Auckland, one of the four host cities for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, is bustling with anticipation as the tournament prepares to kick off in style.
Co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia, the mega sport event is projected to elevate the local economy by generating a whopping NZD $60 million, according to Tātaki Auckland Unlimited head of visitor economy.
Teams from Vietnam, Norway, and the US Women’s National Team, are among the first to have arrived in Auckland, setting the stage for an intense and exciting sporting spectacle.
As a grand welcome awaits them, the buzz from football fans and the local community is palpable.
The world-renowned Eden Park will host nine matches including the opening match on July 20, between New Zealand’s own Football Ferns and Norway. The football fever doesn’t stop there; Auckland will also witness five group stage matches until August 1, a round of 16 match on August 5, a quarter-final on August 11, and a semi-final on August 15.
“The eyes of the world are on Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and we are ready,” says Tātaki Auckland Unlimited director of arts, entertainment and events Richard Clarke.
With a holistic impact expected across sectors, including tourism, retail, hospitality, transport, and trade, the benefits will ripple through the entire community.
In addition to the sporting event, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is also set to host Elemental AKL 2023, Auckland’s festival of ‘arts, eats and beats,’ further drawing in locals and visitors alike. More than 100 events are confirmed, amplifying the festive air sweeping across the city.
The Women’s World Cup is already creating a sporting legacy for Auckland, with over $18 million invested in the upgrade of 11 training venues, including Bay City Park on Auckland’s North Shore. These venues are poised to become hubs for communities, connecting people from all corners of Tāmaki Makaurau to the exhilarating world of football.
An army of volunteers is standing ready to ensure the smooth running of this global event. With a total of 2000 volunteers nationwide, 31 per cent are based in Auckland, ranging in age from 18 to a sprightly 84. The uniforms, designed by indigenous artists Fiona Collis and Chern’ee Sutton, represent the unique identity of the host nations and are bound to leave a lasting impression.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is not just a tournament but a celebration of women’s football and an opportunity to inspire the next generation of players.
As Auckland welcomes the world, the tournament is set to leave a lasting legacy and become a catalyst for the growth of football in the region.
