George Souris MP Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing Minister for the Arts Minister for the Hunter Media Release Wednesday 2 April 2014 Affordable Asian Cup Applauded Today’s AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 ticket announcement will ensure that young fans and families are able to experience the best of Asian football at Australia’s biggest ever soccer tournament, Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris said today. “From just $5 for kids and $40 for families, Australians will be able to make the most of this fantastic summer football event, featuring our own Socceroos playing the 16 top teams in Asia,” Mr Souris said. “I applaud the Local Organising Committee for ensuring that attending the Asian Cup 2015 is affordable and taking some matches to Newcastle. Even the more expensive Category One tickets are good value at $149 for the opening game and final match, and $99 for the semi-final and other Socceroos group matches. “These prices and the tournament’s timing, which coincides with the peak summer school holiday period, should see crowds of traditional fans and first time football goers pack stadiums in Sydney and Newcastle come 2015. “This fantastic summer tournament is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to maintaining the momentum of our State’s year round events calendar which most recently includes Major League Baseball, Handa Opera on the Harbour, The Lion King and the BMW Autumn Carnival. “There is also a jam-packed winter which features Strictly Ballroom The Musical, State of Origin Game 2, Italian football greats Juventus versus Australia’s A League All Stars, Ferrari Racing Days and The Lion King. “Last week, the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, launched the 2014 Love Every Second Campaign to reinforce Sydney’s position as the number one destination in Australia for visitor numbers, nights and expenditure through the colder months. “This campaign contributed to more than 1.67 million visits to the Sydney.com website and more than 327,500 sales leads to the tourism industry in 2013,” Mr Souris said. As for the Asian Cup, 15 nations have already qualified – Australia as hosts, defending champions Japan, Korea Republic and 2012 AFC Challenge Cup winners DPR Korea, along with Bahrain, China, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan. Fans can register for ticketing information and see all the latest news about the event at afcasiancup.com 2015 AFC Asian Cup matches in Sydney and Newcastle Uzbekistan v Korea DPR Saturday 10 January 2015 Stadium Australia Japan v AFC Challenge Cup Winner Monday 12 January 2015 Newcastle Stadium Australia v Oman Tuesday 13 January 2015 Stadium Australia Qatar v Iran Thursday 15 January 2015 Stadium Australia Oman v Kuwait Saturday 17 January 2015 Newcastle Stadium Qatar v Bahrain Monday 19 January 2015 Stadium Australia Quarter Final Friday 23 January 2015 Stadium Australia Semi Final Monday 26 January 2015 Stadium Australia Semi Final Tuesday 27 January 2015 Newcastle Stadium 3 v 4 play off Friday 30 January 2015 Newcastle Stadium Final Saturday 31 January 2015 Stadium Australia .