AHA(WA): Action-packed sporting season delivers major win for hospitality sector
AC Milan is set to take the field at Perth’s HBF Park on July 31, with the match expected to attract thousands of visitors from across Australia and overseas.
The AHA(WA) has welcomed the announcement that Italian football powerhouse AC Milan will return to Perth this winter for an exclusive showdown against Perth Glory — a major addition to what is shaping up to be one of the biggest winters of blockbuster sport Western Australia has seen.
The match, scheduled for July 31 at HBF Park, will be the only game AC Milan plays in Australia this year and is expected to draw thousands of visitors from interstate and overseas. AC Milan’s previous visit to Perth in 2024 generated nearly $9 million for the local economy and drew more than 7500 visitors from outside WA.
This latest event joins a packed line-up this June and July that includes the NRL State of Origin Game II; the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier against Japan; a major rugby union clash between the British & Irish Lions and Western Force; AFL North Melbourne games in Perth and Bunbury; and the Matildas International Series against Slovenia and Panama, also in Perth and Bunbury.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said the growing calendar of events during traditionally quieter months was a credit to the WA Government’s strategic investment in tourism and major events.
“These events are not just good for fans — they’re essential to filling beds, tables and barstools across the state,” Mr Woods said.
From Bunbury to the CBD, every match is a chance for businesses to welcome new customers and keep local workers in jobs. Hosting clubs such as AC Milan puts Western Australia on the global sporting map and reinforces our reputation as a premium destination for both national and international teams, as well as travelling fans.”
The major sporting events in WA this winter, arranged by date, include:
- Socceroos vs Japan – Thu, 5 June 2025 (World Cup Qualifier, Optus Stadium)
- North Melbourne vs West Coast Eagles – Sun 8 June 2025 (Hands Oval, Bunbury)
- North Melbourne vs Fremantle Dockers – Sat, 14 June 2025 (Optus Stadium)
- NRL State of Origin Game II between New South Wales ‘Blues’ and Queensland ‘Maroons’ – Wed, 18 June 2025 (Optus Stadium)
- Matildas vs Slovenia – Thu, 26 June 2025 (HBF Park, FIFA Women’s International Series)
- British & Irish Lions vs Western Force – Sat, 28 June 2025 (Optus Stadium)
- Matildas vs Slovenia – Sun, 29 June 2025 (HBF Park, FIFA Women’s International Series)
- Matildas vs Panama – Sat, 5 July 2025 (Hands Oval, FIFA Women’s International Series)
- Matildas vs Panama – Tue, 8 July 2025 (HBF Park, FIFA Women’s International Series)
- AC Milan vs Perth Glory – Thu, 31 July 2025 (HBF Park).
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