Top Spanish soccer club and UEFA Champions League finalist Atlético de Madrid will play an exhibition game against Melbourne Victory at Simonds Stadium next month.
Sports Minister John Eren said the sides would play as part of a tune up for the start of their respective domestic competitions.
“Atlético de Madrid is one of world football’s most powerful clubs. It was only weeks ago Atlético was battling out the EUFA Champions League final in Milan,” Mr Eren said.
“These aren’t just great spectacles, they’re a big boost to the local economy and a rare chance to see the world’s very best in our own backyard.
“It’s another addition to Simonds Stadium’s growing calendar of world-class premium sporting events.”
He promised bigger AFL blockbusters and more events like Big Bash Cricket, A-League soccer matches and more as the stadium was redeveloped to hold 36,000 spectators.
“That means jobs for locals and a boost to the Geelong economy,” he said.
The exhibition game is a sidelight to the International Champions Cup held at the MCG.
Last year more than 220,000 fans packed the arena over three nights to watch Real Madrid take on Manchester City and AS Roma.
This year Atlético de Madrid will join England’s Tottenham Hotspur and Italy’s Juventus while Melbourne Victory will appear for the first time, Mr Eren said.
“The biggest and best events in Geelong attract visitors in their thousands, giving tourism operators and other small businesses new opportunities to grow.
“Regional Victoria’s calendar of events is world-class, but we want to grow it further.”
Kick-off is 2pm on 31 July. Tickets are on sale at ticketek.com.au.
