Brisbane ready for State of Origin party

Brisbane is bathed in maroon as the countdown crescendos for the city’s biggest party of the year. And there’s some interesting deals around if you’re willing to go the extra mile.

Brisbane is bathed in maroon as the countdown crescendos for the city’s biggest party of the year.

Hotel occupancy in Brisbane – often sitting around 50 per cent during the quieter winter months – is approaching 90 per cent for game night.

While many restaurants within walking distance of Caxton Street will be packed with fans looking for a feed before and after the game in front of a 52,000 Suncorp Stadium sellout.

The Story Bridge, King George Square, City Hall, the Brisbane sign and Brisbane Wheel at South Bank, and Roma Street Parkland are among the city landmarks to be bathed in maroon lighting to celebrate the occasion, with a Queensland victory to guarantee the trophy stays north of the Tweed for another year.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the city was the perfect backdrop for the Maroons to secure the series.

“There is no better place than Brisbane and Suncorp Stadium for the mighty Maroons to secure the series on home soil,” he said.

“Regardless of the result, the event is a big win for local businesses, with the city’s hotels, restaurants and bars overflowing with footy fans here to cheer on their team.”

Caxton Street, as always, will be the centre of the action for the game at the centre of the rugby league universe.

Gambaros staff Krystina Parker, James Tett and Kristen Alexander prepare for the State of Origin onslaught. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Caxton Street favourite Gambaro seafood restaurant is anticipating a roaring trade with more than 200 people expected at a State of Origin basement dining experience.

Tickets for the exclusive event will be on sale until midday Wednesday while other dining spaces in the Caxton Street institution are almost booked out.

Meanwhile, the Lord Alfred are hosting their first pre-game Mullet Meal Deal from 3pm - 6pm.

For $35, revellers can get a burger, chips and beer with a side of mullet Jimmy Rods Barbershop.

Lord Alfred’s Spokeswoman Tammy Wood said the event was something “quirky and exciting” for Origin goers to look forward to.

“With the State of Origin, every second NRL player has a mullet,” Ms Wood said.

“If you’ve always wanted a mullet now is your chance.”

Hunter Rackemann gets his mullet trimmed by Jimmy Rods barber Grace Pymble. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Caxton Street Development Association President Sarosh Mehta said spirits were high ahead of the precinct’s biggest night of the year where “Christmas comes early”.

“It’s no surprise that everyone is fired up,” he said.

“All the venues are decked out in maroon, there’s bunting and flags and Queensland colours everywhere.

“Everyone is looking forward to it and if the Maroons win to take the series, it’s going to be out of this world.”

Suncorp Stadium is also in readiness, with the much-talked about playing surface in top shape for the showpiece event.

Almost 30,000 litres of beer have been trucked into the stadium, along with enough food to feed the Maroons army.

Catering stations have been stocked with 3000 pies, 1500 sausage rolls, 15,000 serves of hot chips, 6000 hot dogs, 3000 burgers and 15,000 non-alcoholic drinks.

A Queensland win will also guarantee Maroons colours are flying somewhere else too – in the heart of Sydney as part of a longstanding bet between the premiers of NSW and Queensland.