The Sydney Swans will play the West Coast Eagles in Geelong next weekend - the Victorian Government securing the match after pandemic considerations forced the AFL to move the game from New South Wales.
Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Jaala Pulford today confirmed the additional fixture for the home of the Geelong Cats, providing an economic boost for the city and showcasing the region to a national TV audience.
Backed by the Government's Regional Events Fund, the additional game means GMHBA Stadium will now host at least 10 home-and-away AFL matches in 2021.
The Round 16 match has been scheduled at GMHBA Stadium at 1:10pm on Sunday, 4 July - two days after the Cats host Essendon at the ground to start the round.
Crowd capacity is scheduled to increase to 85 per cent before Round 16, meaning up to 30,000 fans could attend the match depending on prevailing public health conditions.
The Kardinia Park stadium attracts more than 400,000 patrons annually with AFLW, A-League and Big Bash game also on the bill.
The Victorian Government has committed $142 million for the final stage of the Kardinia Park redevelopment, cementing Geelong as an important national sports destination and backing local jobs.
The investment to deliver Stage 5 of the project follows works completed in 2017 that included the creation of the new Brownlow Stand, a community-based rehabilitation centre and training and administration facilities for the Geelong Football Club.
For more information on the Swans vs. Eagles match, including ticket details, visit afl.com.au.
As stated by Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Jaala Pulford
"This is a great result for football fans in regional Victoria and the early start time will give people the chance to get to the game and get home at a reasonable hour."
"We've backed major projects at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong and Mars Stadium in Ballarat to ensure they are brilliant venues for AFL matches - it's fantastic to have this latest match confirmed."
As stated by AFL executive general manager of clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld
"It is great to be able to take a big match to regional Victoria and we encourage footy fans from all around the state to head to Geelong and support the contest between the Swans and the Eagles."
"We thank the Victorian Government for their continued support of footy and our 2021 season."
