A-League returns to Mudgee
Published on 24 February 2022
Council is excited to announce the A-League will return to Glen Willow next month (19 March) for the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s Central Coast Mariners v Macarthur FC.
Mariners members and Mudgee Region locals will have their chance to secure tickets with a special 48-hour pre-sale opening 11am on Monday, 28 February at 123tix.com.au.
Mayor Des Kennedy said there will be many delighted football fans across the region today.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Central Coast Mariners to bring this game to Glen Willow,” Councillor Kennedy said.
“To have an A-League game in regional NSW is a huge benefit, not just for fans of the sport but for young people and the economy alike.
“This game really confirms that Glen Willow is the ‘Official home of football in the Central West’ capable of hosting all codes from league to union and now A-League.
“Glen Willow was praised by the Western Sydney Wanderers who played at the stadium in the 2018 A-League and I have no doubt the venue will be equally well received by the Mariners and their fans.”
Central Coast Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp said: “It is so exciting for us to be able to return to Mudgee, this time with a fully-fledged A-League match. Our previous visit last year for the FFA cup was so welcoming and with the tremendous facilities, it was impossible for us to ignore returning as quickly as possible.
“We made a commitment to ensure that a trip to Glen Willow Stadium is not a one-off and we hope that everyone can see there is a real commitment by the Central Coast Mariners for a long-term association with the region, to play our part in helping football and all sports grow in Mudgee. Plus, if we can help provide a strong boost to the Mudgee economy and the community, we will do everything that we can to return to this thriving regional city,” Mr Mielekamp said.
“I must call out the fantastic work by the team at Mid-Western Regional Council and Mayor Des Kennedy who have been integral in bringing this partnership together. I look forward to not only seeing a fantastic spectacle when we take on Macarthur FC in what will be an enthralling and very important A-League match, but also setting the groundwork to return in the future and deliver for the Mudgee community.
“We pride ourselves in being more than just a football team, we are a community club and the opportunity for us to help unearth some of the amazingly talented players here in the region will be part of what we want to achieve. In the not too distant future, we will have our A-League Women’s team, and this will add yet another pathway and opportunity for aspiring young females in the area, that I have seen first-hand, need nothing more than guidance and support to reach the highest levels possible.”
NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said of the announcement: “The NSW Government is always encouraging regional venues to go after opportunities to stage major sporting events in their towns,” Mr Toole said.
“Events such as this give the local economy a real boost with soccer fans converging on the region to see the best players in the nation on show.
“Visitors stay in local accommodation, eat in local restaurants and cafes, and visit local attractions and shop at local businesses. A big match such as this will showcase the best that a town like Mudgee has to offer and will again demonstrates to the sporting public what a magnificent sporting venue we have in Glen Willow.”
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said it was great to see the World Game returning to the region.
“The Mariners and Macarthur in magnificent Mudgee – it’s just meant to be,” Mr Saunders said.
“We all already know how marvellous Mudgee is. This game will attract A-League fans from across the state, and I’m confident they’ll all fall in love with the Mudgee Region as well.”
Ticket prices for the game start from $35 for grandstand, $20 for adult general admission, $10 for children (over five years) general admission and $15 for concession general admission.
Kick-off for the Saturday, 19 March clash will be 5.05pm with gates open at 4pm.
Mariners members and Mudgee Region locals 48-hour pre-sale opens 11am on Monday, 28 February at 123tix.com.au