Exciting news for local football fans, with the Socceroos set to play their first ever match on the Gold Coast.
Football Australia has confirmed Robina’s Cbus Super Stadium will host Australia’s first third-round World Cup qualifier against Bahrain on Thursday, September 5.
The historic match will mark the first time the national team has descended on the glitter strip, with Football Australia CEO James Johnson admitting it’s a “significant moment”.
“We are thrilled to bring this historic fixture to the Gold Coast,” Johnson said.
“The Gold Coast and surrounding areas have long been a hotbed for producing talent – many of whom have gone on to represent our men’s and women’s national teams.
“We know just how strong the football community is in south-east Queensland so to bring an international fixture of this calibre and importance to the Gold Coast is something we’re really excited about”.
It’s another massive coup for the city’s tourism industry, with the clash expected to attract thousands of people to the glitter strip.
“What a coup for football fans and our city to secure a World Cup Qualifier and see the Socceroos in action,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said.
“It’s a testament to the quality of our venues and facilities that the Gold Coast is increasingly becoming a destination of choice for major sporting events.
The Socceroos will set up camp on the Gold Coast in the days leading up to the qualifier.
“We will set up here straight away to make sure the boys are ready,” Head Coach Graham Arnold said.
“We don’t get the boys for that long… they leave Europe on the Sunday and arrive on the Gold Coast on Tuesday morning.
“So we will get two training sessions in on Tuesday and Wednesday night before we’re ready to go on Thursday”.
Arnold admitted the match will be extra special for a number of players who hail from the South East.
“I often speak with the players about the privilege of representing your nation on home soil, and even more so in your hometown in front of family and friends,” he said.
“We’ve got several players from south-east Queensland and this game represents a special moment for them. It’s also something that can inspire the next generation of Socceroos watching on from the stands.
“This is the beginning of a very important period for us, and we’re looking forward to kicking things off on the Gold Coast”.
Tickets for the match start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $29 Adult, and $58 Family.
Football Australia Pre-sale begins at 10.00am AEST on Friday, 5 July, before tickets go on sale to the general public at 2.00pm AEST Monday, 8 July via Ticketmaster.
