11 Oct 2022
From rugby to cricket and from tennis to horse racing, Melbourne has released a comprehensive sports calendar that has something for everyone. Hailed as the sporting and events capital of Australia, Melbourne will host a plethora of live sports and spectator events in the lead up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games and beyond.
As well as attending these major events, sporting fans will be able to explore and enjoy the many attractions and experiences Victoria has to offer. From quirky restaurants and bars in the heart of Melbourne to the latest Aboriginal experience in the UNESCO-listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape on Victoria's world-famous Great Ocean Road.
Some of the major sporting events coming up in Victoria are:
ICC Men's T20 World Cup
16 October to 13 November 2022
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup (earlier known as ICC World Twenty20) is an international championship of cricket organised by the International Cricket Council. Following the Women's Cricket World Cup in Melbourne at the start of 2022, which saw the Australian women's team defeat India, we now look to the men's tournament taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – a cultural icon and one of the most recognised cricket grounds in the world, easily accessible from the city centre. The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 will see the world's best cricketers from 16 international teams (including England, Scotland and Ireland) compete in 45 matches across seven host cities from 16 October to 13 November – including Melbourne, which will also host the big final on 13 November. Australia will enter the eighth edition of the men's event as defending champions after winning their maiden ICC Men's T20 World Cup title in 2021, defeating New Zealand in the final played at Dubai International Stadium.
www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/melbourne/whats-on/sports/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2022
Lexus Melbourne Cup Day
1 November 2022
One of the world's most prestigious horse races, the Melbourne Cup is set to take place on 1 November. The glamourous event will be held at Flemington Racecourse (3,200m) in Melbourne, with a total of 10 races taking place throughout the dayacross varying distances. This year, contestants can win a prize total of $8 million AUD. Although the races are the main attraction, the precinct will come alive with a wide range of entertainment, performances, delicious bites from Melbourne hottest eateries and, of course, bold fashion statements.
www.visitvictoria.com/regions/melbourne/whats-on/sports/horse-racing/lexus-melbourne-cup-day
Australian Open
16-28 January 2023
Returning to Melbourne Park in January 2023, the Australian Open is the first of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments held each year, followed by the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open. The 2023 Australian Open will be the event's 111th edition held in Melbourne – and will see appearances from major tennis stars including Novak Djokovik, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcazar, Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki. Held in the Australian summer season guests to the Australian Open will be enjoy full access to all the off-court fun, including unique food and drink experiences, performances from renowned musicians and player activations Tickets will be available from 12 October.
www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/melbourne/whats-on/sports/australian-open
F1 Australian Grand Prix
30 March – 2 April 2023
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will return once again next year to Melbourne's Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, from 30 March to 2 April. The event sees the world's fastest cars, coolest celebrities and latest technology converge on Melbourne for four days of unstoppable action. The motorsport extravaganza will see teams including Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren take to the tracks, in the race for podium position in the ever-thrilling racing competition. The 2023 line-up is still shaping up but it is expected that a Melbourne-born driver will be on the grid for the first time ever. Until then, fans will have to keep anticipating until further news is announced in the coming months, with tickets being released later this year.
FIFA Women's World Cup Australia / New Zealand
20 July – 20 August 2023
The FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand is schedule to take place from 20 July 20 to 20 August 2023 - the first-ever co-hosted women's tournament. 32 teams will compete in 64 matches across nine host cities and 10 stadiums – including Melbourne. Australia will be represented by the Westfield Matildas, ranked as the number one sporting team in Australia, who will play one of their group stage matches at AAMI Park. Fans and viewers can expect an incredible atmosphere from this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Exclusive pre-sale ticket packages go on sale from 6 to 12 October for VISA cardholders, then from 13 to 21 October to the general public.
www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/melbourne/whats-on/sports/fifa-womens-world-cup
2026 Commonwealth Games
Further down the line but already much-anticipated on Victoria's sports calendar is the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The Victorian edition will be a world-first, with a multi city model showcasing four regional hubs rather than one centralised location, These regional hubs will be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with their own athletes' village and sport programme. Melbourne was the first city in the southern hemisphere to host the Olympic Games in 1954 and it played host to the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The Games will officially kick-off at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (also known as “The G” by locals) on Sunday 17 March 2026. www.vic.gov.au/victoria2026
For information on Melbourne and Victoria, please visit: www.visitmelbourne.com
