Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the partnership will see NSW promoted to millions of football fans around the world.

“Arsenal FC is one of world football’s oldest and most iconic clubs, having formed in 1889 and won 13 League titles and 12 FA Cups in its 127 year history. This historic two year agreement will see NSW promoted at Arsenal home games, generating huge exposure for our State across the globe,” Mr Ayres said.

“The partnership will also see Arsenal travel to Sydney in July 2017, playing matches against Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC, exclusively at ANZ Stadium. The matches are expected to attract more than 28,000 domestic and international visitors, who will spend in excess of $18.6 million.

“This continues the NSW Government’s record of attracting the world’s best football teams to Sydney. Arsenal FC joins Chelsea FC, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus, who have all played matches here in the past three years.”

Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Vinai Venkatesham said: “We are excited to enter into this partnership with the NSW Government and Destination NSW. As well as being our first partnership agreement in Australia, the deal is unique in combining a tourism partnership with pre-season matches.

“We look forward to working with our new partner to promote NSW, before bringing our first team to Sydney for two games in 2017 in front of our passionate Australian fans.”

On top of Arsenal’s enormous global following, with more than 34 million Facebook fans and 6.6 million Twitter followers, this agreement will see NSW promoted through LED perimeter signage, player and legend access, digital and social promotions, in-stadium activations and match day hospitality.

A video message from Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger as well as Arsenal and Sydney highlights is available for download at https://vimeo.com/148172289

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