170k football fans to descend on Sydney this weekend for a sporting bonanza

Thousands of football fans nationwide are set to descend on Sydney for a sporting bonanza this weekend, as the country’s top teams in rugby league, rugby union and Aussie rules go head to head.

Thousands of football fans nationwide are set to descend on Sydney for a sporting bonanza this weekend, as the country’s top teams in rugby league, rugby union and Aussie rules go head to head.

The Harbour City will host a crowd of over 170,000 supporters across Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a three – day event forecast to boost the local economy by up to $60 million.

The Sydney Cricket Ground in Moore Park will open its gates to over 44,000 spectators for the AFL preliminary final clash between the city’s beloved Sydney Swans and Port Adelaide Football Club from 7:40pm on Friday.

“The Preliminary Final will cap a record-breaking year at the SCG, and we can’t wait to see another capacity crowd cheering on the Swans on Friday night,” Swans Chief Executive Tom Harley said.

“The support we have received at games this year has been extraordinary – it has made for an incredible atmosphere and inspired our team. We’re proud of what we have achieved so far and are grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.”

Swans fans are ready for Friday's game against Port Adelaide at the SCG. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Among those cheering on the boys in red and white will be Kim Hilton and her family from Appin, who say it’s “so great” Sydney is able to host such a memorable moment.

“My mum and dad became Swans members 30 years ago, they’ve been fans for that long,” she said also revealing daughter Ava went viral last week after Swans star Isaac Heeney signed a portrait she painted of him.

Over 25,000 rugby league fans will also hit the eastern suburbs on Friday night, including a swarm of Queenslanders who travelled south of the border earlier in the week, selling out every available seat on commercial flights from Townsville.

The supporters in navy, gold, sky blue, white and black will take their seats at Allianz Stadium from 7:50pm to watch the Cronulla – Sutherland Sharks take on the North Queensland Cowboys in an NRL semi – final showdown.

In a second epic battle for a chance at finals glory, the Sydney Roosters will take to the field alongside the Manly Sea Eagles on Saturday night from 7:50pm for a local spectacle forecast to attract over 40,000 fans, according to Roosters’ Chief Executive Joe Kelly.

“Allianz Stadium will truly be the Home of the Roosters on Saturday night for the NRL Finals Series,” Mr Kelly said.

“Demand for tickets from Roosters members and supporters has been very strong and we’re expecting a crowd of more than 40,000 on Saturday.”

NRL fans from the 3 Sydney teams in the semi finals go bananas outside Allianz Stadium on Wednesday. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Mr Kelly said the organisation’s focus will then switch to the club’s equal top women’s team as they take on the Eels at CommBank Stadium in Western Sydney as part of an NRLW double header on Sunday.

Over 4000 spectators are predicted to make their way to Parramatta also to watch the Canberra Raiders play the Gold Coast Titans from 1:30pm.

“This time of year, fans get the opportunity to show their support and enjoy the atmosphere of live matches where everything is on the line,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.

“Clubs are competing for finals glory and that’s why fans coming out to support their teams really matters.”

A whopping 60,000 rugby union fans will also travel west to Sydney Olympic Park for the Bledisloe Cup from 3:45pm at Accor Stadium for the first time in four years.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive and former Wallabies captain Phil Waugh said the iconic annual matchup between the Wallabies and All Blacks is “an absolute highlight on the Australian sporting calendar and an atmosphere everyone should experience.”

The match up between the Wallabies and the All Blacks is expected to be a highlight. Picture: AFP

“The interest so far from the public has been incredibly encouraging and we are looking forward to a strong run home over the next few days and seeing plenty of gold in the stands at Accor Stadium for what’s going to be perfect conditions for afternoon Rugby,” he said.

“This weekend in Sydney is a sports lover’s dream, with the number of high quality games on. We want everyone to get behind all the codes and make Sydney buzz all weekend.”

With an estimated economic impact of $40 – $60 million – including 7000 direct jobs in customer service staff, security and catering and a combined global TV audience in the millions, Sydney is set for some serious exposure.

“It doesn’t get much better for footy fans than this weekend in Sydney at our major stadiums,” NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said.

“ It’s going to be a memorable weekend … one of the best weekends of live sport on record, and it’s going to provide a fantastic boost to Sydney’s economy.

“Sydney is clearly the home of sport in Australia.”

The showcase will see all Venues NSW Sydney facilities in action, with Chief Executive Kerrie Mather saying it’s “a privilege to be hosting these major events.”

“Our teams have been preparing all week and working closely with our key hospitality partners, Merivale and the Gema Group to deliver outstanding experiences,” she said.