The Palaszczuk Government and Schrinner Council have joined forces so more Queenslanders can cheer on the Matildas in their historic semi-final match against England.
Following the Matildas’ epic victory over France, Riverstage will open as a screening site for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 semi-final match. The Matildas will face England on Wednesday 16 August, kicking off at 8:00pm.
Up to 9,000 Queenslanders will be able to watch the game at Riverstage, with doors opening to the public from 5pm.
This will be a secure, free event. No tickets are required.
Wednesday’s match will also be screened at the South Bank FIFA Fan Festival and King George Square in Brisbane’s CBD.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is the biggest female sporting event ever. The Matildas’ victory over France on Saturday was the largest television sport event in at least a decade, with an estimated average audience in Australia of 4.17 million.
It is anticipated the benefit to Queensland’s economy will far surpass the original $30.5 million estimate for the visitor economy.
Acting Premier Steven Miles said:
“The Matildas have captured the hearts of Australia and I know all of Queensland is behind them as they head into Wednesday’s semi-final.
“Almost half of the Madilda’s side are from Queensland, so it’s no wonder we are all getting behind them.
“We want as many people as possible to cheer on the Tillies, which is why the Lord Mayor and I worked together to open up Riverstage as a screening location.”
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said:
“I’m so excited we’ve been able to work with Deputy Premier Steven Miles to open the Riverstage as an official live site for tomorrow’s World Cup semi-final.
“This will be the biggest game of football in Australia’s history.
“Brisbane residents deserve to have every opportunity to come together and experience the incredible spectacle of our Matildas taking on England.
“Between the Riverstage, King George Square and the expanded South Bank fan festival, residents will be able to pick whatever venue works best for them to watch the action live and cheer on our incredible Tillies.”
Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said:
“It’s terrific to be able to provide more opportunities for Queenslanders to cheer on the magic Matildas and support our visitor economy.
“This is potentially history in the making, and as one of the most critical games of the Matildas’ World Cup campaign the atmosphere will be absolutely electric.
“In partnership with Football Australia, the Palaszczuk Government is investing in an $8 million FIFA Women’s World Cup legacy fund to back many more young Queensland girls inspired by the Matildas to reach for the stars.”
