Perth is amping up its preparation for the women’s world cup with a new hybrid grass pitch being installed at Perth Rectangular Stadium.
The McGowan Government has provided $35 million for the game-changing infrastructure project to enhance player and spectator experience and meet media requirements.
“With 99 days to go until the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the countdown is truly on, and I’m delighted to share that we’re almost pitch perfect at Perth Rectangular Stadium,” sport and recreation minister, Western Australia Government, David Templeman, said.
Natural grass has been removed and is being replaced with 9500 square metres of hybrid turf in line with FIFA specifications, providing a state-of-the-art playing surface.
Hybrid turf is considered superior for consistent ball bounce and roll, helping create the best possible fast and firm pitch for the ‘beautiful game’ of football/soccer.
Off the field, the installation of 294 new LED light fittings has ensured the flood lighting is ready for camera action, meeting FIFA’s TV broadcast standards. There is 27 km of cabling for the lights, which are lower energy with a 50,000-hour life span per fitting compared to 6,000 hours for the previous fittings.
Other improvements include new larger high-definition video boards, revamped changing rooms, a new tunnel for players to enter the pitch (known as a player’s race), facilities made more accessible and new gates at the entrances to the ground.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 match schedule includes five games at Perth Rectangular Stadium:
- Denmark v People’s Republic of China on 22 July;
- Republic of Ireland v Canada on 26 July;
- Panama v Jamaica on 29 July;
- Haiti v Denmark on 1 August; and
- Morocco v Colombia on 3 August.
Final tickets are on sale at FIFA.com/tickets.
