The World’s First-Ever Matildas Fan SuiteCredit: Destination NSW
Exclusive penthouse at The Star Grand Hotel Sydney has been transformed into the ultimate football ‘stay and play’ experience as a homage to Australia’s women’s national football team, the mighty CommBank Matildas.
#feelnewsydney
Fire Up Football Fans! The World’s First Ever Matildas Fan Suite is Coming to Sydney
The World’s First-Ever Matildas Fan Suite Credit: Destination NSW
#feelnewsydney
SYDNEY: 4 July 2023: Sydney, Australia’s home of football, is giving fans another reason to cheer as the world counts down to the biggest tournament in the history of women’s football with the arrival of the world’s first-ever CommBank Matildas Fan Suite at the Star Grand Hotel in Sydney.
Created in partnership with Destination NSW and The Star Sydney, and existing for two days only to coincide with the Australia v Republic of Ireland match on 20 July, the luxury two-level penthouse has been completely transformed into a football fan’s paradise where one lucky competition winner and their three guests can live, breathe (and sleep) football.
Offering breathtaking views of spectacular Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, from ceiling to floor, everything has been meticulously curated to pay homage to Australia’s national women’s team. Styled in striking green and gold, a giant four metre long Matildas scarf hangs above the suite’s shelves, filled with football themed ornaments and books charting the history of the CommBank Matildas. From the lavish master bedroom, a stunning staircase, adorned with inspirational football quotes, winds down toward an in-room foosball table to get into the competitive spirit.
On every wall, traditional hotel artwork has been replaced with framed photos of legendary past and present CommBank Matildas players, alongside autographed jerseys and the real international trophies won by the team, including AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Cup of Nations and the Tournament of Nations. This truly unique and stunning space is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a fan to celebrate the CommBank Matildas as they push for glory on home soil.
Decided by a game of skill, the competition winner will also receive a meet and greet with CommBank Matildas legend and A-League Women's top goal scorer, Michelle Heyman (cap #170), to talk all things football, as well as tickets to the CommBank Matildas opening match in Sydney on 20 July. Plus, they will also receive exclusive goodie bags full to the brim with official CommBank Matildas merchandise and to get into the match-day mood, renowned DJ and huge football fan, Nina Las Vegas has curated an exclusive pre-game party playlist especially for the winners to enjoy.
Steve Cox, CEO at Destination NSW, said: “Sydney is the national home of football and we’re excited to see the city buzz as football fans visit from around the world to experience the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific. The Matildas Fan Suite brings even more excitement around the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Sydney. Fans from within Sydney and across the country will have the opportunity to really get behind the Matildas while enjoying this one-of-a-kind experience. We can’t wait for the team to hit the pitch on July 20 as well as open the doors to this football fan’s dream at The Star Grand Sydney.”
Michelle Heyman, former Matilda player and A-League Women’s record goal scorer, said: “This is the ultimate experience for any football fan! Not only do you get to stay in this incredible football suite, you get to fully immerse yourself in the Matildas hype ahead of their first match on home soil. You even get tickets to the Matildas sold out opening game, so overall it’s a money can’t buy experience and an incredible way to get behind the Matildas and celebrate women’s sport here in Sydney.”
Nina Las Vegas, Australian Producer and DJ, said: “I’m one of the biggest football fans there is, so to have the best teams in the world competing in Sydney is a dream come true. I’ve been following the Matildas since I can remember and even helped record an exclusive song for their 2019 campaign, so to say I’m a super fan is putting it lightly! Who could ask for anything more than staying in luxury with one of the best views in the world all while supporting the Matildas! Just a shame I can’t enter and win it for myself!”
For the opportunity to win a stay at the CommBank Matildas’ Fan Suite in Sydney and become part of sporting history, you will need to head to The Star website and describe in 25 words or less why Sydney is the best city in the world to see the Matildas play in the upcoming women’s football tournament.
Full details of the experience include:
- Two nights’ accommodation in the Matildas Fan Suite for one lucky winner and three guests from 19 July – 21 July
- Domestic flights and airport transfers for four people (if winner is from interstate or regional NSW)
- Four tickets to the Australia v Republic of Ireland match on 20 July (transfers to match also included)
- Meet and greet with former Matildas star, Michelle Heyman
- Pre-game party playlist by Nina Las Vegas created especially for the stay
- Four official Matildas official merchandise packs
For images of the Matildas Fan Suite head HERE and for a video tour head HERE.
Michelle Heyman in The World’s First-Ever Matildas Fan Suite Credit: Destination NSW
Michelle Heyman in the exclusive penthouse at The Star Grand Hotel Sydney that been transformed into the ultimate football ‘stay and play’ experience as a homage to Australia’s women’s national football team, the mighty CommBank Matildas.
