State Government initiates working group to kickstart welcoming celebrations and ideas to activate Perth for the Manchester United Tour
Visitors to Perth will be greeted with a sea of red this week as the State Government, Activate Perth, the City of Perth and businesses mark the historic visit by English Premier League legends, the Manchester United Football Club.
The world-famous blue Crawley Edge Boatshed, which has been made popular through social media, will temporarily be transformed red during the team’s visit, with red wrapping, red lights illuminating from inside the windows at night and a red carpet covering the jetty.
Another Swan River icon, the bronze ‘Eliza’ statue will be sporting the team’s strip in another act to get behind the Red Devils.
Iconic hotspots such as Optus Stadium, Matagarup Bridge, Elizabeth Quay, Yagan Square, Trafalgar Bridge, the Bell Tower and several other city buildings will be lit up red at night – while major city streets Adelaide Terrace, James Street, Mounts Bay Road and the Causeway will all fly the Manchester United flag.
Retailers, cafés and other city businesses are also being encouraged to put their support behind the Premier League team by showing the club’s colours through a range of their own activations, which is expected to attract visitors and get people talking about Perth during the Manchester United Tour.
Spectators will be able to watch the matches live as they are broadcasted from some venues across Perth including at Yagan Square’s digital tower, Northbridge Brewing Company, the Mustang Bar and the Royal on the Waterfront.
Manchester United have one of the biggest supporter bases in the world, with more than 659 million fans across the globe. They also have more than 114 million followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter combined.
The Red Devils’ trip to Western Australia is supported by the State Government, through Tourism Western Australia and VenuesWest, and by Optus Stadium operator, VenuesLive.
The team will play matches against A-League premiers Perth Glory on Saturday, July 13, and traditional rivals Leeds United on Wednesday week (July 17).
Limited tickets are still available for both games. Head to for more information, including the full schedule and other details about both matches.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Manchester United is one of the most famous sporting clubs in the world and my Government is excited to have secured the team’s 10-day visit to Western Australia.
“Thousands of people are expected to visit our State during Manchester United’s 10-day stay and this is expected to inject millions of dollars into our economy.”
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“We are encouraging Perth retailers, cafés and other city businesses to put their support behind the Premier League team by showing the club’s colours and helping the City of Perth and State Government to paint the town red.
“This unprecedented co-operation between State Government and the local business community will help establish a festival atmosphere, and sets up a new approach for us to implement for all future major events.
“As well as watching matches against Perth Glory and traditional rivals Leeds United, fans can take part in a range of activities including an open training session, clinics, legends corporate golf day, fan celebration and legends dinner, giving visitors more reason to stay longer and enjoy all the attractions and experiences of our city and surrounding areas.”
As stated by Activate Perth chairperson Di Bain:
“There’s been a huge amount of activity in Perth this winter and the addition of these blockbuster sporting events will help drive big crowds.
“Let’s make sure our impending Perth visitors see the best side of our city and that we make them feel welcome by painting the Town Red.
“Simple actions can contribute to the Paint the Town Red celebrations and boost the vibe in Perth and we’re calling on businesses and residents in the city to join in.
“Add a splash of red to your shopfront, create a red cocktail for your customers or hang bunting from your apartment balcony. Get creative and tag your posts #activateperth and #unitedinperth.”
