Australia's World Cup Matches To be Screened in Melbourne
Birrarung Marr to host Football Australia Live Site presented by Optus
Set in the heart of Melbourne, the Football Australia Live Site presented by Optus will be alive with the all the action, screening the Qantas Socceroos first group stage matches live on two giant screens.
The selection of Birrarung Marr as the Live Site location came through consultation with a number of parties, said Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley.
“Working in conjunction with the Victorian Government, Victorian Police and the City of Melbourne, all groups chose Birrarung Marr as the ideal location for the Live Site due to its proximity to the city, its ability to hold a larger capacity than Federation Square, and for easier and safer crowd control,” he commented.
“The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle event for our sport and we-re expecting a great turn out to support the Qantas Socceroos for their group games against Germany, Ghana and Serbia. This is the ideal place for fans of the world game to come together and show their support in a safe and controlled environment,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.
“Victorians love their sport and are passionate about the Qantas Socceroos. The popularity of football continues to grow in Victoria, and it-s important that we give fans every opportunity to get involved in all the excitement of the FIFA World Cup. Our live site at Birrarung Marr provides fans with an opportunity to get together and support the Qantas Socceroos,” said Sports Minister Mr James Melino.
Michael Smith, Optus Corporate Marketing Director said:
"Our investment in Football Australia-s live site is an important component of our campaign and demonstrates the depth of our commitment to football fans in Australia. It is a great opportunity to supports the team-s efforts and their inclusion in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.”
"Optus ongoing partnership with FFA spans all levels of the football from Optus Small Sided Football to the National Team. Our communications during this period will be fronted by Lucas Neill and Tim Cahill and include TV, cinema, press, outdoor and radio. We hope that more people will get behind football and the boys efforts in South Africa.”
The Live Sites will be open from two hours before each match, with the crowd entertained by free giveaways and activity from Live Site Presenting Partner, Optus, and Supporting Partner Hyundai, an MC, and special guests from Melbourne Victory.
LOCATION AND TIMINGS
14th June - Australia v Germany Birrarung Marr - 4:30 am
20th June - Australia v Ghana Birrarung Marr - 12:00 am
24th June - Australia v Serbia Birrarung Marr - 4:30 am