- Beyond the Game event experiences announced for August Italian football matches
- Activations part of fixtures between AC Milan, FC Internazionale Milano, Juventus and Palermo FC as part of WA's Winter of Unmissable Sport
- Events play a significant role in the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy, boosting the tourism sector and supporting local jobs and businesses
The Cook Labor Government's Winter of Unmissable Sport in Western Australia is set to expand beyond the pitch, with a program of fan experiences announced 50 days ahead of the Italian football matches in August.
The calendar of activations, known as Beyond the Game, will build on the blockbuster fixtures between AC Milan, FC Internazionale Milano, Juventus and Palermo FC this August, creating a vibrant fan atmosphere and delivering additional social, cultural and economic benefits.
The event activation offerings include:
- Coppa Dei Rivali: a five-a-side tournament at the Sam Kerr Football Centre;
- Open Training: a free event for fans to watch the clubs train;
- Official match day supporter parties to begin celebrations well before game kick-off; and
- Little Italy: a multi-day Italian-inspired free community carnival, bringing authentic Italian culture and football hype to the Optus Stadium Precinct.
Football fans will also have the chance to hear from some of the biggest names in Italian football, with icons from each club travelling to WA for the Beyond the Game celebrations.
The visiting legends will include Fabrizio Ravanelli and Giorgio Chiellini representing Juventus, Christian Panucci and Srgio Cludio dos Santos (Serginho) from AC Milan, Javier Zanetti and Christian Vieri from Inter, and Fabrizio Miccoli and Amauri Carvalho de Oliveira from Palermo.
As part of the program, the legends will feature in a curated panel discussion, Legends of Milan, at the historic Astor Theatre, giving WA fans a unique opportunity to hear from players who helped shape the modern game.
Tickets are on sale for the three matches, which feature two of the world's most iconic rivalries:
- Milan Derby: AC Milan v FC Internazionale Milano on Wednesday, 5 August;
- Derby d'Italia: Juventus v FC Internazionale Milano on Saturday, 8 August; and
- Juventus v Palermo FC on Tuesday, 11 August.
Tens of thousands of tickets have already sold for the Australian-exclusive tournament, which is expected to attract thousands of out-of-State visitors and boost local tourism businesses.
The Festival of Italian Football is just one of several blockbuster events shaping Western Australia's Winter of Unmissable Sport, which kicks off with the Nations Championship rugby union clash between Australia's Wallabies and Italy, followed by a packed schedule of AFL matches, the Perth Super 440, an NRL showdown between Melbourne Storm and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Backroads Gravel, and the iconic Avon Descent.
Western Australia continues to build its reputation as a leading destination for major events, driving visitation and supporting economic diversification, local jobs and businesses across the State.
Find out more about the Winter of Unmissable Sport at WesternAustralia.com/UnmissableSports and Calcio Italiano at calcioperth.com
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"My message to football fans across Australia is this: if you love the world game, if you're missing Italy in the World Cup, come to Perth this August to see the best of the best in action.
"These football legends and community events will build excitement and take the fan experience to a whole new level.
"For local players, clubs and families, the chance to connect with some of the biggest names in the game will be really special, and hopefully inspire more young people to get involved.
"It's also another chance to showcase our fantastic sporting facilities, including the Sam Kerr Football Centre, and WA's growing reputation as a major events destination."
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"The Beyond the Game activations, alongside the Calcio Italiano matches, will create huge moments for local football, giving young players, families and fans unforgettable experiences both on and off the pitch across Perth.
"These activations give both visiting and local fans more ways to get involved, helping to create an exciting tournament atmosphere that extends beyond the turnstiles and delivers real benefits for local tourism and hospitality businesses.
"Major events like this play an important role in the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy to support local jobs and businesses while showcasing Western Australia as a dynamic destination year-round."
