It’s time to catch football fever in the Top End!

Football fans are in for a treat with some of Australia’s best players rolling into Darwin for the Australia Cup 2023 Playoffs this week, and they’ve got a range of activities planned while they’re in the Top End.

In the lead up to the games on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 July 2023, fans can get involved in the action in a number of ways, including a screening of the Matildas in action, the Australia Cup Trophy tour, player signings and open training sessions.

Football Northern Territory CEO, Bruce Stalder said there was a number of activities for fans to get involved in.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Football Australia and the Northern Territory Government for their support of football in the Territory, and I know the city will get right behind these two exciting encounters and demonstrate that the Northern Territory should host more national and international football events,” he said.

The fun kicks off with a Matildas viewing party at Darwin Football Stadium in Marrara on Friday, 14 July from 7pm, where fans can watch the Matildas face France on the big screen.

On Saturday, 15 July, the Australia Cup Trophy will go on tour around the Darwin region, with fans able to get a photo with the Cup at Darwin Sailing Club from 9-9.30am, Darwin Waterfront from 10-10.30am, Gateway Shopping Centre from 11-11.30am and Leanyer Water Park from 12-12.30pm.

On Sunday, 16 July, there will be community football session, including games for children of all ages, as well as a signing session with Melbourne Victory FC players from 8.30am at Darwin Football Stadium, followed by an open training session and signing session with the Newcastle Jets FC from 4.30pm.

Monday, 17 July, will feature an open training session and signing session with Macarthur FC and Perth Glory FC from 9am at Darwin Football Stadium, before the Jets take on the Victory at 7pm. Glory will tackle defending Australia Cup winners Macarthur on Tuesday, 18 July at 7pm. The winner of each game will score a spot in the Australia Cup 2023 Final Rounds.

A range of development and school workshops will also take place over the weekend thanks to the teams being in town.

Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO, Suzana Bishop said NTMEC was committed to seeking out new event opportunities and expanding the Territory’s events calendar, to shine a spotlight on our destination.

“The more diverse and varied our events calendar is, the more people will choose the Territory as an events destination, which supports our economy,” Mrs Bishop said.

“More events also bring fresh opportunities for Territorians. They might be behind the scenes delivering the event, actually taking part in an event or simply turning up to enjoy it with friends and family.”

To find out more about community engagement initiatives, follow Football Australia on Facebook at www.facebook.com/australiacup. To buy tickets to the matches, visit www.ticketebo.com.au/football-australia/australia-cup-2023-playoffs. Prices start from $40 for a family, $15 for adults and $10 for students, concession card holders and senior card holders.