Nearly 18,000 tickets sold for Matildas match in Geelong

One of the country’s most popular sports teams is set to play in front of a huge crowd against Chinese Taipei at Kardinia Park in December following massive demand for tickets.

The Matildas’ Amy Harrison pushes past an opponent at GMHBA Stadium on November 26, 2017. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro.

The crowd for the Matildas game in Geelong in early December is poised to be at least three times that of the last time GMHBA Stadium hosted one of the nation’s most popular sporting teams seven years prior.

When the Matildas last played at Kardinia Park, in November, 2017 against China, a crowd of 6338 attended the game which was won by the Aussies, 5-1.

However, this masthead understands nearly 17,500 tickets have been sold so far for the match against Chinese Taipei.

Sam Kerr gets a selfie with a fan at GMHBA stadium on November 26, 2017. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro.

In a statement, Football Australia said it was a “fantastic” result.

While GMHBA Stadium has a capacity of 40,000, it will be less on December 7 as the ground will be reconfigured for soccer and the placement of infrastructure including benches has to be considered.

A venue inspection will be conducted soon which will provide a clearer idea of what the capacity will be on the day.

Football Geelong chairman Mike McKinstry has previously said soccer participation was “booming” in the region, with player numbers up 20 per cent on year, reaching 6500.

A recent G21 Regional Football Strategy report outlined a 114 per cent increase in female participation since 2015.

In a statement, Sports Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the game would allow local and visitors the chance to see an international standard event in their backyard.

“Bringing a world-class team to Geelong will be a huge boost not just for soccer in the region, but for local businesses, restaurants and hotels who will all benefit from a major game like this being played in Geelong,” Dimopoulos said.

One of two Matildas games to be played in Victoria that month, the first will be held at AAMI Park on December 4.

Originally published as Nearly 18,000 tickets sold for Matildas match in Geelong