Excitement is building on the Gold Coast as the Matildas prepare to take on Iran in tonight’s Asian Cup encounter.
The showdown is being held at CBUS Stadium in Robina, with local tourism bosses admitting the clash is shaping up to be the biggest women’s sporting match ever held on the glitter strip.
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn says it’s a huge achievement for the city.
“It could be the biggest ever competitive match of any type for women’s sport on the Gold Coast ever,” Warn said.
“That’s a great outcome for the Gold Coast and we’re very excited about tonight.
“This is a global tournament, there’s obviously 12 international countries, that has brought crowds from overseas, interstate and of course a very important drive market.
“So we expect a lot of people from northern NSW, from over the hinterland, and out to Toowoomba and of course up to Brisbane as well as many Gold Coast locals”.
Gold Coast local and Matildas star Tameka Yallop said she couldn’t be more excited for the Tillies’ to be playing in her own backyard.
“To host this massive women’s football tournament for the first time on the Gold Coast is huge and to have it right here in my backyard, where I fell in love with the game, is a pinch yourself moment,” Yallop said.
However, the Aussie midfielder admitted it is bittersweet, as she will be cheering from the sidelines after injuring her hamstring last year.
“A bitter pill to swallow, I think I knew it at the time that I had the injury a few months back, but at the same time to see all the hype that’s here and to walk out on the Gold Coast and to see everyone coming together as a community it’s still extra special”.
Tickets for all Gold Coast matches, including the knockout rounds, are available HERE.
A series of Live Site experiences will also be available to watch a selection of interstate matches on the big screen at dedicated fan zones.
Full details of Live Site locations and event information can be found HERE
