Brisbane booked out as NRL weekend to deliver magic for economy

Brisbane is booked solid ahead of the NRL’s first Magic Round since 2019 with hopes for a $20m boost to the river city.

BRISBANE is booked solid ahead of the NRL’s first Magic Round since 2019 with hopes for a $20m boost to the river city as tens of thousands of league fans come to town.

Only a handful of hotel rooms in the city remain available, but those come with the hefty price tag of $500 a night according to Wotif.com.

Tourism operators are expecting their busiest weekend since the last Magic Round two years ago.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the three-day feast of football was crucial to building confidence across tourism and hospitality

“We need events more than ever and driving people into the CBD is really important,” he said.

“Having this event back is a huge boost for the tourism industry and will certainly inject money into the hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors.”

Brisbane Economic Development Agency revealed the city was at near-capacity from Thursday with Accor hotels booked out by NRL teams and corporate partners.

Wotif Managing Director Daniel Finch said data showed accommodation interest for the city was 22 per cent higher than the inaugural event in 2019.

“Having missed out on one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar last year, it’s fantastic to see fans flocking to the city to back their team, for what is set to be a bumper weekend at the Suncorp Stadium,” Mr Finch said.

“It’s been over a year since we’ve seen this level of travel interest for Brisbane and we hope the weekend provides a strong boost for tourism operators across the city.”

Eleni Henderson, Shelley Rudder and Katie Button are gearing up for Magic Round at the Caxton Hotel. Picture: Josh Woning

The Caxton Hotel has ordered three times the beer and food for a regular game day with XXXX Beer agreeing to a special Saturday delivery.

“I can’t even remember the last time we would have been that busy. It would have to be the last Magic Round,” functions manager Katie Button said.

“It will be great for business and we’ve put more staff on for the event.”

Chris Honnery

The NRL is hoping a condensed Magic Round schedule will see attendance records matched this weekend as an influx of interstate travellers prepare to pack their bags for Queensland.

Suncorp Stadium will play host to all eight games of the NRL this weekend for the second Magic Round fixture, with tickets to the three-day event still available.

More than 134,000 people attended the inaugural Magic Round event back in 2019 when it was played across four days.

This weekend, the NRL is forecasting more than 40,000 people will swarm Suncorp Stadium on each of the three days of action.

About 30 per cent of all spectators are expected to travel from interstate while pubs and businesses along Caxton Street are preparing for an influx of visitors.

“It’s a big week ahead for us,” NRL head of football elite competitions Graham Annesley said.

“The crowds are going to be excellent for us based on ticket sales.”

Meanwhile, stadium powerbrokers are also confident the turf will be able to handle all eight games across three days.

It comes after concerns were raised following Saturday’s Super Rugby AU final when the Reds beat the Brumbies in a thrilling contest.

The Magic Round coincides with the Brisbane Truck Show, featuring 287 local and national exhibitors, and the TAB Doomben 10,000 day which has attracted strong interest from Sydney and Melbourne.

“These events also provide a much-needed boost to our local economy and a chance for visitors and locals alike to discover or rediscover our vibrant city,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

Cr Schrinner hoped those visiting Brisbane would extend their stay to see more of Brisbane.

“If you enjoy nature and art, head to the Botanical gardens and experience the contemporary art outdoors displays as part of the Botanica Festival, alternatively take part in Brisbane Powerhouse’s 21st Birthday celebrations or discover the MELT Festival of Queer Arts and Culture,” he said.

“I encourage everyone heading to the city for the NRL or the Truck Show to make the most of your time here, step out from the stadium and discover Brisbane.”