More than 80,000 people are expected to pack out Stadium Australia on Wednesday night. If you were unable to grab a ticket to the Australia-England World Cup Semi-Final, here are the best places in Wagga to witness all the action. Photo: Katrina Roe.
The Matildas made history in Brisbane on Saturday night by defeating a defiant French side and booking their spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final for the first time.
The Matildas will return to Sydney on Wednesday night (16 August) to take on the world No. 4 English Lionesses in what promises to be one of the most-watched TV programs in Australia this century.
With that in mind, here are some of the best places to watch the Matildas try to make more history as they look to make their way to a fairytale World Cup final.
Wagga Wagga RSL Club
The Wagga RSL Club has shown every game of the Matildas’ World Cup campaign so far, with growing crowds for each game. Organised by Wagga Football, a contingency of football-mad fans have flooded the sports bar on the bottom floor of the club, covered head to toe in Australia’s iconic green and gold.
Football Wagga Wagga development officer Liam Dedini said the Matildas were Australia’s most beloved team and there was no better time to get behind them.
“The people of Wagga have taken to this World Cup just like the rest of the country,” he said.
“We now have a competition in our backyard at prime time. There isn’t a reason to not watch the game.”
Make your way to the RSL at 7:30 pm for the 8 o’clock kick-off. Although this is a free event, the RSL is asking those interested to register their intention to attend to allow for sufficient seating. Express your interest here.
St Paul’s Anglican Church
If you’re looking for a big screen on which to watch arguably the biggest game of the World Cup so far, St Paul’s Anglican Church may be your best option.
Be sure to join the Turvey Park faithful in your brightest Aussie outfits and bring your own snacks for your chance to win the best-dressed prize.
Matildas striker Mary Fowler said Wednesday night’s game would be the biggest Australian soccer history, so why not head down to St Paul’s to catch the massive spectacle?
Bolton Park Stadium
Wagga Wagga City Council has responded to the demands of the Wagga Football community and will be hosting a watch party at Bolton Park Stadium on Wednesday night.
WWCC Mayor Dallas Tout is encouraging all football fans to come down to the stadium and cheer on the Matildas in what maybe a once in a generation opportunity to see our golden girls make the final.
For a stadium atmosphere outside of Stadium Australia, this will be Wagga’s best place to replicate the feel of being at the game in person.
Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt FC will be hosting a watch party at Wagga’s main campus, allowing students to take in the game within walking distance of their accommodation.
Charles Sturt FC football fans are sure to create a passionate atmosphere within the CSU cinema rooms. The Matildas are looking to make history, so bring your friends and your student cards, sit back, try to relax and enjoy the show.
CSU’s youngest sporting club is offering students a fun, frenetic and exciting opportunity for the young-adult Matildas fans in Wagga.
Farmers Home Hotel
A drink in one hand, a scarf in the other, and friends and family all cheering for the same team with the game on the big screen. What more could you want? Soak up the atmosphere at the Farmers Home Hotel this Wednesday night.
The pub vibe is something that many sports fans enjoy. It forms a sense of camaraderie and creates memories, so why not head down early, order a parmi, gather around the outdoor projector and cheer on our golden girls?
Kick-off is at 8, but fans are sure to flood the Farmers well before then.
Win or lose, Wednesday promises to be one of the biggest nights in recent sporting memory. Some 7.4 million Australians tuned into the historic penalty shootout win against France on Saturday, but this week’s match against England looks set to attract even more.
Will Australia make the final? Will more records be broken? And where will you be watching?
The Matildas take on the Lionesses in the World Cup Semi-Final at Western Sydney Stadium at 8:00 pm on Wednesday (16 August).
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