More than 40,000 international rugby union fans are in Australia at the moment and most of them will be at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night.
A sell-out crowd will be on hand to see the British and Irish Lions take on the Wallabies in the first Test of a three-match series on July 19.
Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the iconic rugby side’s Australian tour was set to inject $55 million into the economy and lift hotel occupancy rates.
“Rugby Australia estimates 40,000 Lions’ fans are currently in Australia having travelled from the northern hemisphere to witness the spectacle,” Minister Powell said.
“The Tour is expected to inject $55 million into the local economy, with hotel occupancy rates expected to reach 94 percent in Brisbane – and 80 percent on the Gold Coast over the weekend.”
He said Brisbane’s King George Square was the epicentre for the passion, pride and energy of two proud rugby hemispheres, hosting the Lions Series Fan Zone, with former and current players on hand to meet fans.
“We are thrilled with the impact of the British and Irish Lions’ Tour.
“The influx of visitors is making a major contribution to Queensland’s visitor economy, with local cafes, accommodation and, of course, pubs all benefitting from people who’ve come to enjoy the rugby.”
State Sports Minister Tim Mander said the tour marked the start of Queensland’s green and gold runway of sporting events.
“The British and Irish Lions tour is a stellar start to the major events for Rugby over the next decade, with the Men’s Rugby World Cup coming in 2027, the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.” Minister Mander said.
“The atmosphere that the British and Irish Lions bring with them to our cities is remarkable, and it’s incredible how passionate these fans are,” he said.
“This series is 12 years in the making, and where better to kick off a Lions tour than the best rectangular venue in the world- Suncorp Stadium.”
