Matildas Mackenzie Arnold, Mary Fowler and Alanna Kennedy Will Chat Football at a Big Sydney Stadium Event

If all you wanted for an early Christmas gift this year was for the Matildas to put on a spectacular show at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Australia's national women's soccer team didn't disappoint. If all you're now hoping for this actual festive season is to hear three of the squad's stars chat about their experiences — and their careers in general, as well as what's brought them to this point — then the first-ever Open Air Live event is going to deliver there, too.

Taking place at 5pm on Thursday, December 21 at Sydney's Commbank Stadium, Open Air Live will feature Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, forward Mary Fowler and defender Alanna Kennedy, who'll be back in Australia to get talking. All three impressed on the pitch in July and August, and cemented their place as Aussie sporting heroes, even if the semi-final loss to England meant that the Matildas didn't end up with the ultimate prize.

On offer as well: a live masterclass where Arnold, Fowler and Kennedy will show off their skills; and a match-day vibe thanks to four stages and ample use of the stadium screens.

"I'm excited to be part of the Open Air Live event in Sydney this December. Mackenzie, Alanna and I will be taking the field at CommBank stadium for a huge night of entertainment; you won't want to miss this!" said Fowler.

"I can't wait to join Mackenzie and Mary on the pitch for an incredible night of entertainment. Everyone is welcome, and we look forward to putting on a great show," added Kennedy.

"Bring your families along and join Alanna, Mary and I in sharing our stories. It will be a great night of entertainment. We can't wait to see you there," advised Arnold.

There's obviously plenty for the three Matildas players to discuss. Their Women's World Cup efforts enraptured the entire nation, including breaking viewing records to become the most-watched program on Aussie TV since 2001 when current records began, and likely ever. They had Nikki Webster sing to them in Brisbane afterwards, and are getting a team statue in the Queensland capital. And, of course, the campaign was the result of years of hard work both as a squad and on the individual level to get the Tillies to this point.

Arnold, Fowler and Kennedy will be back in Australia for the event from the UK, where all the trio play in the Women's Super League. Arnold is West Ham United's captain, while Fowler and Kennedy remain on the same team at Manchester City.

The full Matildas squad will also return to home turf for three games at the end of October and beginning of November, for Olympic qualifying matches in Perth. They play Iran on Thursday, October 26; The Philippines on Sunday, October 29; and Chinese Taipei on Wednesday, November 1.

Open Air Live with Mackenzie Arnold, Mary Fowler and Alanna Kennedy will take place at 5pm on Thursday, December 21 at Sydney's Commbank Stadium, 11–13 O'Connell St, Parramatta — head to the ticketing website for more details and tickets.