The Andrews Labor Government has secured another top tier sports event for Melbourne, with the Socceroos taking on Ecuador in an exhibition game at Marvel Stadium later this month.
The match - to be held on Tuesday, 28 March - will be the first time Australia's national men's football team has played in Melbourne since their best-ever FIFA World Cup performance in Qatar late last year.
Victorians came out in force to cheer on the Socceroos in their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign, with tens of thousands of fans filling live sites at Fed Square and AAMI Park to watch history in the making as the Australians made it to the round of 16.
The Socceroos last played in Melbourne last January, when they beat Vietnam 4-0 in front of a near capacity crowd at AAMI park in a World Cup qualifier - supported by the Labor Government.
The fervent support for the Socceroos is expected to draw a huge crowd to Marvel Stadium, which will deliver major benefits to CBD restaurants, bars, hotels and other businesses.
The Australia vs Ecuador match will put Melbourne on the global stage through international broadcasts and build continued excitement for football fans in the lead-up to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Securing this event comes off the back of the announcement of the Matildas vs France blockbuster game on 14 July at Marvel Stadium.
These latest international football contests join a blockbuster calendar of sporting events in Melbourne including the FIFA Women's World Cup, F1 Australian Grand Prix and Bledisloe Cup.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"Melbourne is set to host the Socceroos for a homecoming game in front of a packed Marvel Stadium, giving fans the chance to cheer on the team that achieved Australia's best ever FIFA World Cup performance."
"Our major events calendar is packed with show-stopping events because they attract visitors to the nation's sporting capital while supporting local businesses and jobs."
As stated by Football Australia CEO James Johnson
"During the FIFA World Cup, we witnessed unrivalled scenes of support with live sites across the country including at Federation Square and AAMI Park, and we look forward to celebrating together when the Socceroos take on Ecuador at Marvel Stadium."
