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Sports events in Queensland set to reap $58m windfall

Queensland is the new sanctuary of Australian sport, with sporting calendar quickly filling up with major events from September through to January next year. SEE THE FULL LIST OF WHAT’S COMING.

QUEENSLAND is set to reap a $60 million windfall over the coming months, as the Sunshine State becomes the sanctuary of Australian sport.

The AFL made the highly-anticipated announcement this week that Queensland had won the rights to host the sporting code’s grand final, in what is a serious coup for the state.

But this win is just the tip of the iceberg, with Queensland’s sporting calendar quickly filling up with major events from September through to January next year.

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With a State of Origin match, two Bledisloe Cup games, an Australian cricket Test and the Super Netball finals series all expected to be held in the Sunshine State, The Courier-Mail can reveal that planning is also well underway for the Brisbane International and ATP Cup tennis tournaments.

Caitlin Bassett of the Lightning holds the trophy after winning the Super Netball Grand Final in 2018. Picture: AAP/Richard Wainwright
Caitlin Bassett of the Lightning holds the trophy after winning the Super Netball Grand Final in 2018. Picture: AAP/Richard Wainwright

These major events, plus the women’s State of Origin in November, are expected to bring in a combined $58 million for the state, in what will be a massive boost given the toll COVID-19 has taken this year.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said Queensland had worked hard to secure a number of these events and the benefits would lead to the start of an economic recovery.

“For five years we’ve had a deliberate strategy to secure major sporting events that will grow our economy and create jobs,” she told The Courier-Mail.

“Coronavirus has taken a huge toll on our economy. But because of the way we’ve managed our health response, we’ve been able to play a crucial role in ensuring that Australian sport is able to continue.

“The events we’ve secured for Queensland during this pandemic have helped us to begin our economic recovery early. Combined, they will deliver tens of millions of dollars for local businesses.”

Wallabies player Stephen Moorereacts after Australia wins the Bledisloe Cup match against the All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium in 2017. Picture: AAP/Dave Hunt
Wallabies player Stephen Moorereacts after Australia wins the Bledisloe Cup match against the All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium in 2017. Picture: AAP/Dave Hunt

The AFL grand final is tipped to be the breadwinner, expected to bring in an estimated $17 million.

Outside of this – while the events are yet to be confirmed – Suncorp Stadium should play host to the two opening Bledisloe Cup Test matches and Game Three of the men’s State of Origin, reaping approximately $30 million between them.

Women’s Origin – likely to be on November 13 at Sunshine Coast Stadium – could make a further $1 million while the Brisbane International and ATP Cup brings in an estimated $10 million.

Tournament director Mark Handley confirmed to The Courier-Mail that preparations were underway for both tennis events, with a view to start over the New Year period as per usual.

He said dates are yet to be confirmed but a biosecurity team was already looking at options to ensure the safety of players and fans alike, including flying in players early to undergo Queensland’s two-week quarantine period.

Tennis superstar Maria Sharapova. Picture: Getty
Tennis superstar Maria Sharapova. Picture: Getty

“We’re planning to run the ATP Cup and Brisbane International as scheduled for 2021,” he said.

“The complexity of COVID-19 just puts us in a position where we need to plan further in advance on what the event is going to look like.

“It’s not going to look the same as it has in the past … We know we’re in an ever-changing environment and we’re going to have to remain fluid on what we’re doing but we’re working with the government to bring in our players safely.

“It’s great that we can see the next reiteration of the Brisbane International and ATP Cup.

“There will certainly be some excitement that we’re able to host it and that we’re doing everything we possibly can to give fans the opportunity to watch live sport.

“Any time that we can provide an aspirational or inspirational event that sparks enthusiasm of the general public is a good thing.”

Brittany Breayley of Queensland and Kezie Apps of New South Wales with the Women's State of Origin shield. Picture. Phil Hillyard
Brittany Breayley of Queensland and Kezie Apps of New South Wales with the Women's State of Origin shield. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Mr Handley said organisers were closely watching what other sports had done to set themselves up safely in Queensland, particularly the AFL and Super Netball.

They are also keeping a close eye on the US Open which is being played in New York at the moment, while Tennis Australia is understood to be liaising with our country’s players on how to make it work best for everyone.

Mr Handley said he expects a draw announcement will be made for the ATP Cup by the end of the month.

Meanwhile, confirmation for the men’s and women’s State of Origin matches is expected soon, as well as news that Queensland will host the entire Super Netball finals series, including the grand final.

Queensland Cricket has also been in touch with the state government about the possibility of a Big Bash bubble, which follows news last week that the Australian women’s T20 and ODI series against New Zealand had been wholly transferred to Brisbane.

WHAT’S COMING

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/future-seq/sports-events-in-queensland-set-to-reap-58m-windfall/news-story/4b4440a452bad9c78e1729d6ad24c391