Minister’s Release: Wanderers to Make Western Sydney Stadium Debut Against Leeds United
NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres has today announced the Western Sydney Wanderers will play their first scheduled game at the new Western Sydney Stadium against famous English football club Leeds United on Saturday 20 July.
As many as 5000 Leeds supporters are expected to travel to Sydney for the historic match, joining thousands of Wanderers fans to witness the first football fixture at the new stadium.
“This will be a historic day for Western Sydney football fans as their home team lines up against one of English football’s most storied clubs, marking the first international fixture at the venue,” Mr Ayres said.
“The Wanderers will be returning to their spiritual home in Parramatta and playing against a club well known to Australians through the likes of ex-Socceroos Mark Viduka and Paul Okon, and Hyundai A-League player Michael Bridges.”
The 30,000-seat Stadium is scheduled to open in April 2019 and will showcase the best live event experience in the country.
“We said this stadium would change sport in Western Sydney and this game is proof that is happening,” Mr Ayres said.
Angus Kinnear, CEO of Leeds United Football Club, said the club was delighted to confirm travel plans to Sydney and play the Western Sydney Wanderers as part of an Australian pre-season tour in July.
“This match will be a fantastic part of our centenary season and we expect between 4000 to 5000 visitors to Sydney will be our passionate supporters from all over the world. We look forward to seeing you all there,” Mr Kinnear said.
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said the match will be the first opportunity for Wanderers fans to experience the new Stadium against the famous Leeds United Football Club.
“Our incredible Members and fans have waited a long time to see this Stadium come to fruition and we cannot wait to play our first match there against a club with so much history and tradition in Leeds United,” said Tsatimas.
“This will be a historic event for the club, the Stadium and the people of Western Sydney and we look forward to working in partnership with the Stadium to bring this match to life.”
Leeds United’s visit to Sydney is supported by the NSW Government through Venues NSW, as well as the Western Sydney Wanderers and Western Sydney Stadium Operator, VenuesLive.
Tickets for the Western Sydney Wanderers v Leeds United Football Club friendly will go on sale in December and are expected to sell out well in advance.
