Victoria scores stadium upgrades for World Cup

The upgrades have been completed ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup which kicks off in two weeks across Australia and New Zealand with six games to be played in Melbourne – ensuring Victoria is ready to host one of the biggest events on the global sporting calendar.

As a major project implementing the Victorian Government's Local Jobs First policy, the upgrades have supported more than 130 full-time jobs for local workers, including trainees and apprentices.

Some 205 square metres of new LED screens across two curved videoboards ensure fans can watch the action from every corner of the stadium and new state-of-the-art LED sport lights enable bigger and better light sequences during matches.

To keep fans, broadcasters and officials connected, Wi-Fi and 5G services have been enhanced.

Melbourne-based Cox Architecture designed the videoboards, new entrance signage and media and corporate facilities, and Geelong-based Hanlon Industries fabricated the steel for the videoboard structure, keeping jobs local and cementing Victoria as Australia’s manufacturing engine room.

Athletes and officials will benefit with additional ice baths and gender-neutral bathrooms for locker rooms as part of the works.

Broadcast facilities have been relocated to allow for more access by crews, leaving space to be reconfigured into corporate hospitality facilities, with a new lounge ensuring the venue is match ready for the beginning of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

AAMI Park’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup season kicks off on Friday, 21 July with sold-out crowds expected across four group matches and two Round of 16 matches.

The Matildas will play their final group match against world number six ranked Canada at the venue on 31 July.