Matildas sell out Marvel Stadium for their Olympic qualifier in February

Wherever and whoever the Matildas play in Australia the stands are always full and that will again be the case in Melbourne in February.

The popularity of the Matildas as one of Australia’s most-loved teams remains unquestioned after recording a 12th consecutive sellout, this time for their final Olympic qualifier in Melbourne.

While fans stayed away from Australia’s opening cricket Test of the summer against Pakistan in Perth, the Matildas have no issue drawing a crowd and the stands will again be full at the 53,000-seat Marvel Stadium when their Olympic fate goes on the line against Uzbekistan.

All available tickets were snapped up within hours of going on sale on Wednesday, with more than 25,000 bought in the space of four hours.

The streak of home sellouts for the Matildas began with the FIFA Women’s World Cup send-off match against France on July 14 and extended through the tournament and recent Olympic Asian qualifiers held in Perth in October, including a sellout at Optus Stadium.

“The journey of the CommBank Matildas over the last 12 months has been nothing short of extraordinary. Starting from the heartfelt send-off match in Melbourne, through to this latest sell out in Melbourne, the Matildas have consistently captivated the hearts of the nation, with almost 700,000 Australians coming together to support and celebrate this team and women’s football,” Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said.

Matildas fans have come out in force in 2023. Picture Lachie Millard

“This 12th consecutive sellout in record time reflects the strength and appeal of the CommBank Matilda’. It is clear that the team resonates deeply with fans across Australia and beyond and that is demonstrated in the way the nation turns out for these matches in stadiums and on television and (they are) recognised as Australia’s most favoured national team.

“This series of sold-out matches demonstrates the significant progress in promoting women’s football and celebrating what the CommBank Matildas stand for as a force for positive change and an inspiration to millions.”

Earlier this month, the Matildas were awarded the prestigious Don Award for 2023 by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. Their accolades also include the ANU Word of the Year, Marie Claire Champions of the Year and the GQ Team of the Year.

Superstar Mary Fowler said 2023 had been an incredible year for the Matildas who were continually overwhelmed with the nation’s support.

“It’s hard to put into words how big it’s been,” she said.

“I didn’t expect that (Australians to be so invested in women’s football).

“I think the majority of us went into the World Cup not expecting that, but that was amazing.

“I think that was the best part of the World Cup, to see how many people got behind us and how together Australia came.”

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the support for the Matildas as “off the charts”, especially in Melbourne.

Originally published as Matildas sell out Marvel Stadium for their Olympic qualifier in February