Brisbane is bracing itself for an influx of 50,000 visitors as the National Rugby League (NRL) rolls into town.
A four-day footy festival kicks off tonight with the Women’s State of Origin and continues with the NRL Magic Round over the long weekend.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the city was buzzing with energy and excitement with fans taking over the city and precincts.
“From Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank to Queen’s Wharf and Caxton Street, NRL Magic Round turns Brisbane into one giant festival of footy, delivering a major economic boost for our city,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said.
“With over 50,000 visitors in town, Brisbane is ready to deliver a blockbuster weekend, showcasing the magic of Brisbane that keeps fans coming back year after year.”
Queensland Sport Minister Tim Mander said visitors to Brisbane would stay an average of five nights, spending an estimated $50 million.
Minister Mander said around 150,000 tickets to the Magic Round games were expected to be sold, in addition to the Women’s State of Origin game which drew more than 25,000 fans last year.
“NRL Magic Round is a highlight of the Queensland sporting calendar and has only been strengthened by the addition of the Women’s State of Origin to the exciting long weekend of sport,” Minister Mander said.
“It showcases exactly why Queensland is becoming the undeniable home of Australian sport and will increasingly become the centre of the sporting world as we draw closer to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
State Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said 40 percent of ticket holders came from outside of Queensland.
“Queensland is the home of the holiday, and our Government is excited to welcome thousands of visitors from interstate and New Zealand this weekend,” Minister Powell said.
“Magic Round is a key event on the rugby league calendar that extends to millions of people on TV who see the buzz that is created in the river city and I want to invite all footy fans to consider coming to Queensland for your next holiday.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Magic Round was the best sporting festival in the country.
“Nothing compares to the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of Magic Round,” Mr Abdo said.
“The Suncorp Stadium precinct and Caxton Street will be buzzing all week, starting with Women’s State of Origin on Thursday night and of course eight Premiership games in the one venue from Friday to Sunday.
“Magic Round is on track to break even more records with more fans than ever before set to converge on Brisbane.”
