Qantas Socceroos to play at AAMI Park

The Qantas Socceroos will play at AAMI Park in Melbourne for the first time ever when they host Saudi Arabia in their final 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier third round match in February.

The Qantas Socceroos will play at AAMI Park in Melbourne for the first time ever when they host Saudi Arabia in their final 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Third Round match on Wednesday 29th February 2012.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the Victorian Government made the historic announcement today at AAMI Park with Qantas Socceroos Head Coach Holger Osieck and star Melbourne-based Qantas Socceroos Harry Kewell and Archie Thompson.

FFA CEO Ben Buckley said the Qantas Socceroos first appearance at AAMI Park would be a celebration for all members of the football family from the grassroots to the Hyundai A-League.

“This match will be a first for the Qantas Socceroos at a purpose-built stadium that captures a European-style football atmosphere,” Mr Buckley said.

“We are giving the Football Family across Australia and players registered with Football Federation Victoria in particular the privilege of an exclusive pre-sale window and a 10% discount as recognition of their passionate support for football and the Qantas Socceroos.

“These people are the heartbeat of the game and I-m sure that passion will translate into a fantastic atmosphere for the Qantas Socceroos- first ever game at AAMI Park.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Victorian Government and the Victorian Major Events Company for their contribution and continued support of the Qantas Socceroos and football in Australia,” concluded Buckley.

Victoria-s Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said this event was another opportunity for Australians to experience the world's best in sport, culture and entertainment in the nation-s events capital, Victoria.

"This Qantas Socceroos match is part of an exciting major events calendar in Melbourne in early 2012; including the Australian Open Tennis, the Ironman Asia Pacific Championships, the UCI Track Cycling World Championships, the Superbike World Championship and the L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival," Ms Asher said.

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty, said the game would be a terrific opportunity for football fans to see the Socceroos in action, right in the heart of Melbourne.

"The Victorian Government is delighted to support the staging of this match, which gives football fans a chance to cheer on the Socceroos as they continue their campaign to qualify for the 2014 World Cup," Mr Delahunty said.

This will be the Qantas Socceroos first match in Melbourne as part of their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign and with the Saudis needing a win to guarantee progression to the fourth round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, it is sure to be an exciting match.

Saudi Arabia, are currently ranked 98th in the FIFA World Rankings and are in second position of Group D of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers - Third round.

The match will be the fourth meeting between the Qantas Socceroos and Saudi Arabia. The last time these two teams met was in September 2011 when the Qantas Socceroos defeated Saudi Arabia 3-1 in Dammam.

Tickets for the match will go on-sale to the Football Family from tomorrow (Wednesday 23 November 2011) and to the general public from Wednesday 7 December from www.ticketek.com.au

Those eligible for the Football Family pre-sale window will be notified by email tomorrow (Wednesday 23 November 2011).

The Qantas Socceroos versus Saudi Arabia match is proudly supported by the Victorian Government and the Victorian Major Events Company. The match will be broadcast live and exclusive throughout Australia by FOX SPORTS.

Upcoming Match Details 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Third Round Match Day 6 Qantas Socceroos vs. Saudi Arabia Wednesday 29 February, 2011 AAMI Park, Melbourne Kick Off: 7.30pm AEDT Gates Open: 6.00pm

Ticketing Details Ticket Prices - (inclusive of GST and booking fees) Category A - $90 all tickets Category B - $60 Adult, $30 Concession, $150 Family Category C - $30 Adult, $15 Concession, $75 Family Australian Home End - $30 Adult, $15 Concession (No Family tickets)

Ticket Prices - 10% Discount - Football Family, Melbourne Heart and Melbourne Victory and MyFootball Club members. Category A - $81 all tickets Category B - $54 Adult, $27 Concession, $135 Family Category C - $27 Adult, $13.50 Concession, $67.50 Family, $150 Group of 10 Australian Home End - $27 Adult, $13.50 Concession (No Family tickets) Ticket Prices are inclusive of GST & Booking Fee. Credit card and Transaction charges may apply. Concession (Pensioner, Student, Child) Pensioner - Aged,TPI (valid ID cards) including seniors cards Student - Full time tertiary and secondary school students (valid ID required) Child - 4-16 years inclusive (children 3 years and under are free unless they are occupying a seat) On Sale Dates Wednesday 23 November, 2011 - Football Family, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne Heart and My Football Club Members. 10% price discount applies

Wednesday 7 December, 2011 - General Public