Adelaide United is excited to welcome Liverpool FC to Adelaide Oval on Monday 20 July 2015 as part of their pre-season tour of Australia.
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The visit will be Liverpool’s second in Australia, following their successful visit ‘down under’ in 2013, which saw 95,446 fans flood the Melbourne Cricket Ground for their game against Melbourne Victory.
Following the announcement, Adelaide United Chairman, Greg Griffin, thanked the State Government for their efforts in helping to secure the match, as well as making it clear that the game will be tightly contested by both squads.
“On behalf of Adelaide United, I want to say how thrilled we are to be involved in this incredible event,” Griffin said.
“People don’t realise that to get a team like Liverpool Football Club to Adelaide has only occurred for two reasons. One is because we have one of the best stadiums in the world at this stage, and the second is that the SA State Government has left no stone unturned.”
“The Adelaide United Football Club is entirely grateful for the efforts of government to get this game here and we can assure the public of South Australia that we (Adelaide United) aren’t arriving just to make up the numbers, we will give them a wonderful match for the spectators that come along.”
Whilst it will be the first time the vast majority of Adelaide United players will face such fierce English opposition, two current Reds have previously experienced game time against Liverpool.
Jimmy Jeggo was involved in Liverpool’s maiden trip to Australian shores while he was with Melbourne Victory, while, Dylan McGowan was involved in a Europa League play-off fixture against the legendary English outfit during his time with Hearts.
Liverpool, currently sitting seventh on the Barclays Premier League table, are one of the world’s most successful football clubs having won the UEFA Champions League on five separate occasions and crowned English first division champions a total of 18 times.
In addition, Liverpool has also won seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, fifteen Community Shields, three UEFA Cups, and three UEFA Super Cups.
The Merseyside club’s past and present playing roster is also equal to that of some of the world’s most illustrious clubs.
Former notable servants of Liverpool are Kenny Dalglish, Ian Callaghan, Ian Rush, Billy Liddell, Robbie Fowler, and Jamie Carragher; whilst current prominent players include Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson, and Philippe Coutinho.
Speaking on their official club website, Liverpool’s Chief Executive Officer, Ian Ayre, commended the announcement and stated his belief in the trip being beneficial for both playing squads and the supporters.
“We visited Australia for the first time two years ago and the support we received from our Australian fans was incredible,” Ayre said.
“Liverpool FC have more than 600,000 supporters in Australia and we look forward to meeting as many of them as possible while we are in the country.
“Pre-season is an important time for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season and the (match) against (Adelaide United) is an exciting part of that preparation, giving our supporters a chance to see the team up close, no matter how far away from Anfield they live.”
SA’s acting Tourism Minister, Tom Koutsantonis, reiterated Ayre’s comments and also stated the match being played at Adelaide Oval will be an exceptional opportunity to showcase the entire state.
“A stadium packed with Reds fans from throughout Australia and the world will be a magnificent showcase for the Adelaide Oval and South Australia,” Koutsantonis explained.
“Such world-class sporting events are huge draw cards, and we also anticipate a global TV audience for the game, so it is the perfect platform to showcase Adelaide to the rest of the
world.”
Liverpool’s visit to South Australia is set to be one of the state’s most significant events in sporting history and will undoubtedly prove to be an incomparable boost for football in SA.
Corporate hospitality opportunities are available immediately for the 20 July match and for more details, click here.
Ticket release dates are yet to be confirmed, but Adelaide United members are encouraged to pre-register for general admission tickets, by clicking here.
As Liverpool Football Club and Nine Touring & Events are the promoters of this match, no arrangements such as ticketing, hospitality or other services are being controlled by Adelaide United FC.
