Georges River Council Mayor Kevin Greene has called Jubilee Stadium’s hosting of matches in the inaugural Cup of Nations tournament as a “real coup” for council.
The Leader reported last month that Jubilee would host the opening double-header of the competition, a warm-up tournament for the women’s World Cup in June.
Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Korea Republic will make up the four-nation tournament comprising three double-header match days across three states over a week starting in late February.
The quartet of countries have all qualified for the women’s World Cup in France. The tournament will provide valuable preparation as the Matildas look to become Australia’s first football world champions.
Kogarah will play a vital part in the tournament, hosting the opening match day at Jubilee Stadium on February 28. Argentina will face Korea Republic in the first match before Australia take on New Zealand.
Greene said he was thrilled with the announcement.
“Since resuming management of the stadium in early 2017, we’ve worked hard to make the oval more accessible to a range of sporting codes and demonstrate its capacity to meet the needs of sports at the highest level,” he said.
“We see this as a strong endorsement of what the venue has to offer, particularly its high quality playing surface which I believe the players will appreciate, and with a draft masterplan being developed for the stadium, the capacity, facilities and stadium experience of the ground is set to improve out-of-sight in coming years.
“Having the Matildas play here, as well as international players from Argentina, Korea and New Zealand, will raise the profile of the stadium and offer an unique experience for keen football fans.
“I strongly encourage football fans of all persuasions to head to Jubilee Stadium on February 28 and cheer on the Matildas. It’s sure to be a fantastic day out for the whole family.”
As well as regular tenants the St George Illawarra Dragons, who will play another five NRL matches at Kogarah this season, Sydney FC committed to making Jubilee their major temporary home for the 2018-19 A-League campaign.
The Sky Blues play seven of their matches at Kogarah this season and are keen to remain in the St George district for the three years while Allianz Stadium at Moore Park is rebuilt.
