It’s Matilda Mania in Parramatta, as the city gets ready for the Women’s World Cup to finally begin.
One of the world’s biggest sporting tournaments is almost here, with the Matildas kicking off their campaign in a match against the Republic of Ireland on July 20 at Sydney Olympic Park’s own Stadium Australia.
It’s a game that is predicted to see a crowd of more than 80,000 fans, with plenty more expected to tune in at one of the many live sites across the state.
Here in Parramatta, football fever will officially take over Parramatta Square where a free live site will screen virtually all the matches across 31 days, including all the Matilda games, the Quarter Finals, the Semi-Finals and, of course, the Grand Final.
A live site launch party will start at 4pm, Thursday, allowing fans to see the very first games of the tournament.
A DJ will get the party going and there’ll be plenty of giveaways, as well as a line-up of footballers showing off their skills.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Sameer Pandey said the live site in Parramatta Square will bring fans together to cheer on the world’s best teams, watch live-streamed matches on the big screen and put their own football skills to the test.
“We’re turning Parramatta Square into one of the biggest live sites in Sydney for the World Cup and the best spot for families to enjoy all the action and atmosphere for free,” Pandey said.
“Parramatta is a global city which makes it the perfect place for fans to watch this global event.”
The Western Sydney Wanderers will also be hosting activities and giveaways at Parramatta Square throughout the competition, with Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond as the official ambassador for Parramatta’s live site.
A high-walled, octagonal Panna football cage at the live site will also give fans a chance to show off their footwork or have a 1v1 showdown with a friend, with foosball tables also available.
Pandey said the live site will be a huge boost for the city, drawing in football fans from near and far.
“We look forward to welcoming thousands of people to Parramatta to watch the action with us in Sydney’s biggest loungeroom,” he added.
“Pick yourself up some world-class food from one of the great eateries nearby before settling in to watch an incredible game of football.”
The live site has been brought together in partnership with Parramatta Square, Optus and Western Sydney Wanderers FC.
To find out more about the live site in Parramatta, go to http://www.atparramatta.com/womens-world-cup-live-site.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.