Peter Gutwein,Premier
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said: “In great news for Tasmanian football fans, a deal has been struck between the Tasmanian Government and the Perth Glory that will see three A-League men’s games and one women’s game played at UTAS Stadium later this month in a massive coup for the round ball game in Tasmania”.
The Glory will play the Brisbane Roar on Sunday 20 February and Macarthur FC on Wednesday 23 February.
On Sunday 27 February, Perth will take on Western United and the Perth Glory Women’s side will play ladder leaders Sydney FC in what promises to be a thrilling double header.
“These four matches present a fantastic opportunity for fans across Tasmania to show up and enjoy top flight football and will support the visitor economy and provide our young sports fans with the opportunity to see their heroes in action.”
Perth Glory CEO Tony Pignata said the club was looking forward to playing in Tasmania.
“We’re very excited to be bringing both our ISUZU UTE A-League and Liberty A-League teams to Tasmania in what promises to be a superb week of football. On behalf of the club, I would like to thank the Tasmanian State Government for their outstanding level of support and for being so welcoming.
“We know there is a passionate local football community in Tasmania and we are really looking forward to engaging with them during our time in the State,” Mr Pignata said.
The Premier said: “These matches will help support the visitor economy and local businesses with Perth Glory bringing about 60 players and staff to the state and staying in Launceston for 10 days, as well as the four visiting teams and their staff flying into Tasmania. It is also expected that fans from all teams will spend time in the State. The games will also be broadcast nationally, once again showcasing Tasmania as a destination for hosting major sporting events.”
“Tasmania has clearly demonstrated our ability to deliver elite sporting content with two very successful back to back AFL finals at UTAS Stadium last year as well as Hobart’s Blundstone Arena recently playing host to the Fifth Ashes Test.”
In 2021, Tasmania successfully hosted a record fourteen AFL matches, including two Elimination Finals, and the first twenty matches of the 2021 Women’s Big Bash League.
Furthermore, later this year, Hobart will play host to nine ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches, further highlighting our State’s ability to hold major sporting events.
Our Government has also partnered with Western United Football Club to have three games played at York Park each season in 2021 and 2022. These include two A-League games which are scheduled for April this year and one women’s game which is yet to be scheduled.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to delivering more elite sporting content for Tasmanians to enjoy – whilst supporting our visitor economy and local businesses and importantly, providing pathways for local sports men, women and children.