Football Australia is delighted to confirm that an unprecedented crowd is set to fill the stands in Melbourne for the highly anticipated CommBank Matildas ‘Send Off’ Match against the world’s fifth ranked team, France. This match will take place at Marvel Stadium on Friday, 14 July 2023.
Over 40,000 tickets have already been claimed for this thrilling Bastille Day clash, guaranteeing Melbourne’s place in history as they prepare to break the previous record attendance for a standalone CommBank Matildas’ match. The current record of 36,109 fans in attendance was set during Australia’s encounter with defending FIFA Women’s World Cup winners, the USA Women’s National Team, on 27 November 2021 at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
The ‘Send Off’ match is scheduled just seven days prior to Australia’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ campaign opener against the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, said the anticipated Australian women’s football record crowd further affirming the popularity and mass global and domestic appeal of the CommBank Matildas.
“In collaboration with the Victorian Government, we are delighted to welcome a record- breaking crowd at the ‘Send Off’ Match for our CommBank Matildas at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. The overwhelming response from the Australian public reaffirms the team’s status as a beloved national team, especially as we approach the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, the most significant event to converge on our shores since the Sydney 2000 Olympics,” Johnson said.
“The Australia v France match will be the pinnacle of week-long celebration that not only honours the current CommBank Matildas’ squad but also the history of the women’s game in Australia. Fans can look forward to a special experience both on and off the pitch.
“This is truly a momentous time for the sport and, with the world’s attention on Australia during July and August, it will once again demonstrate how football unites Australians like no other sport,” Johnson concluded.
The ‘Send Off’ Match is made possible by the support of the Victorian Government through their tourism and major events agency, Visit Victoria.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said: “The stands will be packed with more than 40,000 people to cheer on the CommBank Matildas when they take on France at Marvel Stadium.”
“We’re supporting the Matildas to give fans the chance to see their Aussie heroes up close and wish them well for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.”
Thanks to the Victorian Government’s support, there will be a unique opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge Australia’s Final Squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ with a public appearance presented by CommBank at the iconic Federation Square on Tuesday, 11 July 2023.
As tickets for the ‘Send-Off’ match at Marvel Stadium are almost sold out, fans are encouraged to make the most of the opportunity to attend this final public appearance by the CommBank Matildas’ before the ‘Send-Off’ Match and the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
In addition, 23 lucky fans of all ages will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with their favourite players with the “Matildas for Matildas” competition. This special competition will see 23 supporters actually named Matilda, present a CommBank Matildas World Cup jersey to a member of the Final Squad at the public presentation at Federation Square. Head to matildas.com.au for all the competition details and to enter.
Moreover, there will be a host of additional entertainment and precinct activations for fans in and around Marvel Stadium will commence at 5.00 pm AEST and include a range of food, beverage and interactive experiences delivered by Football Australia partners with photo moments and giveaways, the traditional Welcome to Country, the pre-match Priceline “Little Legends Lap” and the “Half Time Heroes” MiniRoos matches highlighting and celebrating local junior footballers.
With gates opening at 5.30 pm AEST and the scheduled extravaganza of entertainment, fans are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early to enjoy the pre-match activations.
Final tickets for the CommBank Matildas v France are still available at ticketmaster.com.au. Limited corporate hospitality packages have also been released and can be accessed via matildas.com.au/hospitality-and-packages.
Full coverage of the ‘Send Off’ Match will be broadcast live on 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+.
COMMBANK MATILDAS | FEDERATION SQUARE PRESENTATION
Australia’s Final FIFA Women’s World Cup Squad
Date: Tuesday, 11 July 2023
Venue: Federation Square
Time: Activities from 2:00 pm. Squad Presentation from 4:00 pm – 4.45 pm AEST
COMMBANK MATILDAS | ‘SEND OFF’ MATCH
Australia v France
Date: Friday, 14 July 2023
Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne/Naarm
Kick-off Time: 7:30 pm AEST
Broadcast: Live on 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: ticketmaster.com.au
