Wanderers Western Sydney Stadium debut confirmed against English giants Leeds United
- Wanderers v Leeds United confirmed as first football event at new Western Sydney Stadium on Saturday 20 July;
- Leeds share rich Australian history with former players including Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell and Paul Okon;
- Tickets to go on sale in December. For all the latest info sign up to the waitlist here;
- International fixture will give Wanderers fans first chance to see their team in new home.
The Western Sydney Wanderers are set to play storied English club Leeds United in the first ever football game at the new Western Sydney Stadium on Saturday 20 July next year.
NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres and Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas today confirmed the historic fixture would officially open the Stadium for football.
“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 30,000-seat Western Sydney 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.
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.”
Speaking about the fixture, Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa said: “I am pleased that we have been given the opportunity to take the team over to Australia to help us prepare for the 2019/20 season.
“To play in the first international sporting event at the new Western Sydney Stadium will be an honour and we are all looking forward to the occasion.”
Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear and Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas also spoke about the announcement.
“We’re really excited to be part of this fixture with Western Sydney Wanderers, which will be a very special occasion at their new home,” said Kinnear.
“The large number of Leeds fans based in Australia has only been reinforced since the announcement of the tour last week and we’re really pleased to be playing in Sydney.
“This match will be a fantastic part of our centenary season and we expect between 4000 to 5000 of our passionate supporters from all over the world to travel to Sydney and we look forward to seeing them all there.”
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. You can sign up to the waitlist for all the latest tour and ticketing info here.