Eight-metre giant inflatable Soccer ball with re-brandable skin.

Background

Established in 1993, the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) plays a pivotal role in fostering the economic and social prosperity of South Australia through strategic tourism initiatives. Their mission centers around harnessing the power of tourism, events, and festivals to propel the state’s visitor and tourist economy towards a target of $12.8 billion by 2030.

The Design and Fabrication

In anticipation of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand, the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) partnered with Giant Inflatables to create a showstopping duo – two giant, inflatable soccer balls designed to attract tourists to Adelaide for the tournament.

The centerpiece was a colossal 8-meter-tall soccer ball, occupying an impressive 8×8 meter footprint. This unmissable icon, emblazoned with the FIFA WWC livery, took center stage in Victoria Square (Adelaide’s CBD), signifying the kick-off of the Adelaide-based festivities.

Complementing the giant ball was a 4-meter version, sporting the same livery, strategically positioned at Hindmarsh Stadium – the venue for the tournament’s opening matches. However, this smaller ball served a different purpose. Instead of promoting the FIFA event itself, it directed spectators to the South Australia Tourism stall, enticing them to explore the state’s incredible destinations and activities.

These innovative inflatables were designed with sustainability in mind. Both the balls and their bases boast removable skins, allowing for versatile use in future events. The spherical shape offers remarkable adaptability, easily transforming into a giant golf ball, cricket ball, basketball, or any other spherical object through replacement skins.

Durability was a key consideration during construction. The inflatables can withstand high winds of up to 55 km/h thanks to strategically placed tie points and additional internal support. This ensures they remain inflated throughout the month-long tournament, eliminating concerns about deflation due to wind.

The Results

The South Australian Tourism Commission’s (SATC) partnership with Giant Inflatables for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup proved to be a game-changer. The colossal 8-meter soccer ball in Victoria Square became a major tourist attraction, generating excitement for Adelaide-based matches until its mid-August removal following the tournament’s conclusion.

Meanwhile, the 4-meter ball at Hindmarsh Stadium has become a permanent fixture for all FIFA events, continuously directing visitors to the South Australian Tourism stall and promoting the state’s diverse tourism offerings. This ongoing presence ensures long-term brand awareness and lead generation for SATC.