Local clubs and pubs will have to hold their own FIFA Women’s World Cup watch parties, with Penrith City Council unlikely to pursue any upcoming live site opportunities for the biggest sporting event of the year.
While other councils across Sydney, like Parramatta, are committing to free live sites from the start of the tournament next week, Penrith Council confirmed to the Weekender on Tuesday that they won’t be popping up any big screens in public spaces just yet.
“Council has considered hosting a live site for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and will closely monitor the Matildas success throughout the tournament to reassess the need for a live site,” a Council spokesperson said.
This means that unless Sam Kerr and her Matildas teammates can progress to the later stages of the World Cup, it’s unlikely local supporters will be able to cheer on their team together at the Mondo in Penrith or Coachmans Park in St Marys.
While it’s unclear as to why Council won’t hold live sites in the Penrith and St Marys CBDs during the pool stages of the tournament, it’s likely due to cost as well as pesky FIFA broadcasting red tape.
But despite Council’s non-committal to the Women’s World Cup, which kicks off next Thursday, July 20, watch parties will still be held in the local area.
The Penrith Gaels Club will be showing all of Australia’s pool matches, starting with the Matildas versus Ireland clash on July 20 at 8pm.
Being a popular Irish establishment for locals, the Gaels Club will also be streaming every Ireland pool match as well for its passionate supporters.
Across town at the Nepean Rowing Club, the Penrith Football Club are hosting their own watch party on Monday, July 31 when the Matildas take on Canada.
Tickets to the event are on sale now via Facebook and include a meal, drink and entry into the lucky door prize raffle, with all process on the night going directly to Penrith FC.
Meanwhile, down the road at The Peachy, you’ll get a front row experience as you cheer the Matildas to victory, live and loud on the hotel’s big screen. The Penrith favourite will be showing every single match of the World Cup live until the Final on August 20.
The St Marys community aren’t left out either, with St Marys Leagues Club getting in on the action as well from July 20.
And for fans that want a true live site experience outdoors, the City of Parramatta will be live streaming every single FIFA Women’s World Cup match at Parramatta Square.
Parramatta’s live site, which will launch at 4pm next Thursday, will feature a DJ, giveaways, and an appearance by the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.