Mariners, Sydney FC join forces for Australian First

Hot on the heels of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park will host its first ever Football match when Hyundai A-League clubs Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC clash in a Pre-Season Trial on Saturday, 17 July.

Hot on the heels of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park will host its first ever Football match when Hyundai A-League clubs Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC clash in a Pre-Season Trial on Saturday, 17 July.

While Sydney-s former Showground at Moore Park was once the home of Football in the city, hosting everything from club matches to international touring teams such as England, the new Showground at Homebush Bay, in operation since 2000, is yet to host the round ball game.

Kicking off at 5:00pm in the Main Arena, fans will take their seats in the boutique 13,000 seat stadium, well known as the centre of all the action at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Sydney Showground General Manager Sales and Marketing, Karen Bolinger, says if the Showground is thrilled to be partnering with the Mariners and Sydney FC for the milestone event.

“The Sydney Showground Main Arena is such a versatile venue hosting everything from equestrian events to fireworks displays and music festivals like The Big Day Out,” said Ms Bolinger.

“Saturday, 17 July will mark our first football match, and we encourage all the fans out there to book a seat and come along to be part of history in the making.”

Mariners skipper Alex Wilkinson is excited about being involved in the venue-s maiden Football match.

“So many people are already familiar with the Showground so it is going to be pretty exciting to be part of the first football match there.

“It-s going to be a very important match from a preparation point of view as well, it-s only a couple of weeks out from the start of the season, so I-m sure both teams will have their big names on show, and hopefully there will be a big crowd,” said Wilkinson.

Tickets can be purchased from 9:00am on Thursday, 8 July by clicking here

Tickets cost $15 for Adults (no concession).

Children under 16 are free if accompanied by a paying adult.

“Football is such a fantastic spectator sport and I’m sure watching the game at Sydney Showground won’t disappoint, especially for all the juniors out there who are hungry to get up close to all the action,” said Ms Bolinger.

CityRail will also be running special Olympic Park services, for more information go to www.cityrail.info