- World-famous football club AC Milan arrives in town ahead of Australian-exclusive match against Perth Glory at HBF Park
- Pop-up Italian Village and open training session included in visit
- Supported by the Western Australian Government
Italian football powerhouse AC Milan has arrived in Perth as excitement builds around this week's Australian-exclusive match against Perth Glory.
Kicking off Thursday night at HBF Park, the friendly match is the only chance for AC Milan fans to see the team play live in Australia this year, with many travelling to Perth to catch a glimpse of football stars like Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic.
Adding to the vibrancy is a pop-up Italian Village that will take over a section of the HBF Park precinct during the match, offering traditional Italian food, a spritz bar, roaming entertainment and a DJ, as well as club merchandise and community football activations, with festivities kicking off from 4.45pm when gates open.
Additionally, AC Milan will take to the pitch for an open training session at HBF Park from 6pm on Wednesday, 30 July, offering an opportunity for fans of the club to see its legendary players up close ahead of the match.
Supported by the Western Australian Government, the match comes off the back of AC Milan's blockbuster game against AS Roma at Optus Stadium last year, which drew 7,500 people from interstate and overseas, injecting nearly $9 million into the WA economy.
As one of the world's most iconic football clubs, AC Milan is one of the most successful and recognisable clubs in world football.
AC Milan v Perth Glory will be the Italian club's final stop on their pre-season tour, following matches in Hong Kong and Singapore. The club will base themselves at the Sam Kerr Football Centre for most of their preparations.
Securing this Australian-exclusive match strengthens the Cook Government's commitment to create a diverse, year-round events calendar to continue driving visitation and generate valuable tourism dollars for local businesses and industry.
Welcoming AC Milan back to Western Australia is part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to attract out-of-State and international visitors and support local jobs.
Final tickets to the match are available at www.ticketmaster.com.au
Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"I'm very excited to have one the world's most iconic football clubs, AC Milan back in Perth all week giving football fans another opportunity to see them up close.
"Thursday's event is part of a massive 2025 winter event schedule that has showcased high quality international men's and women's football, including the recent Socceroos and Matildas matches.
"We've always had a strong focus on ensuring the community can share in these iconic sporting fixtures.
"This means local football clubs and families have the opportunity to get close to the game and meet their professional European football stars.
"Let's soak up the atmosphere and head along to all the activities that are taking place throughout the week."
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"The moment football fans across the nation have been waiting for is almost here, as Italian football giants AC Milan arrive in our incredible State ahead of Thursday's clash against our very own Perth Glory.
"Perth is full of excitement this week and it's major events like this that put WA on the map to attract bigger and better events every year.
"Welcoming football giants AC Milan is another example of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy bringing major events to WA which draws crowds of fans to our State from across Australia and overseas.
"Our goal is to become the fastest growing events destination in the South East Asia region, and our events are ramping up with UFC, WWE, Bledisloe Cup and The Ashes West Test heading to Perth in the next few months.
"I can't wait to see all the action unfold at HBF Park this week, particularly with the Italian Village making the match an even bigger spectacle."
