NSW and Victorian venues set to open gates for Matildas’ match against England on Wednesday

Two states have announced major stadiums will open their gates for residents to watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi finals.

Two states have revealed major venues will open their gates to the public who want to watch the Matildas take on England on Wednesday night.

NSW Premier Chris Minns on Sunday announced three stadiums would open their gates to soccer fans who want to “watch the game with other Australians,” as the Matildas take on England at Wednesday night’‘s semi-finals match.

He urged residents to get out and be part of history.

Three stadiums in Sydney will open their gates on Wednesday night. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

“The Semi Finals are set up for an absolute blockbuster on Wednesday night,” Mr Minns said.

“The New South Wales Government is making sure that as many families as possible can get to the live sites to watch the action with fellow Australians.

“As a result of that, we are opening up CommBank Stadium, as well as Allianz Stadium so families can come together and celebrate what will definitely be a victory by the Matildas

“So in Sydney on Wednesday night at eight o'clock there’ll be a live site at Moore Park, at Parramatta, at the actual game in Homebush and in the city at Tumbalong Park.”

He said residents aren’t likely to have an opportunity to have “such a massive sporting event on our shores” again.

“So don’t miss it,” he said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns urged residents to get involved. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

The Matildas will take on England on Wednesday night. Picture: Steven Markham/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

“Get behind the Matildas, get behind this historic opportunity, and there’s no doubt that your vocal cords and support at those live sites will play a big part in getting the Matildas over the line.”

He said that despite 80,000 spectators expected at the game itself, he doesn’t expect there to be any major issues with public transportation around Sydney on the night.

“Officials sat down with Venues New South Wales today and we believe that the existing transport arrangements that are in place can deal with the crowd.”

Victorians will also be able to get involved in the action, with AAMI Park set to open for the match too.

The gates will open at 7pm for the 8pm kickoff.

Big game needs a bigger stadium.

AAMI Park. Wednesday night. Be there.

— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) August 12, 2023

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the plans on Twitter.

“AAMI Park. Wednesday night. Be there,” he tweeted.

Melbourne fans won’t need any tickets, with seats up for grabs on a first-in-first-served basis.

Australia will take on England in the semi finals on Wednesday night.

Crowds are expected to gather for the semi-finals. Picture: Roni Bintang/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Spain will go up against Sweden on Tuesday at Eden Park, New Zealand at 6pm.

Originally published as NSW and Victorian venues set to open gates for Matildas’ match against England on Wednesday