Matildas football fan suite in Sydney a world first

Staff Writer
Matildas Fan Suite
Image via The Star

Destination NSW and The Star Sydney have created the world’s first-ever CommBank Matildas Fan Suite, with the partnership providing another reason to cheer.

Existing for two days to coincide with the Australia v Republic of Ireland match on July 20, the luxury two-level penthouse has been completely transformed into a football fan’s paradise where one lucky competition winner and their three guests will stay.

Featuring amazing views of the Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, everything has been meticulously curated to pay homage to Australia’s national women’s team. Styled in striking green and gold, a giant four metre long Matildas scarf hangs above the suite’s shelves, filled with football themed ornaments and books charting the history of the Matildas.

On every wall, traditional hotel artwork has been replaced with framed photos of legendary past and present Matildas players, alongside autographed jerseys and the real international trophies won by the team, including AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Cup of Nations and the Tournament of Nations. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a fan to celebrate the CommBank Matildas as they push for glory on home soil.

Decided by a game of skill, the competition winner will also receive a meet and greet with CommBank Matildas legend and A-League Women’s top goal scorer, Michelle Heyman (cap #170), to talk all things football, as well as tickets to the opening match in Sydney on July 20. They will also receive exclusive goodie bags with official Matildas merchandise and to get into the match-day mood, renowned DJ and football fan Nina Las Vegas has curated an exclusive pre-game party playlist for the winners to enjoy.

Steve Cox, CEO at Destination NSW, said: “Sydney is the national home of football and we’re excited to see the city buzz as football fans visit from around the world to experience the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific. The Matildas Fan Suite brings even more excitement around the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Sydney. Fans from within Sydney and across the country will have the opportunity to really get behind the Matildas while enjoying this one-of-a-kind experience. We can’t wait for the team to hit the pitch on July 20 as well as open the doors to this football fan’s dream at The Star Grand Sydney.” 

Michelle Heyman, former Matilda player and A-League Women’s record goal scorer, said: “This is the ultimate experience for any football fan! Not only do you get to stay in this incredible football suite, you get to fully immerse yourself in the Matildas hype ahead of their first match on home soil. You even get tickets to the Matildas sold out opening game, so overall it’s a money can’t buy experience and an incredible way to get behind the Matildas and celebrate women’s sport here in Sydney.”

Nina Las Vegas, Australian Producer and DJ, said: “I’m one of the biggest football fans there is, so to have the best teams in the world competing in Sydney is a dream come true. I’ve been following the Matildas since I can remember and even helped record an exclusive song for their 2019 campaign, so to say I’m a super fan is putting it lightly! Who could ask for anything more than staying in luxury with one of the best views in the world all while supporting the Matildas! Just a shame I can’t enter and win it for myself!” 

For the opportunity to win a stay at the CommBank Matildas’ Fan Suite in Sydney, you will need to head to The Star website and describe in 25 words or less why Sydney is the best city in the world to see the Matildas play in the upcoming women’s football tournament. Entries close 9:00pm Wednesday July 12 2023

Full details of the experience include:

·       Two nights’ accommodation in the Matildas Fan Suite for one lucky winner and three guests from July 19 – July 21

·       Domestic flights and airport transfers for four people (if winner is from interstate or regional NSW)

·       Four tickets to the Australia v Republic of Ireland match on 20 July (transfers to match also included)

·       Meet and greet with former Matildas star, Michelle Heyman 

·       Pre-game party playlist by Nina Las Vegas created especially for the stay

·       Four official Matildas official merchandise packs 

For images of the Matildas Fan Suite head HERE and for a video tour head HERE.

About Destination NSW: 

Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW is responsible for leading the delivery of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 in partnership with government and industry. Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.

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Rebel Sport teams up with Auckland FC

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Image credit: Top Athletes NZ Instagram

Auckland FC and Rebel Sport have entered into a partnership that will make the renowned Kiwi sports retailer the club’s new sponsor for training kits and the AFC development centre.

As New Zealand’s hub for sports, Rebel Sport is dedicated to motivating all Kiwis to engage in sports, particularly by fostering participation at the grassroots level. This partnership represents one of the ways the company demonstrates its commitment to supporting both professional and community sports.

