries get that opportunity. So don’t miss out.”
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.