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"Top Greek team in stadium debut
By Sam Edmund
March 05, 2008
MELBOURNE'S new rectangular stadium is set to be opened with a blockbuster football game between AEK Athens and Melbourne Victory.
Talks are under way to bring the Greek powerhouse to Melbourne for the debut match at the $267.5 million venue shortly after its completion in late 2009.
Fellow Greek football heavyweights Olympiacos and Panathinaikos are also in line for the clash, which is expected to sell out.
A 2006 friendly between Australia and Greece attracted 95,103 fans to the MCG.
Victorian Major Projects Minister Theo Theophanous used a trade mission to Europe to discuss the concept with Greek Sports Minister Ioannis Ioannidis.
Ioannidis gave an assurance to investigate the possibility of one of the Greek trio playing the first game in the stadium.
The Herald Sun understands AEK Athens president Demis Nikolaidis will arrive in Australia in June to close a deal with Victory and look at the 31,000-capacity stadium.
The match would coincide with the completion of next year's Greek Super League.
The 20080-2009 A-League season will finish in late February.
Theophanous said sports-mad Victorians would lap up the chance to see the world's best in a new stadium.
"The Brumby Government has initiated discussions with the Greek Government and both parties are keen to explore the option of having one of Greece's three big football clubs visit Melbourne," Theophanous said.
Victory chief executive Geoff Miles said the club was keen to play a part.
"We are interested in future potential international club friendlies and would be interested in any proposal that might come our way," he said.
Building giant Grocon has been commissioned by the State Government to build the stadium.
Work is under way on the venue, which will feature an innovative 'bio-frame' roof design that provides extensive seat coverage and excellent spectator sight lines.
Grocon last month said it would be possible to amend the stadium to hold 50,000. It will host football, rugby union and rugby league matches.
Victory, AFL club Melbourne and NRL premier Melbourne Storm will call the venue home.
Source: Fox Sports"
Would be HUGE for the Victory - although I thought they'd want the stadium to survive past its first game?? South Melbourne vs. AEK Ultra's would tear that place to the ground!!!!
Predicted flare count - 14
Herald Sun Headline - Ethnic hooligans tear city apart in soccerball rampage
By Sam Edmund
March 05, 2008
MELBOURNE'S new rectangular stadium is set to be opened with a blockbuster football game between AEK Athens and Melbourne Victory.
Talks are under way to bring the Greek powerhouse to Melbourne for the debut match at the $267.5 million venue shortly after its completion in late 2009.
Fellow Greek football heavyweights Olympiacos and Panathinaikos are also in line for the clash, which is expected to sell out.
A 2006 friendly between Australia and Greece attracted 95,103 fans to the MCG.
Victorian Major Projects Minister Theo Theophanous used a trade mission to Europe to discuss the concept with Greek Sports Minister Ioannis Ioannidis.
Ioannidis gave an assurance to investigate the possibility of one of the Greek trio playing the first game in the stadium.
The Herald Sun understands AEK Athens president Demis Nikolaidis will arrive in Australia in June to close a deal with Victory and look at the 31,000-capacity stadium.
The match would coincide with the completion of next year's Greek Super League.
The 20080-2009 A-League season will finish in late February.
Theophanous said sports-mad Victorians would lap up the chance to see the world's best in a new stadium.
"The Brumby Government has initiated discussions with the Greek Government and both parties are keen to explore the option of having one of Greece's three big football clubs visit Melbourne," Theophanous said.
Victory chief executive Geoff Miles said the club was keen to play a part.
"We are interested in future potential international club friendlies and would be interested in any proposal that might come our way," he said.
Building giant Grocon has been commissioned by the State Government to build the stadium.
Work is under way on the venue, which will feature an innovative 'bio-frame' roof design that provides extensive seat coverage and excellent spectator sight lines.
Grocon last month said it would be possible to amend the stadium to hold 50,000. It will host football, rugby union and rugby league matches.
Victory, AFL club Melbourne and NRL premier Melbourne Storm will call the venue home.
Source: Fox Sports"
Would be HUGE for the Victory - although I thought they'd want the stadium to survive past its first game?? South Melbourne vs. AEK Ultra's would tear that place to the ground!!!!
Predicted flare count - 14
Herald Sun Headline - Ethnic hooligans tear city apart in soccerball rampage
