EPL delivers a Queensland win

English Premier League (EPL) clubs Leeds United and Aston Villa will compete for the Queensland Champions Cup in July alongside the Brisbane Roar.

The three-match series kicks off on the Gold Coast on 14 July with the Roar playing Leeds United at Cbus Stadium.

On Sunday, 17 July Aston Villa and Leeds United play Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Aston Villa and The Roar then head north to Townsville’s Queensland Bank Country Stadium on 20 July. 

Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Aston Villa FC and Leeds United FC were among the EPL’s biggest with a combined history of more than 250 years.

“This is a major event on the Australian football calendar and Queensland is the only eastern state to host the two EPL teams live in 2022,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The English Premier League is among global football’s best competitions and bringing these two teams to Queensland demonstrates our reputation as a world-class events destination.

“You won’t see the stars of Aston Villa or Leeds United playing in Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide, because in 2022 their only east coast matches are in Queensland.

“Major sporting events like this bring visitors who support local tourism and hospitality jobs and contribute millions to the Queensland economy.  

“We’re expecting thousands of southern fans to travel to Queensland for the spectacle of their EPL heroes playing on Australian soil.

“The inaugural Queensland Champions Cup is predicted to deliver a $7 million win for Gold Coast, Brisbane and Townsville tourism operators.

“Accommodation and transport providers, cafes, hotels, restaurants and tourism experiences in three Queensland cities will benefit from these world-class football events.

“New domestic flight capacity means more opportunity for astute football fans to book a Queensland getaway in July to catch every game across the State.”      

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane would be the only place in Queensland to soak up a full English Premier League experience.

“Hosting the state’s only exclusive game between the two English sides in Brisbane is a huge opportunity for football fans in Brisbane and right across Australia,” Cr Schrinner said.

“This event once again demonstrates that Brisbane is now the nation’s sports capital with more teams looking to play in Australia’s fast-growing capital city and in front of new Australian audiences.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the state-of-the-art Queensland Country Bank Stadium had attracted another world-class sporting event to Townsville.

“This reinforces Townsville’s reputation as the sports and events capital of northern Australia,” Ms Hill said.

“Soccer is a very popular sport in Townsville as well as across North Queensland. I have no doubt soccer fans, as well as sports fans more generally, will turn out in droves to see Aston Villa F.C. take on the Brisbane Roar at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

“The event will also provide a boon for the local economy, especially our tourism and hospitality providers who have had a tough couple of years because of COVID-19.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “What a coup. Leeds United FC versus the Brisbane Roar right here on the coast.

“I watched Villa take on West Ham in the UK last month and I know first-hand the power of their supporters’ bases. This will bring exceptional exposure to our city, and I applaud Major Events Gold Coast and all involved.’’

Tickets are on-sale tomorrow, Friday 29 April from 1pm at: www.ticketek.com.au 

Aston Villa and Leeds United are supported by the Palaszczuk Government and TEG Sport in partnership with by ASM Global, Stadiums Queensland, Brisbane City Council, City of Townsville and City of Gold Coast.

Media: 0427 475 089.