Where to watch the Women’s World Cup Matildas match: Best pubs and parks screening game as Australia takes on England
The Matildas will play England in the semi-final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup at 8pm tonight.
In recent weeks, football fans and supporters have flooded stages, bars, breweries and public spaces to watch the pulse-pounding matches.
Last week, the Matildas beat France on home soil and raised the bar even further by becoming Australia’s biggest ratings hit in over two decades.
The Seven Network, the tournament’s free-to-air broadcaster, said a peak audience of 7.2 million tuned in for Australia’s 7-6 penalty shootout victory over the French in Brisbane on Saturday.
Cathy Freeman’s iconic 400m final at the Sydney Olympics reportedly drew a record 8.8 million viewers, though OZTam records were not kept in 2000.
Here, FEMAIL has gathered some of the best places across the country to witness history being rewritten.
The Matildas will face England tonight in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup
Here, FEMAIL has gathered some of the best places across the country to witness history being rewritten
SYDNEY
The Alex, Alexandria
Popular Merivale bar The Alex is overrun with fans and tonight’s match is likely to draw even more fans. All Merivale locations across Sydney offer 49 percent off drinks from 6-8pm. Booking is essential to score a table.
Bondi Pavilion, Bondi
Those in the eastern suburbs may want to head to the iconic Bondi Pavilion and witness the history. Fans can bring their own food, drinks and glasses, but BYO alcohol is not allowed.
The clock, Surry Hills
The Clock in Surry Hills is giving away free Margaritas for every first goal in every game. To receive the free drink, registration on the website of The Clock is essential.
Green Square Square, Zetland
Crawl under a blanket and camping chair or picnic blanket to watch the game at Green Square Plaza in Zetland. The capacity is limited to 1500 people.
The Vic on the Park, Marrickville
Inner West hot spot The Vic will be one of the places to be tonight as the big screen is set up next to a basketball court, draft beer and plenty of small screens for up close action.
North Sydney Oval, North Sydney
Support the team as you sit in the historic stands of North Sydney Oval and watch the games on the big screen. This is a free event so all you need to do is prepare with snacks and a blanket. However, glass, alcohol or dogs are not allowed.
The Seven Network, the tournament’s free-to-air broadcaster, said a peak audience of 7.2 million tuned in for Australia’s 7-6 penalty shootout victory over the French in Brisbane on Saturday
MELBOURNE
The FIFA Fan Festival at Fed Square
Federation Square will attract hundreds of supporters wearing green and gold as they watch on the large projection screen in anticipation of the match. At the previous game, the fans went wild when the Matildas won against France.
The great northern hotel
This classic pub offers 22 beers on tap and has a fantastic beer garden for watching the game with friends.
The Grace Darling Hotel
Collingwood’s quaint bar comes alive tonight, offering a great menu selection ranging from classic burgers to salads, snacks, fish, as well as gluten free and vegan options.
Green and gold crowds flocked to watch the Matildas match in Melbourne’s Federation Square
BRISBANE
South Bank FIFA Fan Party
The FIFA Fan Fest view in Brisbane will be expanded to allow 12,000 fans to visit the public space.
River Internship
Riverstage has a capacity of almost 9,000 people and is one of the main hotspots where the game is shown live.
King George Square
Brisbane City Council would be showing the game live on the big screen, so every inch is expected to be packed with action during tonight’s game.
Tulmur Place, Ipswich
A giant screen will be erected to show the match while the municipal building nearby is lit green and gold.
ADELAIDE
Festival Square, Adelaide
Festival Plaza in the CBD has been transformed into the hub of the Fifa Fan Festival, where viewers can watch the match on the big screen while soaking up the atmosphere.
The highway, Plympton
The popular weekend venue will be a suitable venue with offers on drinks and meals, live music and the game on nearby screens.
Ramsgate Hotel, Henley Beach
Those in the Western Suburbs can head to the Ramsgate and enjoy the game along with a $7 pint or a $9 Imperial pint.
PERTH
Perth rectangular stadium
Fans are welcomed to the Perth Rectangular Stadium grounds with gates 1 and 4 opening from 5pm. No tickets are required, but arriving early is key to securing a decent spot.
The globe
Fans can enjoy happy hour at Perth’s CBD bar The Globe from 4.30pm to 5.30pm and there will also be a halftime game for a chance to win food and drink vouchers.
The Civic, Inglewood
The Civic will be showing off its brand new projectors in its Milky Bar – a special area of the room dedicated to the game.
Last week, the Matildas beat France on home soil and raised the bar even further by becoming Australia’s biggest ratings hit in over two decades
DARWIN
Darwin Waterfront
The Matildas will be waltzing on the large screens of the Darwin Waterfront with gates opening from 6pm. The open space has a capacity of 3000 people.
HOBART
The lawns of Parliament
There will be bean bags, stoves and food trucks galore on the lawns of Parliament in Hobart. The screens are up from 12pm and it promises to be a great community event.
CANBERRA
Garema place
Fans can bring their own seats to Garema Place and cheer on The Matildas while watching on the big screen.