FIFA World Cup puts women’s soccer and sport in city sights
As kick-off looms in the Women’s World Cup, here’s how spectators can get their sports fix away from the field.
Volunteer guide John Argote has been escorting behind-the-scenes tours at the Melbourne Cricket Ground since 2017 and is passionate about his role. “I feel as the Colosseum is to Rome, this is Melbourne’s arena and special meeting place,” he tells me while leading our group. He has every right to feel proud of his involvement with Australia’s largest, oldest and most popular sporting venue. Aside from test matches and the ICC Cricket World Cup, plus VFL/AFL grand finals, the ’G played its part in the 1956 Olympic Games and 2006 Commonwealth Games, is the venue for rugby league matches and international rugby union clashes and has hosted papal masses and blockbuster concerts. The list goes on, as do the statistics: a capacity of 100,024, comprising 95,024 seats and 5000 standing spaces.
The stadium also houses the Australian Sports Museum, home to some of the most priceless pieces of memorabilia in our sporting history. And then there’s the Shane Warne Stand (formerly the Great Southern), honouring everyone’s favourite larrikin bowler. “It’s enough to make your head spin,” whispers a fellow tour member. So too is the dizzying scope of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & NZ tour, which kicks off on July 20 through to August 20, with a grand total of 64 matches played at 10 venues across both countries. The MCG is not part of the mix for the Melbourne rollcall but footie fans of all codes are expected to descend on the Victorian capital’s Rectangular Stadium (AAMI Park) on July 31 for Australia’s heavyweight Group B finale with Canada. A side-trip to the MCG for a sports-themed tour? A no-brainer for interstate and NZ visitors.
I’d expected something like a school museum excursion, but John’s approach is immersive and even voyeuristic. After a short introduction, he leads us down the aisles on to the MCG boundary where he relates the history of the ground. Then we proceed down the players’ tunnel and into the warm-up area and locker rooms to get a feel for what teams experience before a big game (I’m thinking nerves, tension, adrenaline rushes). Next we make our way to the video room and meeting area where coaches outline tactics on the whiteboard. John is jovial, playing the role of an AFL coach and joking with a few tour members how they’ve just had a terrible quarter and not kicked any goals. A short video of players describing their feelings about the MCG ensues. Next we proceed to the press area and the away sheds, where five-wicket hauls and centuries by visitor teams are displayed on the walls. (The Australian records are in the home sheds.) We’re then invited to climb to the absolute top of the ground and sit in the last row of the Ponsford Stand at the western end for a spectacular view of the ’G and the Melbourne skyline. Highlights? An add-on tour of the Australian Sports Museum at the ’G includes Cadel Evans’ Tour de France-winning bicycle, a large-format signed 1998 photograph of Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar, a shirt worn by Matildas champ Lisa De Vanna in the 2015 World Cup, and a hall of fame honouring the greats, including another former Matildas star, Cheryl Salisbury.
John’s tour is the centrepiece of my recent sports-themed weekend in the Victorian capital, taking in AFL games at the ’G and Marvel Stadium. Growing up in Sydney and playing rugby league and union, I’m a late convert to the aerial ping-pong sport, as my schoolmates and I used to call it, before any of us knew better. Now I’m a passionate supporter (Carlton, for the record) and my best mate Liam lives in Melbourne, so I’m his wingman this weekend, which involves drowning (my) sorrows over the Blues performance against (his) Demons. At least we agree on the cricket, Socceroos and Matildas.
I might have the Blues, but it’s easy to be cheered up by a stay at Pullman Albert Park on Queens Rd, a 20-minute cab ride from the ’G. As its name clearly heralds, the location is opposite lakeside Albert Park, Melbourne’s famous green sprawl of recreational areas, walking and running tracks, ovals and playgrounds. There’s sailing and rowing with the CBD spires looming beyond, Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, a golf course, soccer stadium, and the road around the lake is transformed into the racetrack for the annual Australian Formula One Grand Prix.
The co-branded five-star Accor property comprises 169 Pullman guestrooms and 209 badged as Mercure and is well-located for access to the CBD and St Kilda. The accommodation is across separate buildings but there’s a shared lobby and facilities, including ground-floor heated indoor pool and fitness area, plus Windows Restaurant, for buffet or a la carte breakfasts and other meals. Pullman options are well-appointed in pale grey tones with jolts of red; the layout is open plan, with glass-topped desk, super-comfortable bed, rain shower and big TV. It’s functional rather than fancy but well soundproofed with double-glazed windows and immaculately serviced; even the smallest Classic category rooms come with a king bed or two singles and represent good value.
The pillared lobby has a sweep of a staircase and high atrium, and features Mortimer’s, a convivial bar so called for George Mortimer Pullman of railway sleeping compartment fame. Its Mortimer-branded gin, in partnership with Tiny Bear Distillery, leads a list of 10, all used as bases for the likes of negronis or signature cocktails such as Cloudy Delight (fairy floss is involved). It’s a spot to people-watch and wave your supporter scarf at the fellow faithful, settling in with, say, plates of bao buns, wagyu burgers, salt and pepper calamari or pork sliders. Main course dinner items are also available, such as steaks, risotto and pasta.
In short, this hotel is in pole position for sports fans, a few tram stops to the city and practically a skip and a hop from the ’G, but only if your team has won and put a mighty spring in your step. Go, Matildas, go.
Jo Makito was a guest of Pullman Albert Park.
