- Pop-up Italian Village to add vibrancy to AC Milan match against Perth Glory this month
- Open training to allow fans to see their favourite players up close
- Australian-exclusive match on July 31st to be broadcast live on free-to-air
- Supported by the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA
An Italian Village and open training session will add to the Italian extravaganza when Perth hosts football powerhouse AC Milan this month.
Taking place on Thursday the 31st of July at HBF Park, the friendly match between AC Milan and Perth Glory will be the only match played in Australia this year by the globally renowned Italian club.
A section of the HBF Park precinct will be transformed into a pop-up Italian Village during the match, offering traditional Italian food, a spritz bar, roaming entertainment and a DJ, as well as club merchandise and community football activations, which will kick off from 4:45pm when gates open.
Additionally, AC Milan will take to the pitch for an open training session on Wednesday the 30thof July, offering an opportunity for fans of the club to see its legendary players up close ahead of the match.
AC Milan has a strong Australian and Asian fan base, many of whom are expected to travel to Perth for the chance to see the team play in-person, creating a boost for local tourism and hospitality businesses.
For non-travelling fans, Channel Seven will broadcast the match live on free-to-air and digital channels.
Supported by the WA Government through Tourism WA, the match comes off the back of AC Milan's blockbuster game against AS Roma at Optus Stadium in May 2024, which drew 7,500 people from interstate and overseas, injecting nearly $9 million into the economy.
As one of the globe's most iconic football clubs that plays in the Serie A league - regarded as one of the best in the world - 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.
Tickets to the match are available at www.ticketmaster.com.au/acmilan
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"This match is going to be massive for local and travelling football fans with Perth the only place to watch AC Milan in Australia this year.
"Our city is set to come alive as our State welcomes back football giants AC Milan putting Western Australia on the map as a world-class destination for sports and tourism.
"Visitors from interstate and overseas are set to travel to WA, just another example of our State's economic diversification strategy in attracting major events and injecting millions of dollars into our economy.
"The Italian Village is the latest instalment in our State's strategy of 'festivalising' sporting events to deliver an elevated fan experience for all involved, and I'm looking forward to seeing it deliver a celebration of Italy's vibrant culture through food, music, club merchandise and community football."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Perth is Australia's gateway to Italy and we're quickly becoming AC Milan's home away from home.
"AC Milan is one of the most followed sporting clubs on the planet, and their presence is helping put our State on the map with so many of their fans around the world.
"There is huge excitement building for AC Milan's second visit to Western Australia, and we're hearing from AC Milan supporter clubs around the country, who will be coming to WA for the game.
"As a government, we've always had a strong focus on ensuring our community also shares in these incredible sporting fixtures and we're planning a number of events that people can get involved in."
