Campbelltown has kicked a huge sporting goal and the mayor is stoked.
In a major coup for the Macarthur region and south west Sydney, the Western Sydney Wanderers will play their three Asian Champions League group home games at Campbelltown Sports Stadium from next February.
But the mayor’s enthusiasm was more than matched by that of Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas when they announced the agreement at a function held inside a marquee set up on the sidelines of Campbelltown Sports Ground this afternoon.
“These three games will showcase Campbelltown to the world,’’ an effusive Cr Brticevic said at today’s announcement.
“They will showcase our stadium and our city to the world,’’ he said.
Mr Tsatsimas said there was an easy answer to the question why the Wanderers would play these big games at Campbelltown instead of their temporary home, Spotless Stadium at Homebush.
“We got an opportunity to take these games at another ground and Campbelltown has been fantastic from day one,’’ Mr Tsatsimas said.
“Not only the quality of the ground and the location, but the people around it have always made us feel welcome.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“We have a number of fans here and this was also an opportunity to play games here close to them, instead of them having to travel 40 minutes to a game.[/social_quote]
“We will always look after them because they’ve been fantastic to us.
“And of course the facilities are fantastic in this ground, it means we can play women’s league matches as well and the opportunity to engage with our fans who live out here.’’
Mr Tsatsimas said Campbelltown Stadium will continue to be part of the Wanderers, even after they return to Parramatta Stadium when it is redeveloped.
“I see no reason why not, it’s all about logistics and scheduling, but if you have the rapport with the community here, and with the council, who have gone all out to make you feel happy from day one we will try to repay that loyalty.’’
The club does not know yet who its Champions League opponents will be, with the draw set to take place in December.
Whoever they are they will face the Wanderers in a packed Campbelltown Stadium, and the mayor, for one, can’t wait.
“A lot of people don’t realise how big this is,’’ Cr Brticevic said.
“Personally I can’t wait for the draw.
“This is simply brilliant and I’m stoked,’’ the mayor said.