The Rebel Sport logo will be featured on all Auckland FC training kits worn by players and coaching staff, and Auckland FC players will be featured in Rebel Sport promotions across stores, online platforms, and broadcasts.

This year, Rebel Sport introduced a new Grants program available to grassroots sports clubs. Additionally, the company sponsors three young women through the Tania Dalton Scholarship Programme, including footballer Farina Anchico. These initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to encouraging and supporting greater Kiwi participation in sports.

Rebel Sport Managing Director, Rod Duke, expressed his delight about this deal.

“We’re delighted to be there from the start to help launch Auckland FC. We stand behind grass-roots sports as a business and we’re proud to help provide pathways for up-and-coming kiwi football talent through the Rebel Sports AFC Development Centre,” he said via press release.

“This is a partnership that we are excited to be a part of. The momentum and excitement that surrounds Auckland FC, and not just in Auckland, is phenomenal. With so much excitement and so many people playing football it offers a lot of opportunities for both brands.”

Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker, expressed pride in joining forces with Rebel Sport for their inaugural season as both the training kit sponsor and talent development partner.

“Rebel Sport are an iconic New Zealand business who are passionate about football and helping to create talent pathways for young footballers. They have been at the forefront of NZ sporting business and have helped to inspire many generations of talented sports stars,” he said via the clubs website.

“Right from the first conversation, Rebel Sport have shown that we both have aligned values and the partnership feels very true to who we are as a club that is embedded in the local football community.

“It is a fantastic partnership, and it is great to see our players training and out in the community wearing their Rebel branded kit.”

Football is rapidly growing in popularity across the country, with over 165,000 registered players. Furthermore, 17% of those aged 5-17 have played football within the past week.

With only over a month remaining until the 20th anniversary of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men commences, Auckland FC are making a strong statement by partnering up with major companies for their first season who want to enhance community involvement through sports.

Adelaide United confirmed a new deal with 1KOMMA5° Australia

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Image credit: Adelaide United Instagram

Adelaide United confirmed a new partnership with 1KOMMA5° Australia, a global leader in decarbonisation and renewable energy, specialising in solar power, battery storage, air conditioning, heat pumps, and energy control systems.

Through this collaboration, 1KOMMA5° will serve as the official back-of-shorts sponsor for Adelaide United’s 2024/25 Isuzu Ute A-League Men’s season. Their logo will be prominently displayed on both the home and away shorts for the duration of the season.

1KOMMA5° aims to empower individuals to manage their energy usage by reimagining energy solutions. Their mission is to help people live sustainably by using solar and wind power indefinitely, encouraging energy independence over reliance on external sources.

As an innovator in renewable energy and sustainable air conditioning, 1KOMMA5° is transforming energy consumption by combining advanced technology with efficient systems for homes and businesses.

The company’s objective is to lower energy costs and move away from traditional energy sources by harnessing clean, renewable power.

The deal also improves the carbon footprint and sustainability of Adelaide United which is becoming more popular amongst football clubs.

With local expertise from Kozco Energy Group, based in South Australia and now part of 1KOMMA5°, the company continues to push its mission forward with a strong local presence supported by global leadership.

Directors Wayne Faranda and Danny Mudronja spoke on the partnership building the relationship between them and the fans.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Adelaide United. This partnership offers an excellent chance to strengthen our connection with the fans and support the Club’s efforts both on and off the field,” they said in a joint statement.

Adelaide United’s Head of Commercial, Fabrizio Petrone also commented on the partnership.

“We are delighted to welcome 1KOMMA5° as our back-of-shorts sponsor for the next two seasons. Having both a global leader and a locally rooted company on our kits is a testament to the strength of this partnership,” he said via club statement. 

In August, Adelaide United revealed their 2024/25 home kit, featuring the iconic red shorts, which have received great praise from fans.

This partnership represents Adelaide United’s mission to improve their carbon footprint whilst also securing important finances for the upcoming season and adding to their corporate portfolio with another local business.

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