Victoria’s own A-League champion Melbourne Victory will turn its attention to the best of European football when the International Champions Cup returns to Melbourne.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today announced the hometown favourites would feature in the world-renowned event for the first time, taking on the might of English powerhouse Tottenham Hotspur and Italian giant Juventus. A third European club will be announced early next year.
Melbourne is Australia’s major events leader, and the ICC is a flagship date on our busy calendar. Some 221,262 spectators packed the MCG over three nights earlier this year, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid took on Manchester City and AS Roma.
Football fans want to see the biggest names in action, and they love seeing them in Melbourne. A staggering 99,382 watched on as Real Madrid and Manchester City capped off the 2015 tournament.
The ICC is a chance to see Europe’s biggest stars at the world’s most spectacular arena, and a valuable boost to Victoria’s visitor economy. The 2015 tournament attracted 50,530 interstate visitors, as well as 3,022 overseas guests. They mean more business for our bars, hotels and restaurants.
Major events keep Victoria strong, because they mean a steady stream of visitors and jobs for Victorians. Victoria already boasts the best events calendar of any Australian state, but we’ll never be complacent. The Labor Government’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget includes an $80 million boost to the major events war chest, so that Victoria can continue to secure the best events.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren
“This is a great opportunity to watch our A-League champions take on the might of European club football. Melbourne Victory has already conquered the locals – now it’s time for the rest of the world.”
“The International Champions Cup is a flagship date on our great calendar of major events, bringing business and visitors to Victoria. The tournament is a hit with visitors from right around Australia and the world – the figures prove it.”
“Australians and fans from around the world want to see the biggest names in the game, and they love seeing them in Melbourne. There’s nothing quite like a packed MCG.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021