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Liverpool FC stamps Melbourne as world sports leader
The economic benefits to Victoria from this week’s visit by soccer club Liverpool FC to Melbourne are expected to exceed even the most optimistic of forecasts.
Premier Denis Napthine said the city had been abuzz with expectation over the past few days with 10,000 international and interstate visitors and a jovial army of Liverpool fans making their presence known.
“Melbourne has taken a place in the history books of one of the world’s most revered sporting clubs, Liverpool Football Club,” Dr Napthine said.
“The 95,446 fans that witnessed this magnificent spectacle at the MCG broke records; last night’s game had the biggest attendance at a Liverpool FC match in its 120 year history. They were also the largest ever soccer crowd to convene at the iconic stadium.
“Our expectations from this major event have been exceeded.
“The visit by Liverpool FC will generate well in excess of $10 million in economic benefits to Victoria.
“Our hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes have been doing a roaring trade in recent days due to the influx of Liverpool FC fans.
“Leading hotel operator, the Accor group, has reported one hundred per cent occupancy across the 4,700 rooms in its chain of Melbourne hotels saying it was booked out from the CBD to Glen Waverley in the eastern suburbs.
“Liverpool FC Managing Director Ian Ayre has also indicated that they recorded their highest ever 24-hour merchandise sales whilst the team was in Melbourne.
“Melbourne, Victoria has once again demonstrated it is a world leading host of major sporting events and an international sporting capital.
“In addition to annual major sporting events such as the Australian Tennis Open, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, the AFL Grand Final and the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Melbourne will play host to the World Cup of Golf in November and the Asian Football Cup in 2015 among other events.
“Victoria’s major events contribute about $1.4 billion to the major event industry and attract around 230,000 visitors to Victoria each year. We are committed to building on the numbers and growing the benefits to the local economy.”
