The NRL’s Magic Round in Brisbane has sold out, with 140,000 rugby league fans set to descend on Suncorp Stadium this weekend.
For the fifth year, every NRL fixture this round will be played in Brisbane from Friday, with the opening match of Women’s State of the Origin series kicking off the footy frenzy on Thursday night.
NRL CEO Andrew Ado said this Magic Round would be the most attended and most watched version of the event yet.
“Fans have once shown again that they will travel from far and wide to be involved in Magic Round with more than 40 percent of ticket holders travelling from outside of Brisbane,” Mr Ado said.
Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Michael Healy said with so many travelling from outside of Brisbane it would be a blockbuster weekend for the visitor economy.
“This year the magic extends over four days with the addition of the Ampol Women’s State of Origin show down, which has enjoyed a record number of ticket sales,” Minister Healy said.
It is expected the historic three-game Women’s State of Origin series opener will break the attendance record of 18,275 set last year in Game Two in Townsville.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the NRL Magic Round had grown to become one of the game’s unmissable events.
“It’s no surprise the NRL Magic Round is a huge drawcard for Brisbane, bringing fans from across Australia and New Zealand to stay, spend and play over one magic weekend and delivers millions in economic benefit to the city.”
Full event schedule at Suncorp Stadium
Thursday, May 16:
- 7.45pm – Women’s State of Origin, Game 1, QLD v NSW.
Friday, May 17:
- 6pm – Raiders v Bulldogs.
- 8.05pm – Sea Eagles v Broncos.
Saturday, May 18:
- 3pm – Titans v Knights.
- 5.30pm – Sharks v Roosters.
- 7.45pm – Rabbitohs v Cowboys.
Sunday, May 19:
- 1.50pm – Warriors v Panthers.
- 4.05pm – Storm v Eels.
- 6.25pm – Wests Tigers v Dolphins.
