Updated: The battle for third place in the women’s World Cup against Sweden on Saturday will be aired at a public live site at Manly Oval. Manly Observer understands Council made the decision before the heartbreaking loss against England on Wednesday night that a final would be held at Cromer Park, but a battle for third place at Manly. Gates open from 5pm and kick off at 6pm.
Previously:
A strong community push for a live site for Northern Beaches locals to watch the Matildas World Cup football semi-finals on Wednesday has paid off with an announcement of at least one site, and potentially more to follow, this afternoon.
At 5pm this evening Council confirmed a public site would be made available at Cromer Park on South Creek Road.
The Matildas will face England in the next clash on Wednesday 16 August at Stadium Australia, kicking off at 8:00pm.
Northern Beaches Mayor, Cr Sue Heins said she was pleased Council could provide an opportunity for local fans to watch the match in a community atmosphere.
“This is a truly unique experience that we all want to share together, so I encourage everyone to come along to Cromer Park with their picnic and rug for a night we will never forget
“The match is already a sell out and this site will give our community a chance to come together to support our amazing Matildas.” Mayor Heins said.
Cromer Park, located on South Creek Road, Cromer is one of the Northern Beaches premier sporting facilities. And home to the Manly Warringah Football Association and Manly United Football Club.
Manly Observer understands previous representations for Council to establish a live site were rejected by Council management because of the expected expense of a licence plus event management. Cr David Walton, a Curl Curl ward councillor and current deputy mayor made unsuccessful requests a fortnight ago.
Among the reasons provided has been the long process for getting licence approvals to air the games in a public arena, as well as the broader expense of at least $20,000 per site and a desire to support local pubs and clubs in hosting events.
However, several other Council areas provided a public site for the well-watched quarter final match against France on Saturday, leading many Northern Beaches locals to wonder why they also weren’t given the option.
” I have had a few approaches about Council hosting a live fan site,” Cr Walton had told management. “I have researched other Councils who are holding live fan sites they include: Leichhardt, Rouse Hill, Eastwood, St Ives, Meadowbank, Maroubra, North Sydney, Chatswood, Parramatta, Darling Harbour and others. It would be a shame if this large event was missed on the Northern Beaches, which has one of the largest football federations in Australia, with significant female participation.”
Manly MP James Griffin was able to speedily secure a non-commercial licence overnight which we understand has been offered to Council to use if needed to ensure a public site goes ahead. Cr Georgia Ryburn has also made representations to Council as she and other councillors received multiple requests from their constituents.
A poll on Manly Observer’s Instagram stories on Sunday night asked readers if a live site was wanted for the Northern Beaches or if a local pub and club was sufficient. There were a little over 1100 votes in total, with 92% in favour of a public site.
We will update with any details of further sites for Wednesday’s game on this article should they be announced, as well as the details for a weekend showing should the Matildas make it to the Final.
Good to know
Cromer Park gates will open at 7pm, families and friends are welcome to bring their picnic rugs. A reminder
- Wear flat shoes (no heels).
- No glass or dogs permitted (service dogs always allowed).
- Pack a picnic or buy from one of the four onsite food trucks or canteen.
- Please take your rubbish with you when you leave.
