HBF Park in Perth is to receive a Aus$35m (£18.4m/€21.6m/$25.3m) revamp before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup heads to Australia and New Zealand.
The Perth Oval, or Perth Rectangular Stadium as it is otherwise known, will receive the upgrades in order to meet FIFA requirements to be a host and provide Perth’s “biggest football event” the city has ever seen, according to Premier of Western Australia, Mark McGowan. It will also benefit any future events at the stadium.
The revamp includes replacing halogen lights with modern LED lighting and upgrades to existing power supply which includes a new switch room. The pitch will also receive a makeover, as it is to be removed, levelled and re-turfed before the competition.
Further benefits from the Western Australia Government’s investment include temporary infrastructure like additional seating – as its current capacity is 20,500 – and facilities for players, staff, patrons and the media.
McGowan said: “Securing games in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is a massive win for Western Australia. This investment in HBF Park will provide some much-needed upgrades to our premier soccer and rugby venue, while also enabling further temporary fit-outs for the World Cup games.
“This will be the biggest football event Perth has ever seen – providing global exposure for Western Australia and giving fans, young and old, lifelong memories of the world’s best in action.”
There will be 65 matches across the tournament with 32 teams competing against each other, with the competition held between July 20 and August 20, 2023. The World Cup will be held in cities all over Australia and New Zealand.
Western Australia’s Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti added: “Western Australia has a strong and fast-growing football community, and major events like these provide incredible inspiration for more people to get involved in grassroots sport.
“Hosting this global tournament in Perth will do wonders for the future of women’s football and is further proof that we are competitive at the highest level in securing sporting events for the benefit of WA.
“The tournament will provide a unique opportunity to develop women’s football in Western Australia, providing an incredible boost to the game at all levels, from grassroots to the professional leagues.”
Image: DaHuzyBru/CC BY-SA 4.0/Edited for size
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