Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Sydney: The AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 is set for a spectacular opening after the appointment of a consortium of event specialists who will be tasked with producing the competition's opening ceremony and other creative elements.
Sport event specialists Twenty3 Sport + Entertainment and creative technology firm Spinifex Group have been appointed to the tasks after a competitive tender process.
The consortium has worked on major international sporting events including the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony (pictured).
The companies also have extensive experience managing local events such as Vivid Sydney, Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, Australian Football League, A-League, Australian Open tennis and World Youth Day.
"Co-ordinating and delivering the various creative and activation elements of the tournament across five cities is no small task, however the Twenty3-Spinifex team have the experience and skill needed to bring the AFC Asian Cup to life off the pitch," said AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 Local Organising Committee (LOC) CEO Michael Brown, who announced the appointment.
Officials from the consortium were pleased with the opportunity to contribute to the success of continent's flagship national team competition.
"We're delighted to have been selected to work with the LOC on an event presentation strategy and delivering a football experience with a difference to local Australian fans and those fans visiting our shores from across Asia," Head of the Twenty3-Spinifex consortium John Tripodi said.
"It was very pleasing to learn that we share the LOC's vision to deliver key off-the-field components of the tournament, from the opening ceremony to spectator activations, with the football fan at the heart of all activities."
Spinifex Executive Producer Nik Goldsworthy said: "We're thrilled to be part of a home-grown consortium that will provide world-class sports entertainment to football fans attending the Asian Cup, and indeed to millions of people throughout Asia when they tune in to watch what will be an exciting and memorable opening ceremony."
The opening ceremony will be staged at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium which will be immediately followed by the opening game between Australia and Kuwait on January 9, 2015.
Photo: AFP