Australia: Crowds of fans at women's World Cup final

21.08.2023 22:20 source: StadiumDB.com; author: Kuba Kowalski

Accor Stadium, formerly known as Stadium Australia, just now played host to the Women's World Cup final. The thrilling match between England and Spain lived up to expectations, delivering a spectacle for fans worldwide. But how did the stadium itself rise to the occasion?

Venue's new chapter

Built for the 2000 Olympics, Stadium Australia has undergone several transformations over the years. Initially designed to accommodate a staggering 115,000 spectators, it held the title of the largest Olympic Stadium ever constructed. Post-Olympics, its capacity was reduced to 80,000 in 2003. During the Women's World Cup final, the stadium was nearly filled to the brim, with 75,784 fans in attendance. This impressive turnout not only highlights the growing popularity of women's football, but also the enduring allure of the stadium, which continues to draw sports enthusiasts.

Accor Stadium © ~Ęlver

Over the years, the stadium's name has undergone several changes. Originally dubbed Stadium Australia from 1999 to 2002, it later became Telstra Stadium (2002-2007) and then ANZ Stadium (2008-2020). In November 2021, following a sponsorship agreement, it was rebranded as Accor Stadium. Initially leased by the Stadium Australia Group, the venue was bought back by the New South Wales government in 2016 and is now owned by Venues NSW.

The final and the rising popularity of women's football

England and Spain gave fans a match to remember, adding another colorful chapter to the history of women's football. Interestingly, this marked England's first World Cup final since 1966. Kudos to the ladies! However, it was Spain who lifted the trophy, defeating the English side 1:0 thanks to a goal from Real Madrid's Olga Carmona. Accor Stadium, with its history of hosting significant events, added yet another unforgettable match to its records.

The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric, rivaling that of men's matches. This reflects the growing global interest in women's football and its rising prominence in Australia. And what about the viewers at home? For instance, in the UK, the final between England and Spain drew a record number of viewers. A whopping 14.4 million people tuned in to watch the match on the BBC and ITV channels.