Almost half of Canberra United's fixtures will be broadcast live on free-to-air television as Vicki Linton's outfit looks to end the longest finals drought in club history.
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The 2020-21 W-League draw was published on Monday, with Canberra to launch its campaign away against Perth Glory on Tuesday, December 29.
Five of United's matches will be shown live on the ABC on Sunday afternoons, including two home matches at Viking Park against last season's grand finalists Sydney FC (January 3) and reigning champions Melbourne City (January 10).
It's the equal first amount of all W-League teams alongside the Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United.
All matches will be streamed live on Kayo, while Fox Sports will broadcast a minimum of 27 regular-round matches plus finals.
"It's always good to promote the game and it allows our local fans, especially while we're away, to watch us," Linton said.
"Us as a team, we just play, but it's certainly good in promoting the sport and United."
United will launch its new era under coach Linton with its toughest trip of the season to Glory's Dorrien Gardens, but it's unknown whether the squad will have to travel on the same day.
Linton said those logistics would be worked out this week now the draw was confirmed.
"It's very hard to do for Perth and for a couple of other trips. As a coach, I want the best preparation for the team but we have to sort through all that," Linton said.
"The benefit is that it's not played on the 27th [of December] but the 29th. That's the saving grace, I think. We'll be able to get a Christmas in, some training in and then travel out there. It's always a tough trip going to Perth but I think it'll be quite manageable."
Canberra has allocated Viking Park as its home venue for the 2020-21 season, following the indefinite closure of McKellar Park in Belconnen.
The Wanniassa venue will host six matches over the 14-round competition, starting with back-to-back clashes with last season's grand finalists in January.
United has two byes and will meet four teams twice, including Perth, City, Melbourne Victory and the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Midfielder Grace Maher, who played two seasons with Victory, was excited to meet her former club in rounds eight and 12.
"I'm definitely [looking forward to it] and I think we play them twice. It's always extra special," Maher said.
"I really don't want to lose those games. Every game is important because there's only 12, so I'm looking forward to it.
"I'm excited to have a draw, it's good for the players to pencil [matches] in. There's some big games in the first couple of rounds with the first trip away, then Sydney and City - who have always been rivals for Canberra. I think it's going to be a really exciting start to the season."
Canberra is in the second week of its pre-season and will announce the final player on its 18-strong roster this Thursday.
Maher, Laura Hughes and goalkeeper Sally James have resumed their W-League preparations with the squad after being part of an FFA talent identification camp in Canberra last week.
"I'm not going to lie, I was pretty sore in the first week," Maher said.
"It feels like the team is bonding and gelling so well, everyone is feeding off each other.
"Everyone is having a really good time, trying to get the base fitness levels up and now starting to work on the little things. It's looking really promising."
CANBERRA UNITED 2020 FIXTURES
Round 1: Perth Glory v Canberra United at Dorrien Gardens, Tuesday December 29, 9pm
Round 2: Canberra United v Sydney FC at Viking Park, Sunday January 3, 4pm
Round 3: Canberra United v Melbourne City at Viking Park, Sunday January 10, 4pm
Round 4: Newcastle Jets v Canberra United at McDonald Jones Stadium, Sunday January 17, 6pm
Round 5: Bye
Round 6: Canberra United v Adelaide United at Viking Park, Sunday January 31, 4pm
Round 7: Western Sydney Wanderers v Canberra United at Marconi Stadium, Thursday February 4, 7.30pm
Round 8: Canberra United v Melbourne Victory at Viking Park, Saturday February 13, 4pm
Round 9: Melbourne City v Canberra United at AAMI Park, Sunday February 21, 4pm
Round 10: Canberra United v Perth Glory at Viking Park, Sunday February 28, 4pm
Round 11: Bye
Round 12: Melbourne Victory v Canberra United at Epping Stadium, Sunday March 14, 6pm
Round 13: Canberra United v Western Sydney Wanderers at Viking Park, Sunday March 21, 6pm
Round 14: Brisbane Roar v Canberra United at Dolphin Stadium, Thursday March 25, 6pm
*All times AEDT
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
