Sydney will write another chapter in its proud football history with Scottish Premiership champions Celtic FC arriving in town to take on local A-League heavyweights in the first ever Sydney Super Cup match at Allianz Stadium tonight.
The NSW Government secured the biennial four-team tournament which will bring the world's best football clubs to Sydney to play A-League clubs Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers FC.
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin welcomed the Celtic FC squad to Sydney, citing the significant economic benefits of the Sydney Super Cup to the NSW economy.
"Sydney has kicked another goal as Australia's home of football with one of the world's best clubs coming to play in the inaugural Sydney Super Cup," Mr Franklin said.
"This will be one of three matches played over the next week, providing visiting fans with an opportunity for an extended stay in the Harbour City to enjoy our iconic natural beauty and vast cultural offerings in one of the world's great sporting cities.
"The Sydney Super Cup will have enormous economic benefits for Sydney and NSW, with around 20,000 football fans expected to visit Sydney for its first instalment, injecting $18 million of visitor expenditure into our economy.
"The NSW Government is focused on delivering major events like the Sydney Super Cup that capture the world's attention, drives the NSW visitor economy and builds Sydney's reputation as the events capital of the Asia Pacific."
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the Sydney Super Cup was an added bonus for football fans after last weekend's thrilling A-League men's matches, as well as the Matildas defeating Thailand at Central Coast Stadium on Tuesday night.
"A world-class football tournament deserves a premier destination and Sydney leads the way in being able to deliver the biggest and best sporting events including the inaugural Sydney Super Cup," Mr Henskens said.
"Whether you're an A-League fan or enjoy the overseas leagues, there are three big nights of football on offer and they are guaranteed to inspire our next generation of up and coming football superstars."
The Sydney Super Cup kicks off tonight at Allianz Stadium with Celtic FC vs Sydney FC, followed by an all-British blockbuster between Celtic FC and Everton FC at Accor Stadium on Sunday 20 November. The final match between Everton FC and Western Sydney Wanderers FC kicks off at CommBank Stadium on Wednesday 23 November.
The next Sydney Super Cup will take place in 2025, with tournaments planned thereafter in 2027 and 2029. For ticket information visit the Sydney Super Cup website.
