- FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy lands in Brisbane, as part of an international trophy tour.
- More than 200,000 tickets sold for Brisbane's eight World Cup matches, showcasing Queensland to the world.
- The 2023 event will be in the biggest female sporting event ever, as 32 teams compete for the first time.
Queenslanders will this week have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the FIFA Women's World Cup trophy up close, ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.
The trophy will visit Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and Moreton Bay this week.
It has already visited Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand's Auckland, Hamilton and Dunedin.
Premier and Legacy '23 Ambassador Annastacia Palaszczuk joined FIFA legend and two-time Women's World Cup winner Kristine Lilly to unveil the trophy at South Bank today.
Brisbane's iconic Lang Park will host eight of the 64 matches held between Australia and New Zealand, including a quarter final and the third-place playoff.
More than 200,000 tickets have been sold to the eight matches, with some still available.
On the back of a successful Women's State of Origin competition, women's football participation in Queensland is rising rapidly.
Last year more than 70,000 women and girls across the state participated as players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers - that number is set to soar with a 19 per cent year-on-year increase seen already in 2023.
This is encouraged by $10 million committed in this year's State Budget for inclusive facilities at Queensland's community sport clubs, particularly improving access and inclusivity for women, girls and people with a disability.
This funding builds on $2.6 million invested to upgrade community sporting facilities including a number being used as training sites and base camps.
The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 is forecast to generate $30.5 million for Queensland's visitor economy and support 107 full-time jobs.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
"Queenslanders far and wide are ready to cheer on the Matildas as we countdown to the World Cup kick off.
"More than 200,000 fans will cheer from the stands at Brisbane Stadium during Queensland's eight matches, and billions more from around the world.
"This week we have the incredible opportunity to view the trophy up close before the 32 competing teams fight it out.
"Women and girls can do anything, and now it's the Matildas time to shine – Queensland is behind you all the way."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe:
"We know women kicking goals on the national and international stage is inspiring a new generation of Queensland girls and women to sign on for team sport in communities around the State.
"To back this phenomenal growth in female participation, the Palaszczuk Government Budget is investing $10 million in community sport projects like club changeroom infrastructure that improves accessibility and inclusion.
"In addition to the $10 million Inclusive Facilities Fund, we've put $2.6 million into upgrading community football grounds for FIFA Women's World Cup base camps and training sites, and a further $11 million for new accessibility and communications tech to enhance spectator experiences at Brisbane Stadium."
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
"Brisbane is fast on its way to becoming the major events capital here in Australia, as we continue to host show shopping global events in our world class facilities.
"We look forward to extending our warm Brisbane welcome to the teams, officials and thousands of supporters who will visit our beautiful city, including our mighty Matildas.
"The month-long tournament will kick big goals for Brisbane, attracting more than 40,000 out-of-region visitors and injecting $30 million into the local economy.
"Festivities will extend well beyond the stadium, with fans filling local hotels, restaurants and bars and creating a city-wide buzz like no other."
Quotes attributable to Sarai Bareman - FIFA Chief of Women's Football:
"We're thrilled to bring the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy Tour to Brisbane and the Queensland region.
"This tour celebrates the talent and passion of women's football, inspiring the next generation.
"With remarkable support from Queensland, we're creating a legacy for women's football. Let's unite and make the tournament a true showcase of the world's game."
Quotes attributable to Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci:
"Football Queensland is incredibly excited to welcome the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour to the state with just 22 days to go until the tournament kicks off.
"The trophy tour will give members of our football community a wonderful, unique opportunity to see the FIFA Women's World Cup trophy in person, and a major coup for our game will be its appearance at Queensland's biggest junior football carnival, WinterFest.
"Football is already the largest participation sport across both the state and country and with women and girls continuing to join our game at considerable rates, Football Queensland remains committed to achieving our target of 50/50 gender parity in participation by 2027.
"We look forward to working closely with the Queensland Government to build on the legacy of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 by delivering even more opportunities, pathways and facilities for female participants."
Further Information:
Travelling with the trophy is FIFA legend and two-time Women's World Cup winner Kristine Lilly.
The most capped international women's player in history, Kristine played 354 times for the United States and was a member of the successful 1991 and 1999 World Cup-winning squads.
There are still great seats to great matches available and the best location for sales and tickets information is found here.
For details on the Trophy Tour go to the FWWC 2023 website.
The general website dedicated to the FWWC 2023 is here.
