Media Release
02 April 2008
MELBOURNE ONCE AGAIN RANKED THE WORLD’S TOP SPORTS
CITY
Recognition rightfully deserved
The City of Melbourne has welcomed the recent announcement by SportBusiness International (UK)
that Melbourne is the best location in the world to host a major sports event.
The Lord Mayor John So said that he was not surprised that Melbourne received the accolade but
was delighted that, once again, Melbourne retained its position as the Ultimate Sports City (2008).
“I am overjoyed that Melbourne has retained the title as the sporting capital of the world. We have the
best venues in the world complemented by the broadest major events calendar in the world and
Melburnians are justifiably proud of our sporting pedigree”, the Lord Mayor said.
Chair of the Events Committee Councillor Carl Jetter said: “Melbourne enjoys unparalled co-
operation and understanding across state and federal Governments, sporting institutions and public
authorities to host the world’s premier events all year round, which are very well supported by the
public.
“The staging of these events help to build the reputation of our City and raise its profile on the world
stage which in turn increases visitation, by attracting nearly six million visitors to Melbourne annually.
“The Melbourne Events Calendar is well regarded by both residents and businesses and we are
delighted that Melbourne once again receives the international recognition it so rightfully deserves.”
The Ultimate Sports City results profiled a total of 25 cities including Sydney, London, Los Angeles,
Tokyo, and Hong Kong, with Melbourne clearly emerging as the winner.
‘The Ultimate Sports City 2008: Strategies for Successful Event Hosting’ is now available from
- ENDS -
For further media information please contact:
Phil Buckley, Media Adviser, City of Melbourne
Paul Noonan, Lord Mayor’s Media Adviser
Ph: (03) 9658 8426 / 0409 425 873
Ph: (03) 9658 9484 / 0419 159 748
Email: philbuc@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Email: paunoo@melbourne.vic.gov.au
NEWS 
