A community open day followed by a festival of football, with three blockbuster events in five days, will headline the opening of Sydney’s new world-class sport and entertainment venue, Allianz Stadium.
The opening schedule of events will kick off with a free community open day on August 28, then it is game on for the NRL’s famous rivalry between the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday September 2. The Wallabies will then take on the reigning Rugby World Cup winners South Africa on Saturday, September 3 and to cap off an unforgettable opening series of events, the Commonwealth Bank Matildas will host Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medal winners Canada on Tuesday, September 6 in an international friendly.
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said it’s officially game on at Allianz Stadium.
“We’re opening Allianz Stadium earlier than scheduled with a free community day before the biggest names in world sport from three major football codes kick off an unforgettable opening series of events at Sydney’s new world-class venue,” Mr Ayres said.
“It’s been a long time coming for sports fans but we’re so incredibly excited to open Allianz Stadium and welcome the community back to what will be the best sports and entertainment venue in Australia.”
“Over 150,000 fans are expected to visit the new precinct over the course of the four events, providing a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy.
“Having a world-class stadium in the heart of a thriving sport, entertainment and hospitality precinct on the cusp of the CBD positions Sydney as the events capital of Australia,” Mr Ayres said.
The new 42,500 seat Allianz Stadium has been designed and built for the fans, with a 360-degree open concourse inside and outside the venue, steep seating angles providing unrivalled views of the field, the very best Merivale food and beverage offering, world-class player facilities and new community spaces to explore, just some of its many features.
Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said: “The honour of hosting the inaugural event to be held at our home, the new Allianz Stadium, is one of which we are most proud. We have a deep connection to the precinct dating back to our foundation in 1908. Our Members and fans will have the very first opportunity to experience the new world-class facility and we would like to extend our thanks to the NSW Government for this addition to our Club’s rich history.
“The Roosters hosted the final event at the ground before it was demolished in 2018 and it is quite fitting that our return fixture will be against the same team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The 42,500 spectators there for the game will be able to reflect on being a part of history on what is sure to be an unforgettable event.”
South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly said: “It’s fantastic to see big sporting events with huge crowds returning to Sydney such as last night’s sell-out crowd at the State of Origin match at Accor Stadium and we’re certain that our 31,000-plus Members and countless supporters will paint Allianz Stadium red and green at this match.
“We’re fully supportive of the NSW Government’s investment in sporting infrastructure, creating state-of-the-art stadiums that provide the best facilities for not only the players, but also the Members and fans, and we’re all looking forward to christening the new Stadium in September.”
Rugby Australia CEO, Andy Marinos said: “We’re extremely excited to be able to host the first ever International event at the new Allianz Stadium.”
“To have the Wallabies taking on the World Champion Springboks in front of 42,500 supporters is going to be an amazing experience and one I’m sure those who are there will never forget.
“I’d like to thank the NSW Government for their support in hosting the Test and congratulate them on what is a truly world-class stadium build here in Sydney.”
Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said: “It’s only fitting that the Commonwealth Bank Matildas are the first football team to play at the new Allianz Stadium, as this state-of-the-art facility will be a host venue for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ through the ongoing support of the NSW Government.
“Football enthusiasts, Matildas fans and event goers alike are in for a real treat on September 6, as our ever-popular Commonwealth Bank Matildas host defending Olympic champions and world number six, Canada in what will be ideal preparation ahead of next year’s tournament.
Exact details of the community open day, including how to secure entry to the free ticketed event, will be announced over the coming weeks, while ticket details to the Roosters v Rabbitohs, Wallabies v South Africa and Commonwealth Bank Matildas v Canada can be found via the respective club/code websites.
The opening series of events aren’t the only fixtures to look forward to, with Allianz Stadium to host Sydney FC’s first A-League game of the 2022-23 season, the Sydney Super Cup featuring Scottish champions, Celtic, and international superstar Justin Bieber performing live.
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