Still under construction, in 2018 the new Perth Stadium will hold the first secured event, a game between Perth Glory and Chelsea FC.

English Premier League giants Chelsea will play an exhibition match at the new Perth Stadium in 2018. It won’t be the opening event for the $1.4-billion arena in Burswood, but it’s the first fixture to be contracted.

Earlier West Australian authorities suggested that an international even in soccer, rugby or cricket might be the first to be held.

Scheduled for late July or early August 2018, the game won’t come cheap. The State Government is believed to have committed $20 million to secure the bumper fixture, based on recent visits to Australia by fellow soccer powerhouses Real Madrid, AS Roma, Manchester City and Liverpool. Their visits draw are safe to sell out even some of the largest stadia in Australia, which is important for the 60,000-capacity new sports venue in Perth.

Discussions are continuing about a bid for Australia’s national football/soccer team, the Socceroos, to play England or Argentina at Perth Stadium late next year or in early 2018.