AAMI Park signs major soccer deal

Melbourne will host the Matildas in November as the Victorian government invests a further $25 million into the enhancement of AAMI Park ahead of next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Six matches are set to be played at the stadium next year, when the best teams from around the globe will arrive on Australian soil. Picture: Michael Dodge

Australia’s national women’s football team the Matildas will take on Sweden in Melbourne this November, giving sports fans a taste of what’s to come during the 2023 World Cup.

And Victoria’s premier soccer stadium, AAMI Park, will get a $25 million makeover as part of preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is being hosted in Australia and New Zealand.

Six matches are set to be played at the stadium next year, when the best teams from around the globe will arrive on Australian soil.

Victorians will get a taste of the action on November 12, when the Matildas take on Sweden — who won silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 — in front of a packed house.

Sam Kerr signs autographs at Forrest in Perth. Picture: Getty Images

Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the event reinforced “Victoria’s standing as a major events destination”.

“We’re delivering another blockbuster international match to Victorian football fans, giving them the chance to cheer on the Matildas as they rocket toward a win in next year’s World Cup,” he said.

“Upgrades to AAMI Park will ensure the iconic stadium remains a world-class facility, delivering a better experience for fans and players ahead of hosting six games for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.”

Works at AAMI Park will include upgrades to stadium lights and video screens, as well as boosts to player amenities and corporate, spectator and broadcast facilities.

This includes enhanced Wi-Fi coverage.

Works will start in November and are expected to be finished in February, the government says.

The Matildas vs Sweden kicks off at 2.45pm on Saturday 12 November and tickets go on sale on September 1 via Ticketek.

Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said the event would be “a fantastic opportunity for Victorians to get a taste of what they can expect from the tournament next year” and for Sweden to “experience the warmth and hospitality of Melbourne”.