UTAS Stadium will be a perfect venue for women’s 2023 Wold Cup say officials

It has arguably the best grassed playing surface in Australian sport and UTAS Stadium is set to wow international soccer officials ahead of the 2023 women’s World Cup.

Former young Matildas representatives Aimee Medwin is excited the FIFA Women's World Cup is coming to Australia and New Zealand in 2023. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

EVEN though they are yet to set foot in the venue, Tasmanian soccer boss Matt Bulkeley says FIFA officials will be impressed with UTAS Stadium when they inspect the Launceston site ahead of potentially scheduling games there for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Boasting a large, flat and immaculate playing surface mainly used for AFL games in winter and Big Bash League cricket games in summer, UTAS Stadium has been pre-approved as a venue for World Cup games.

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Matildas captain Sam Kerr could be playing in Tasmania as part of the 2023 women’s World Cup. Picture: AAP/Richard Wainwright

Before they allocate games to Tasmania, FIFA officials will inspect the venue in person.

“UTAS Stadium has been put forward as one of the playing venues as part of the overall bid submission among 13 in total across 12 cities,” Bulkeley said.

“It has been approved by FIFA as a venue, subject to some reconfiguration, which is essentially more seating and seating that is closer to the playing surface and there are some smaller things but they are not key things.

“In addition there are a number of venues that have been put forward as suitable for either a team base camp, which is where a visiting team may choose to base themselves in the lead-up to the World Cup for a week or two weeks or whatever the period is before the tournament starts.”

Tasmania may be awarded multiple games.

“There is the potential for up to three matches,” Bulkeley said.

“FIFA determines the venues that are used, in conjunction with the host countries and their recommendations, but ultimately that decision is made by FIFA.

“We are a good chance to host games but UTAS needs several improvements to meet FIFA’s World Cup host venue standards.”

Bulkeley will work with Football Australia and the State Government to tick off the “minor” upgrades needed to host World Cup games.