FFA Cup venues guide for Wednesday night

From Tassie to Brissie, Wollongong to Melbourne, we look at the four venues across Australia that will host the Westfield FFA Cup round of 32 on Wednesday night.

Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Hosting: Wollongong Wolves v Sydney FC

Summary: Literally a goal kick away from 'Gong beach

This ground on the NSW South Coast has one of the most picturesque backdrops, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and right in front of a beautiful stretch of sand. 

Converted from an old greyhound and agricultural event facility, the venue now hosts football and rugby league.

The ground has been redeveloped and improved numerous times over the last 30 years and the Wolves have been the beneficiaries, with one of the best playing surfaces in the PS4 NPL NSW.

It’s the second time a Westfield FFA Cup will be played at the venue after the Wolves hosted the Central Coast Mariners there in 2014.

That was a huge night for the local community and it promises to be an even bigger occasion and crowd for the visit of Graham Arnold’s Sky Blues with around 12,000 tipped. 

WIN Stadium details:

WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres, Harbour St, Wollongong NSW

Location

WIN Stadium

Venue: Ballymore Stadium

Hosting: Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory

Summary: Historic venue in Brisbane's suburbs

Known as the home of rugby union in Queensland, Ballymore is an excellent facility with a great playing surface and superb training facilities. 

Roar used the venue as their training base for six years between 2008 and 2014 – and are set to return for this season – so they know it well and will look to use that to their advantage in their first-ever FFA Cup tie in Queensland.

It was even used in the old NSL by Brisbane Strikers and has hosted Westfield W-League game, so it has a bit of a football history. 

Ballymore – capacity, 18,000 - is celebrating its 50th year since and a huge clash between these two Hyundai A-League powerhouses will be a great way to celebrate on Wednesday night.   

Ballymore Stadium details:

91 Clyde Rd, Herston QLD

Location


Venue: Valley Road, Devonport

Hosting: Devonport Strikers v Lambton Jaffas

Summary: Even George Best played here!

Devonport is lucky enough to play at one of the best football facilities in Tassie. It features three soccer grounds, including two synthetic pitches, with a grandstand, club rooms and conference rooms overlooking the main ground.

Valley Road has even played host to one of the world’s best-ever players, with Manchester United great George Best coming out to play for the club in 1989.

Almost 2000 fans turned out on that occasion and Valley Road should be buzzing again with the Strikers on the national stage against the Jaffas of Lambton.

Valley Road details:

Cnr Valley Road and Lovett Road, Devonport, TAS

Location


Venue: Knights Stadium, Melbourne

Hosting: Melbourne Knights v Cockburn City

Summary: Imposing and impressive

Knights Stadium is a venue synonymous with top-level Australian football, having been the home of the former National Soccer League club.

There is a 4,000 seat grandstand (named after former club great and Socceroo Mark Viduka), with the fans close to the pitch to provide a sensational atmosphere.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars has been spent on upgrading the facility over the last decade to make it one of the most boutique venues in Victoria. The club have invested much of their money in their facility, which they own with great pride. 

With top level football returning to Somers St for the first time in 12 years it’s sure to be a memorable night in Sunshine.

Knights Stadium details:

Somers St, Sunshine North, Melbourne VIC

Location