Caxton Street to become fan zone party central for NRL Magic Round

Caxton Street will be transformed into a pedestrian party zone for this year’s NRL Magic Round, including beer pong, dance parties, celebs and giveaways.

Rugby league’s biggest magic act is back to transform Brisbane’s iconic Caxton Street into an NRL blockbuster block party.

With Magic Round returning to Brisbane next week, Caxton Street will once again be closed to traffic and converted into a pedestrian-only fan zone with DJs, dance parties, beer pong and interactive games among the entertainment options on offer.

Last year Magic Round injected almost $40 million into the Brisbane economy with 48,000 interstate visitors coming for the three-day spectacle, while the city’s hotels are sitting at 75 per cent occupancy heading into this year’s event.

Footy fans Charlotte Landers, Rianna Teale and Sophie Smith on Caxton Street ahead of NRL Magic Round. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

Calls to close Caxton St for major events after record Magic Round trade

200k visitors spend over $50m in bumper weekend across Brisbane

Magic Round will again follow a stand-alone women’s State of Origin match on Thursday night which is on track to challenge the all-time record crowd for the series.

The Caxton Street fan zone will be delivered by the NRL with support from Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Tourism and Events Queensland.

The concept was part of the pitch which saw Brisbane beat bids from interstate poaching raiders, but there was criticism from some quarters the fan zone didn’t offer enough entertainment.

Inside the pitch which kept Magic Round in Brisbane for a further three years

That space has been ramped up considerably this year, with live music, more competitions and promotional giveaways and celebrity appearances.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Caxton Street would be “the ultimate place to soak up the festival of football”.

“Opening up Caxton Street will create an unforgettable atmosphere for footy fans while

supporting the local businesses who help create even more to see and do in Brisbane,” he said.

Fans Lars Madsen and Shay Addison with their kids Emil, 14 and Noah, 13, are pumped up for next week’s NRL Magic Round. Picture: Nigel Hallett

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Magic Round would “go to another level” this year.

State Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said Magic Round was “Queensland at its best”.

“Hosting world-class events, attracting crowds to fill our local businesses and backing our visitor economy all the way,” he said.

NRL Magic Round officially a sellout as Brisbane stands to gain $50m

Crash Tackle: Sydney can keep its NRL grand final ... and Brisbane will keep its Magic Round

Peter V’landys says Anthony Albanese’s election call on Magic Round weekend is ‘a masterstroke’

Federal election date to land in the middle of NRL’s Magic Round