IN THE KNOW
The MCG tour takes 75 minutes with departures every 15 minutes between 10am and 3pm; maximum 30 people; $33 a person. The interactive Australian Sports Museum experience can be added to tickets or visited separately. Premium access tours available at extra cost.
Pullman Albert Park has overnight packages from $250, with breakfast for two and parking; identical Mercure packages from $180. Book way ahead for a guestroom with pit-stop views during F1 season; the twin properties get decked out in checkered regalia and are hubs for race fans. The 2024 dates are mooted as March 7-10.
FUN AND GAMES IN THE HOST CITIES
By ELLIOT POWER
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicking off on July 20, fans heading to the host cities can find great sporting experiences when they aren’t watching the most anticipated female competition of the year. Here are our top picks.
AUSTRALIA
Follow “the path of champions” on this 90-minute tour of the Sydney Cricket Ground. Highlights include sitting in the change rooms used by elite athletes such as cricketers Shane Warne and Elyse Perry, browse displays of treasured sporting memorabilia and look down on the ground as Richie Benaud did from the commentary box. Adults $33.
FIFA Women’s World Cup games at Allianz Stadium: July 23, 25, 28, 30, August 2, 6
Accor Stadium, Olympic Park: July 20, August 7, 12, 16, 20
Offering panoramas from the city to the coast and the hills, RoofClimb Adelaide Oval combines the thrill of the ascent with stunning views. In addition to the day, twilight and night experience is the Roof climb – Game On! package. Watch a full quarter of an Adelaide Crows or Port Adelaide AFL or AFWL match from 50m above the field behind the southern goals. From $109 for the 90-minute Roof Climb; $199 for the extended experience.
FIFA Women’s World Cup games at Hindmarsh Stadium: July 24, 28, 30, August 1, 8
Rugby Training Centre, Brisbane
Billed as the new home of women’s sport in Queensland, the $31.5m high-performance complex at Ballymore opened only last month. The Wallaroos women’s rugby team, Queensland Reds Super Rugby and Super W squads plus the Brisbane Roar men’s and women’s A-League teams will all be gracing its turf in the months to come. It will also host the hockey during the 2032 Olympics.
FIFA Women’s World Cup games at Suncorp Stadium: July 22, 27, 29, 31, August 3, 7, 12, 19
The WA capital will host some of the greatest female soccer players of our time during the tournament. But before it even gets underway, some of England’s finest will take to the field as Tottenham Hotspurs and Westham United go head to head on July 18. Fans can also watch the players train at the WACA on July 13 and 17. Another option is an Aboriginal cultural tour, which explains the culture of the Whadjuk people on whose land Optus Stadium stands. Adults $70.
FIFA Women’s World Cup games at the Perth HBF Park: July 22, 26, 29, August 1, 3
NEW ZEALAND
All Blacks Experience, Auckland
At the hallowed rugby ground of Eden Park, this immersive tour helps visitors understand what it’s like to pull on a New Zealand jersey. Maori culture is a significant feature of the 45-minute guided tour, with participants experiencing a close-up virtual experience of the Haka performed by the Black Ferns and All Black teams. There’s also a multitude of interactive games and tests for the rugby fan to pit their skills against New Zealand’s best. Adults $NZ50 ($46).
FIFA Women’s World Cup games at Eden Park: July 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, August 1, 5, 11, 15
New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, Dunedin
Housed in an elaborate Flemish Renaissance-style former railway station of limestone and basalt, this attraction is a must-visit for architecture buffs and sports fans alike. The ground floor, with its 750,000 tiles of Royal Doulton porcelain, has a restaurant. Head upstairs to the museum, which showcases NZ’s greatest sportspeople, including rugby union great Jonah Lomu and Marilyn Marshall, who captained the team in soccer and softball. Adults $NZ6.
FIFA Women’s World Cup games at Forsyth Barr Stadium: July 21, 23, 26, 28, 30, August 1
Take a break from watching sport and get active in Hamilton, in the Waikato region of the North Island. Several trails lead to the summit of Mauao, a landmark that delivers 360 degree views inland and over the sparkling Bay of Plenty. Mountain-biking, black-water rafting, caving and canyoning are among the other adrenaline-fuelled options for visitors.
FIFA Women’s World Cup games at Waikato Stadium: July 22, 25, 27, 31, August 2
Remutaka Cycle Trail, Wellington
With Wellington hosting nine FIFA World Cup games, there should be plenty of opportunity for fans to explore beyond the city. Consider the Remutaka Cycle Trail, part of the country’s Great Rides collection. The entire route covers 115km, through temperate forest, along coastal paths and across suspensions bridges, but it can easily be broken up into sections. Tour operator Wildfinder offers a six-hour self-guided outing with a choice of distances covered; $NZ170 including bike and helmet, lunch and transfers.
FIFA Women’s World Cup games at Sky Stadium: July 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31,
August 2, 5, 11
MORE TO THE STORY
All Melbourne’s hot tickets:
July 31:FIFA Women’s World Cup; AAMI Park (Rectangular Stadium)
July 29:Bledisloe Cup; MCG
August 14, 16, 17:Boomers v World; Rod Laver Arena
August 20: Stand With Me at the G: Field of Women
Breast Cancer Network Australia event prior to AFL round 23; MCG
September 23, 24: NHL Global Series; Rod Laver Arena
September 30:AFL Grand Final; MCG
October 12: Constellation Cup (Netball); John Cain Arena
October 20-22:Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix; Phillip Island
November 4, 7, 9, 11: Melbourne Cup Carnival; Flemington Racecourse
November 24, 25: World Supercross Australian Grand Prix; Marvel Stadium
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