#feelnewsydney
Michelle Heyman in The World’s First-Ever Matildas Fan Suite Credit: Destination NSW
Michelle Heyman in the exclusive penthouse at The Star Grand Hotel Sydney that been transformed into the ultimate football ‘stay and play’ experience as a homage to Australia’s women’s national football team, the mighty CommBank Matildas.
The World’s First-Ever Matildas Fan Suite Credit: Destination NSW
Exclusive penthouse at The Star Grand Hotel Sydney has been transformed into the ultimate football ‘stay and play’ experience as a homage to Australia’s women’s national football team, the mighty CommBank Matildas.
#feelnewsydney
The World’s First-Ever Matildas Fan Suite Credit: Destination NSW
Exclusive penthouse at The Star Grand Hotel Sydney has been transformed into the ultimate football ‘stay and play’ experience as a homage to Australia’s women’s national football team, the mighty CommBank Matildas.
-ENDS-
About Destination NSW:
Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW is responsible for leading the delivery of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 in partnership with government and industry. Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.
Calls to action:
For further information visit www.sydney.com or www.visitsnsw.com. For social media, please tag @sydney and @visitnsw and @thestarsydney, and use the hashtags #feelnewsydney and #feelNSW.
For media requests, please contact:
Tom Fogarty, Ogilvy PR
tom.fogarty@ogilvy.com.au
0401 812 310
More News
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
Destination NSW has teamed up with the popular YouTube channel Yes Theory, with its impressive 9.2 million subscribers, and Qantas, to fulfil 102-year-old San Franciso local, Dorothy Smith’s lifelong dream of visiting Sydney, Australia, completing her remarkable journey to every continent in the world.
Yes Theory producers Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor first met Dorothy in October 2024 when they moved into The Redwoods Retirement Village for 48 hours. Moved by Dorothy’s heartfelt regret of not yet reaching her final frontier, Australia, Ammar and Staffan felt compelled to help her complete this remarkable journey.
Reflecting on her motivation to travel and time in Sydney, Dorothy shared, "Travel is important to me because it’s a big world, and each country is different and has something different to offer; I want to see them all and I don’t want to miss anything!
“I loved visiting Sydney; it’s a beautiful city. The people are charming, the food is good, the scenery is just wonderful, and even the weather is nice! We saw the little koala bears, of course the Sydney Opera House, we went to the Botanic Gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, good restaurants, and the lovely Bondi Beach where we got our feet a little wet and the water was really cold! And the people – they are all so nice, and so friendly!”
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
#feelnewsydney
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
A living link to history, Dorothy is more than twice the age of the Sydney Opera House. In 1922, the year she was born, the NSW Government passed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act, laying the foundation for the construction of the iconic bridge. Today, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of Australia’s resilience and connection to the world—a fitting backdrop for Dorothy’s own journey of exploration and discovery.
With Qantas’s support, Dorothy embarked on her adventure to Sydney in comfort, and received an exclusive invite to the cock-pit to meet the pilot, before she was warmly welcomed at Sydney Airport with personalised displays and a crowd of Yes Theory fans eager to celebrate her arrival. Her stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Sydney became a “home away from home,” offering Dorothy the chance to wake up to the breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House—a landmark she had always dreamed of seeing firsthand.
Ammar Kandil, co-founder of Yes Theory, was driven to support her adventure saying, “Dorothy’s story is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and we’re incredibly happy to help her achieve this lifelong dream to visit Sydney and tick of Australia as her seventh and final continent.
“Our mantra is ‘seek discomfort’ and embrace adventure, and Dorothy’s journey truly embodies the spirit of our channel. Her incredible story is set to inspire millions around the world to pursue their own adventures, no matter the obstacles.”
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
#feelnewsydney
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
#feelnewsydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
Dorothy’s time in Sydney has been nothing short of iconic, filled with experiences that capture the heart of NSW. Her itinerary included:
- An afternoon cruising on Sydney Harbour, marvelling at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
- An up-close encounter with Australian wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, where Dorothy met koalas, and even a kangaroo named Dorothy.
- A tour of the Sydney Opera House adding yet another milestone to her journey.
- A visit to the iconic Bondi Beach, where Dorothy enjoyed splashing her feet in the waves and seeing one of the world’s most famous beaches.
And Dorothy’s secret to a long, healthy life? “You have to exercise, you have to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and stay hydrated. And also, FUN! You have to have fun so you’ll stay healthy, and you can also enjoy 102 years! And if there’s anything else you want to try, go ahead and try it!”
To follow Dorothy’s journey and see Sydney through her remarkable perspective, check out Yes Theory’s latest video at youtube.com/@YesTheory.
For inspiration for your own Sydney adventure, visit sydney.com
Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
null
Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
#feelnewsydney
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.