Brisbane/Meaanjin, the capital of the state of Queensland was the second Australian destination for a FIFA delegation that will visit each of the nine host cities of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™. The first stop saw FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, Dave Beeche, CEO of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand and Jane Fernandez, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia meet with stakeholders in sport and tourism. Andrew Sly, Deputy Director-General, Sport, Recreation and Corporate Services for the Department of Tourism Innovation Sport Queensland and Dr Sarah Kelly, University of Queensland lecturer, Tourism and Events Queensland Board Member and Board Member of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics, discussed the readiness of Brisbane - a city that has hosted major tennis, rugby and Australian Football League competitions, as well as the Commonwealth Games in 2018 - to host FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.
Speaking following the meeting, Fatma Samoura said: “Brisbane is a city that loves men's and women’s sports, and it’s history of hosting large scale sporting events is proof of this. It’s fantastic to learn that since 2015 there has been a 12.24 per cent growth in the numbers of females signing up to play outdoor sports in Queensland, and FIFA is committed to working alongside the state authorities here in the Sunshine State to ensure that the legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup is one which sees more girls and women playing football.” At Brisbane Stadium the FIFA delegation was met by Alan Graham, Stadium General Manager. There they viewed the facilities in the 52,500 capacity venue, that has hosted over 750 events and welcomed more than 18 million patrons since its major redevelopment in 2003.
The stadium has played host to major national and international sporting events including the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, 2003 Rugby World Cup, Rugby League, as well as hosting Australia's women's football team, the Matildas. The venue is positioned within the lively entertainment precinct of Paddington, only 1km from the city centre and serviced by rail and bus public transport, with over 90 per cent of patrons utilising public transport on event days. Sustainability initiatives at Brisbane Stadium include water harvesting and water saving devices, as well as modern energy efficient sports lighting. It will host eight FIFA Women’s World Cup games including the 3rd Place match. The local A-League women's team, Brisbane Roar, were also the highest recipient of funds from the FIFA Club Solidarity Fund from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 for clubs in Australia.
