- Western Sydney Wanderers to play FIVE major games at Stadium Australia in season 2016/17, and their other home games at neighbouring Spotless Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park;
- 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season to kick off with Sydney Derby at Stadium Australia on Saturday 8 October;
- Early-season blockbuster expected to smash existing A-League crowd record of 55,436;
- Wanderers to host TWO Sydney Derbies at Stadium Australia in 2016/17 – plus play EPL giants Arsenal in July 2017;
- Stadium Australia Members get priority seats to all games at Stadium Australia.
THE NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers are poised to smash Hyundai A-League crowd records when they launch their season against cross-town rivals Sydney FC in a spectacular Round 1 Sydney Derby at Stadium Australia on Saturday 8 October.
With Melbourne Victory currently holding the all-time and regular season crowd records with 54,436 and 50,333 against Adelaide United and Sydney FC respectively, the opening round blockbuster has the potential to set two new attendance benchmarks.
It will be the first time a Sydney Derby is played in Round 1, providing the perfect platform to kick-off Sydney Olympic Park’s tenure as home to the Western Sydney Wanderers.
The boom Western Sydney club will play five major games at Stadium Australia, eight matches at neighbouring boutique venue Spotless Stadium, and one Community Round game at Campbelltown Stadium.
Wanderers’ games at Stadium Australia will be:
- Saturday 8 October v Sydney FC (Sydney Derby);
- Saturday 10 December v Melbourne Victory;
- Sunday 1 January v Perth Glory;
- Saturday 18 February v Sydney FC (Sydney Derby);
- Saturday 8 April v Melbourne Victory.
The Wanderers have announced that they will be based at Sydney Olympic Park from next season while Parramatta Stadium undergoes redevelopment.
See the full 2016/17 Hyundai A-League draw here.
See the Stadium Australia Event Calendar here.
Stadium Australia Managing Director, Mr Daryl Kerry, said: “In just four seasons, the Western Sydney Wanderers have established themselves as one of Australia’s outstanding sporting clubs.
“We look forward to welcoming the Wanderers and their passionate supporters to Sydney’s Olympic stadium. In particular, we’re excited to be hosting our first Sydney Derby on Saturday 8 October and giving everybody in Greater Sydney the opportunity to experience this magnificent event.
“There is no doubt the Sydney Derby – played in the city’s major events stadium – has the potential to build into one of the world’s great football contests.
“Having the Western Sydney Wanderers calling Sydney Olympic Park home is further great news for our Stadium Australia Members and Corporate Guests.”
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO, John Tsatsimas, said the club was excited about the coming season.
“The Sydney Derby will be an amazing occasion and a wonderful way to open our season,“ said Tsatsimas.
“We will ensure our first ever match at Stadium Australia will be a special occasion for all of our Members and supporters. This will be an event for all of Sydney.
“We’re delighted to have two huge matches to start the season and we look forward to showcasing our new home grounds with five games at Sydney Olympic Park in the opening eight rounds.”
The Wanderers say AFC Champions League and potential Westfield FFA Cup matches will be announced following the December draw of the 2017 AFC Champions League and the scheduling of Westfield FFA Cup matches in the coming months.
Greg Sleigh, Stadium Australia’s General Manager of Event & Business Development, said: “Confirmation from Football Federation Australia that the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers will launch their 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season with a blockbuster Sydney Derby – and play five matches at the Stadium this season – is great news for all sports fans in Greater Sydney.
“We have a vision for the Sydney Derby becoming one of the world’s great football derbies and one of the great sporting events in Australia when it is played in front of a massive crowd at Sydney’s Olympic stadium . . . the venue for so many of Australian football’s greatest moments.”
Adding to a packed 2016/17 events calendar at Stadium Australia, the Wanderers will also feature in a football classic against English Premier League giants Arsenal in July 2017. Tickets for that game go on sale 10am Tuesday 19 July, 2016.
You can guarantee your premium seat to all the Wanderers fixtures at Stadium Australia, including the Round 1 Sydney Derby, by becoming an Stadium Australia Member. Enquire here.
Impress and indulge your clients with Stadium Australia’s Official Hospitality packages. Choose between a Private Suite, Zone Box or Centreline Seats to entertain your important clients. Enquire here.
