Opening events locked in for Allianz Stadium
Three big events over five days will headline the official opening of Sydney’s new Allianz Stadium in September.
A free community open day on August 28 will provide the public with their first opportunity to see the 42,500-seat stadium in person, before the Sydney Roosters host the South Sydney Rabbitohs in round 25 of the NRL season on Friday, September 2 in the stadium’s first sports event.
The action will continue the following day, with the Wallabies taking on the reigning Rugby World Cup winners South Africa on Saturday, September 3 and then on Tuesday, September 6, the Matildas will host Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medal winners Canada in an international football friendly.
New South Wales Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres made the announcement at Allianz Stadium on Thursday.
“We’re opening Allianz Stadium earlier than scheduled with a free community day before the biggest names in world sport from three major football codes kick off an unforgettable opening series of events at Sydney’s new world-class venue,” Mr Ayres said.
“It’s been a long time coming for sports fans but we’re so incredibly excited to open Allianz Stadium and welcome the community back to what will be the best sports and entertainment venue in Australia.”
“Over 150,000 fans are expected to visit the new precinct over the course of the four events, providing a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy,” Mr Ayres said.
The new Allianz Stadium features a 360-degree open concourse inside and outside the venue, steep seating angles providing unrivalled views of the field, food and beverage offering by Merivale, world-class player facilities and new community spaces to explore.
Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said, “The honour of hosting the inaugural event to be held at our home, the new Allianz Stadium, is one of which we are most proud. We have a deep connection to the precinct dating back to our foundation in 1908. Our members and fans will have the very first opportunity to experience the new world-class facility and we would like to extend our thanks to the NSW Government for this addition to our Club’s rich history.
“The Roosters hosted the final event at the ground before it was demolished in 2018 and it is quite fitting that our return fixture will be against the same team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The 42,500 spectators there for the game will be able to reflect on being a part of history on what is sure to be an unforgettable event.”
🎥 Go behind the scenes as we unveiled an incredible #AllianzStadium opening schedule today with the @sydneyroosters, @wallabies and @matildas!
— Allianz Stadium (@SFStadium) June 9, 2022
📄 https://t.co/qdPDx6FyYo #GameOnSydney pic.twitter.com/KMKOb0s8Dy
Rugby Australia CEO, Andy Marinos said, “We’re extremely excited to be able to host the first ever International event at the new Allianz Stadium.”
“To have the Wallabies taking on the World Champion Springboks in front of 42,500 supporters is going to be an amazing experience and one I’m sure those who are there will never forget.
“I’d like to thank the NSW Government for their support in hosting the Test and congratulate them on what is a truly world-class stadium build here in Sydney.”
Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said, “It’s only fitting that the Commonwealth Bank Matildas are the first football team to play at the new Allianz Stadium, as this state-of-the-art facility will be a host venue for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 through the ongoing support of the NSW Government.
“Football enthusiasts, Matildas fans and event goers alike are in for a real treat on September 6, as our ever-popular Commonwealth Bank Matildas host defending Olympic champions and world number six, Canada in what will be ideal preparation ahead of next year’s tournament.
Details of the community open day, including how to secure entry to the free ticketed event, will be announced in the coming weeks, while ticket details to the Roosters v Rabbitohs, Wallabies v South Africa and Matildas v Canada can be purchased via the Austadiums Tickets Hub, through the stadium’s official ticket agency, Ticketek.
Allianz Stadium will host Scottish champions, Celtic, against Sydney FC on November 17, while football fans can also look forward to Sydney FC returning to their home ground for the 2022/23 A-League season. Justin Bieber will perform two live concerts on November 29-30.
ALLIANZ STADIUM EVENTS
2 Sept - NRL: Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs
3 Sept - Test Rugby: Wallabies v Springboks
6 Sept - International Friendly: Matildas v Canada
17 Nov - Sydney Super Cup: Celtic FC v Sydney FC
