In a huge coup for Adelaide, the Socceroos will play Tajikistan at Adelaide Oval in a crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying game next March.
Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said the event would be one of the most important games on the Socceroos’ international calendar.
“This game – like the world’s first international Day-Night Test last week – will place Adelaide firmly on centre stage, attracting attention from all over the globe,” Mr Bignell said.
“It will be broadcast to a huge national audience on Fox Sports and SBS and to football fans in Asia who will be eager to see if Australia can maintain its position at the top of its qualifying group.
“The Socceroos will also have a training camp during the week leading up to the game, giving fans even more opportunities to see them in action in Adelaide.
“It has been eleven years since the Socceroos last played a World Cup qualifying match here, and almost five years since a friendly match against New Zealand prior to Adelaide Oval’s redevelopment. It is now one of the best stadiums in the world.
“In the 2015-16 Budget the State Government committed an additional $35 million over two years to market South Australia nationally and internationally and to secure new events.
“In the past month we have secured the ISPS Handa Australian Women’s Open Golf and the 2017 Pacific School Games, this is in addition to the Santos Tour Down Under, Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe, WOMADelaide and Clipsal 500 Adelaide.
“In July this year, Liverpool Football Club played Adelaide United in a friendly match at Adelaide Oval. The game attracted 10,000 visitors from interstate and overseas who pumped $10 million into our visitor economy.
“Whether it’s football, mass participation events, car racing or the arts, the State Government is continuing to reinforce why South Australia was recently named Australia’s Best Events State.”
Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said the match in Adelaide continued the recent trend of taking the current Asian Champions to all corners of Australia.
“The Socceroos represent all Australians so it is important we give fans from all over the country the opportunity to watch the team play these World Cup Qualifiers,” he said.
“South Australia has a very rich football history and it’s tremendous news we are playing Tajikistan in Adelaide. This is a very important match for us so I encourage fans to get behind the Socceroos and get a ticket to what will be a great occasion.”
Tickets for the March 24 match go on sale to FFA Football Family members today.
General tickets are available on Wednesday from 11am (AEDT). For more information regarding ticketing please visit www.socceroos.com.au/tickets/.
