- Published:
- Thursday 16 June 2016
Geelong will host another sporting blockbuster when UEFA Champions League finalist Atlético de Madrid takes on Melbourne Victory next month.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today announced the Spanish heavyweight club would meet Victoria’s A-League champions at Simonds Stadium on July 31, as the sides fine tune for their domestic campaigns.
It’s another addition to Simonds Stadium’s growing calendar of world-class premium sporting events. The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering a $75 million upgrade of the venue, which will lift capacity to 36,000.
It means bigger AFL blockbusters, and more events like Big Bash Cricket, A-League soccer matches and more – and that means jobs for locals and a boost to the Geelong economy.
The International Champions Cup is a chance for Victorians and visitors from all over the world to watch Europe’s top clubs go head to head at the MCG. Last year, more than 220,000 fans packed the arena over three nights to watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid take on Manchester City and AS Roma.
This year, Atlético de Madrid will join England’s Tottenham Hotspur and Italy’s Juventus, while Melbourne Victory will appear for the first time.
The biggest and best events in Geelong attract visitors in their thousands, giving tourism operators and other small businesses new opportunities to grow.
Regional Victoria’s calendar of events is world-class, but we want to grow it further. That’s why the Victorian Budget 2016/17 includes a $20 million Regional Events Fund, to help our regions attract and stage the big events that provide jobs for locals and keep regional economies strong.
Kick off is 2pm on July 31. Tickets are on sale at www.ticketek.com.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“Atlético de Madrid is one of world football’s most powerful clubs. It was only weeks ago Atlético was battling out the EUFA Champions League final in Milan, and now Geelong beckons.”
“These aren’t just great spectacles, they’re a big boost to the local economy and a rare chance to see the world’s very best in our own backyard.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“We promised more world-class events for Geelong and that’s what we’re delivering. Our upgrade of Simonds Stadium and our Regional Events Fund will mean our calendar of events will continue to grow.”
“The big events belong in the regional centre that does them so well. This will be an epic spectacle and a great boost to the local economy.”