Brisbane is traditionally considered rugby league heartland but the city has transformed into a buzzing football hub for the Matildas’ second FIFA Women’s World Cup group match against Nigeria on Thursday night.
The city is set to host over 40,000 visitors from interstate and abroad across the month-long tournament, with the river city booking five group matches, a round of 16 clash, a quarter final and a semi final.
As one of three east coast cities fortunate to host a Matildas’ group match, unparalleled crowds are tipped to engross Brisbane.
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At the FIFA Fan Festival based at the South Bank Parklands, scores of fans have already gathered on the riverside green by midday.
Beamed up on the screens is the 2019 Women’s World Cup final rematch between the USA and the Netherlands, but a sea of green and gold dulls the passionate American supporters and splashes of orange worn by the Dutch.
Still hours out from kick-off at Suncorp Stadium, event staff say more people are here than first anticipated.
They are prepared for a higher volume of viewers with the home team in action, but are unsure how the final numbers will be influenced by the turnout at the stadium.
For many visitors, this is their first stop on their way to the cauldron.
Staging a firework show over the Brisbane River before the match gets underway, event staff hope the Matildas feel the support of the fans, even from outside the ground.
Across town, the bars and eateries along Brisbane’s Caxton Street are also preparing to be inundated with stadium-goers.
Synonymous with State of Origin matches at Suncorp Stadium, Caxton Street is situated en route to the ground and provides a distinctive experience on game days.
With over 50,000 fans expected to pack the stands, one member of the Caxton Hotel’s management team Georgie Hull is expecting a busy evening.
“We’re really excited, our restaurant is already fully booked. We’re expecting a huge crowd to come through tonight,” she told Wide World of Sports.
“There is just so many people around, the atmosphere is really good. Everyone is in a good mood and excited to go down and watch the game.
“We’re hoping that even though it is a Thursday night, people will stick around to celebrate a Matildas win.”
With Suncorp Stadium hosting a range of sports and teams, Georgie says each fan base generates its own unique presence.
“We’ve found that there are different crowds from the NRL to union and the football. So there’s definitely a different vibe around,” she said.
Scheduling the Matildas at Suncorp Stadium has seen the NRL shafted to the Gabba.
As a result, the Brisbane Broncos will host the Sydney Roosters away from their regular home as rugby league returns to the stadium for the first time in 67 years.
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