Premier

Melbourne’s Greek Spirit To Come Alive At Etihad Stadium

03 June 2016

Melbourne’s Greek community – the largest outside of Greece – is set to delight and entertain with a host of cultural offerings ahead of the international friendly between the Socceroos and Greece at Etihad Stadium.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today launched the Greek festival, which is set to include a range of food stalls, face painting, live music and ancient-Greek inspired soldiers.

The June 7 game at Etihad Stadium is part of an historic double header match, which also features Australia’s Matildas v New Zealand’s Football Ferns.

It is Melbourne’s first double header since the last time the Socceroos encountered Greece in 2006, which the home side won 1-0, before they departed for the 2006 World Cup.

Tuesday’s match is the second fixture of the Socceroos v Greece Dodoni Series and a crucial final preparation for both nations ahead of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers commencing in September.

The midweek international will be the perfect opportunity for visitors from all over Australia and the world to see the best of everything Melbourne has to offer.

It is also the Rio 2016 Olympic Games farewell match for the Matildas and the Football Ferns.

The Andrews Labor Government is proud to host an event that not only boasts such international importance, but also showcases football’s diversity, inclusiveness, and a spirit that is uniquely Melbourne.

Tickets for fans of all ages are available for this blockbuster double header via Ticketmaster.com.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren

Were proud to host the Greek team and New Zealand teams in Melbourne for this historic double header due at Etihad Stadium next week.

“Our Socceroos and Matildas are adored across the country, but nowhere more so than right here in Melbourne – the nation’s sporting capital – and it will be great to farewell our beloved Matildas before they head to Rio.”

Not only will this be a tremendous sporting experience, but it's a chance for all Victorians to share in the atmosphere that the vibrant Greek community brings to the heart of our multicultural city and State.

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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