Newcastle Stadium will play host to four games of international football after being named as one of the five venues for AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015.
The Asian Cup is the second oldest continental football championships behind Copa America and is Asia’s equivalent of the Euro Championships.
The Chief Executive Officer of AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 Local Organising Committee (LOC) Michael Brown, NSW Minister for Sport Graham Annesley and Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Brad Luke, made the announcement in April.
Mr Brown said the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the LOC had been impressed by the facilities at the stadium and the enthusiastic support from both the NSW Government and The City of Newcastle in securing games for the city.
“The Asian Cup in Australia will be a three week, 32 match festival of football and we are delighted to announce that Newcastle will be a huge part of the event.” Mr Brown said.
“Matches in the 16 nation tournament will be played from the 9th to the 31st of January 2015. Australia, Japan Korea Republic and DPR Korea have already qualified.
“Not only will two qualifying games be played in Newcastle, but the Stadium will also play host to a Semi Final and the 3rd v 4th playoff.
“I want to thank the NSW Government and The City of Newcastle for their support in making it possible for us to bring the jewel in the crown of Asian football to Newcastle.”
Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Brad Luke said Council was excited that Newcastle would be showcased to a huge international audience and Council was proud to be supporting the event.
“It’s no secret that Newcastle’s reputation as one of Australia’s most amazing destinations is well deserved and just last year was named the best Festival and Event City by the International Festival and Events Association,” Cr Luke said.
“Council will do all that it can to make sure that Asian Cup organisers, players and fans feel welcomed by the people of Newcastle.
The Asian Cup is the pinnacle for the 47 nations of the AFC who represent half the world’s population and some of the most passionate football fans anywhere.
AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 will be the biggest sporting event in Australia for more than 10 years and the biggest football event ever in Australia.
The other competition venues are Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Brisbane Stadium at Milton and Canberra Stadium in the ACT.
