Aussie football fans have flocked to Asian Cup matches at Suncorp Stadium, thrilling organisers. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
A sellout crowd for the Socceroos’ Asian Cup quarter-final showdown with China on Thursday is expected to give Brisbane’s tourism economy another boost.
More than 48,000 fans saw the Aussies lose 1-0 to South Korea at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, but that did not deter them from quickly booking in for Thursday’s encounter.
Asian Cup organisers expect Thursday night’s match to sell out, continuing a run of big crowds in the Asian Cup so far.
Japan’s supporters flocked to Suncorp Stadium for their team’s match against Iraq. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
It’s not just Australia’s matches that have had healthy crowds since the first Brisbane game on January 10 and that looks set to continue with the final match on Thursday.
Asian Cup Local Organising Committee CEO Michael Brown said the crowds, which have exceeded 250,000 across competition venues, had been strong in Brisbane.
“We have been thrilled with the support from fans in Brisbane for all matches, not just the Socceroos,” he said.
Iraqi supporters enjoying the early stages of their team’s match against Japan. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
“We have averaged crowds of 21,000 across the five games over seven days at Brisbane Stadium to date.
“Thousands of tickets were sold to that (Socceroos v China) match on Saturday night after it was confirmed Australia would be in the Brisbane quarter-final.
“There are still some good seats available but we do expect it to sell-out as did the Socceroos’ match against Korea Republic on Saturday, so fans are advised to secure their seats quickly for the last Asian Cup match in Brisbane.”
Korean fans have helped to keep Asian Cup crowds at Suncorp Stadium humming. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
On Monday afternoon, tickets were still available in three categories from $29.74 Category three tickets ranging up to $70.35 Category 1 tickets.
China’s fans have been turning out in droves for their national team and that will be expected again for Thursday night’s sudden-death clash.
There’s good news for travelling fans too, with plenty of accommodation available around Suncorp Stadium.
And while some major events see spikes in hotel prices, it seems fans will have some spare change with a number of discount deals being offered this week.
Australia takes on China in the Asian Cup quarter-final on Thursday night at 8.30pm Queensland time.
source: brisbanetimes.com.au
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