The Andrews Labor Government has secured the exclusive rights to host the Australian leg of the International Champions Cup for another three years.
The ICC is where the world’s most decorated football clubs fine tune ahead of their national campaigns, and Melbourne will again take centre stage.
The deal, announced today by Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events John Eren, will be worth more than $150 million to Victoria’s economy.
This year, Spain’s Real Madrid joined European heavyweights Manchester City and AS Roma for three blockbuster encounters at the world-renowned MCG, while some of the world’s biggest clubs competed in ICC legs in the United States and China. A crowd of 99,832 packed the MCG to watch Real Madrid play Manchester City, as the tournament’s total attendance reached 221,262.
The ICC will attract bumper crowds as Victorians and visitors from interstate and beyond pack the MCG to get a glimpse of the world’s best. Fans from all over the globe will tune in to monitor their team’s progress, beaming images of our city right around the world. More than 50 per cent of tickets sold to this year’s tournament belong to interstate or overseas travellers.
Victoria sets the standard when it comes to major events, and we’re working hard to stay number one. Our calendar keeps our businesses busy and our economy strong – and that means a stronger state.
The Andrews Labor Government’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget includes an $80 million boost to Victoria’s war chest for major events.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, John Eren
"Victorians love big sporting events at the MCG – the crowds prove it. We’re strengthening our major events calendar to keep our state strong."
"The ICC will bring some of the best players on the planet to Victoria, to work their magic at the best stadium in the world."
"The Cup will be great for fans and great for businesses. Securing it will help grow tourism, jobs and showcase our state to the world."
Reviewed 19 August 2020