VENUE
The inaugural World 9s was held at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park, in Melbourne.
Lakeside Stadium has world class facilities, including a FIFA-sized natural grass field, fantastic corporate areas and a seating capacity of over 7,000 people.
The venue was built on the site of the former Australian rules football and cricket ground, Lake Oval (South Melbourne Cricket Ground). It served for more than a century as the home ground of the South Melbourne Football Club and the South Melbourne Cricket Club, although it was also used for soccer from at least 1883.
As well as being the home of South Melbourne FC, the venue has hosted games by the Socceroos and the Matildas. Lakeside Stadium also hosted the Nitro Athletics, featuring Olympic legend Usain Bolt.