Matildas football fan suite in Sydney a world first

Matildas Fan Suite

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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Inter Miami CF Welcomes Más+ by Messi as Hydration Partner

Inter Miami CF names Más+ by Messi as its Official Hydration Partner in a new partnership, the alliance ensures hydration for all players, from the Academy to the First Team, while introducing Más+ by Messi to fans at Chase Stadium.

This partnership adds to Lionel Messi’s growing commercial ventures as Inter Miami’s captain and football legend. Founded by Messi, Más+ by Messi provides balanced hydration with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, serving both elite athletes and everyday consumers.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF’s leadership underscored the partnership’s significance, emphasising its advantages for both players and fans. Messi shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration.

“It’s a huge honour and joy that Más+ by Messi is becoming a partner of Inter Miami. When working on this drink, we aimed to provide hydration not only for elite athletes but also for amateurs and anyone looking to stay properly hydrated in their daily lives, while also benefiting from electrolytes and vitamins,” he said via press release.

Más+ by Messi’s Executive Vice President, Rishi Daing highlighted the vital role of hydration for everyone.

“Players for Inter Miami understand how important hydration is to achieving their goals. Now everyone can benefit from the same hydration, whether they’re on the field, in the stands, or in everyday life. We’re proud to partner with Inter Miami to share the importance of everyday hydration,” he said via press release.

Más+ by Messi will be seamlessly integrated into Inter Miami’s matchday experience and training facilities:

  • On-Field Presence: Branded coolers and towels will be used during training and matches.
  • Academy Support: The brand will aid youth development, reflecting Messi’s dedication to nurturing young talent.
  • Matchday Access: Fans at Chase Stadium can enjoy all Más+ by Messi flavours, including the city-inspired “Miami Punch.”
  • Retail Expansion: Available at Publix, Inter Miami’s Official Grocery Partner.
  • Stadium Branding: Visible throughout Chase Stadium, including press conferences and fan engagement areas.

This partnership extends beyond standard sponsorship, with Más+ by Messi actively engaging Inter Miami fans through activations and promotions at Chase Stadium. The brand’s presence in the Fan Zone and Northwest Club will further enhance the fan experience.

As Inter Miami CF expands its commercial ventures, this collaboration blends sports performance, business strategy, and the growing impact of Lionel Messi’s personal brand.

Melbourne Victory’s brand-new infrastructure strategy

Melbourne Victory & SEDA

A-League giant Melbourne Victory has revealed a brand-new extensive infrastructure strategy to foster and support tomorrow’s footballing stars.

The strategic infrastructure plan set out by Victory will aim to develop youth and women’s football programs by providing improved access to world class footballing facilities and player pathways across Victoria.

To achieve this, Melbourne Victory has opted for a campus model to enable players access to connected and consistent facilities across the North, East, South and West of Melbourne, all within an hour’s journey of Victory’s club administrative centre and the A-League Men’s training facilities at Gosch’s Paddock.

The club also intends to build another campus within the Melbourne city centre, with the first campus location to be announced by the club soon, as it continues to review and assess possible sites across the city.

Melbourne Victory Chairman, John Dovaston, explained why the club had chosen the campus model.

“The announcement of this project, and the direction taken, is aimed at ensuring we are best placed to attract and retain football talent across the State,” he said in a press release.

“Our innovative approach will allow us to have a number of campuses with not only an elite focus, but also, an eye on building our community to ensure that all Victorians have an opportunity to participate and engage in our game.”

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, outlined why the new infrastructure strategy was so important to the club.

“It is well understood that sport and football can influence social cohesion, and it’s our responsibility as a Club to establish infrastructure and programs that can positively impact members of the community, regardless of gender, background or location, whether that be through training the next generation of football stars, or using football as a vehicle to lead, unite, connect and inspire the community more broadly,” she said via press release.

“By enabling Victory to connect with communities across the North, South, East, and West of AAMI Park, our spiritual home, we can truly grow the Victory family and set new standards for elite facilities in our Pathway and community programs.”

The infrastructure project is an important move for the club, allowing it to grow, improve and future-proof its current suite of footballing programs. Currently, Victory operates nine elite and 23 pathway programs, providing services to over 16,000 participants across Victoria. Through the campus model, the club hopes it will be able to more efficiently develop the new generation of A-League and national team players.

“The priority is to provide not just an entry point for individuals to engage and participate in football, but to keep them engaged and provide a holistic journey to grow the Victory family across the State,” Carnegie continued.

“We are excited about the opportunities that the project can provide and the potential for growth for our Club and for football in the future.”

Melbourne Victory will continue to issue updates as it sets on the 5-year-plus journey to complete the entire project. For more information on the club’s major infrastructure strategy, access the plan HERE.

 

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