Plans revealed for new Home of the Matildas with construction underway

Construction has commenced on the new Home of the Matildas in Melbourne, with the facility to open ahead of the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup.

First announced in May last year, the $116 million sports precinct is being built at La Trobe University’s Bundoora Sports Park and will also cater for rugby union, housing the Victorian State Rugby Centre.

The progress to date marks a key milestone in the three-year journey to build this world-class facility.

Designs of the Home of the Matildas have just been released, showcasing the premium football destination that will be delivered for Victoria.

Across the next year, stage one of the project will deliver five hybrid, natural and synthetic pitches, with grandstand seating for over 800 spectators and a total capacity in excess of 3,000 around the main show pitch.

The main building will encompass a 400sqm gym, extensive sports science zone, elite level recovery/wet area, multiple change rooms including a purpose designed circular Matildas locker room, theatrette, function/meeting spaces and Football Victoria’s administration offices.

There will also be a purpose-built Futsal pitch alongside the show pitch, providing the indoor version of the game with its own premium arena.

While the Matildas will have full access to the facility while in camp, the wider football community will have access to the facilities year-round, with over 3,500 hours per year dedicated to community bookings.

An ambitious construction schedule is now well underway, ensuring the facility is ready for the Matildas in March 2023, as they prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2023.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, The Hon. Martin Pakula, is enthusiastic about the opportunities the La Trobe University Sports Park in Bundoora will deliver for Victoria.

“This project delivers major benefits for football, rugby, the university and the local community – and it will create 600 jobs during construction.”

Football Victoria President, Antonella Care, celebrated the construction progress.

“Victorian football has waited a long time for a project of this scale, a development that truly matches the lofty ambitions we have for our game.

“We are thrilled to see the first works begin in this landmark precinct, a true home of football in Victoria, which will have a significant impact on the development of the women’s game and football overall, for decades to come.”