NRL and AFL clashes to host 80,000-strong afternoon crowd
SYDNEY will host more than 80,000 finals-frenzied footy fans in a one-day sporting extravaganza spanning two codes tipped to inject at least $2.5 million into the NSW economy.
NSW
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SYDNEY will host more than 80,000 finals-frenzied footy fans in a one-day sporting extravaganza spanning two codes tipped to inject at least $2.5 million into the NSW economy.
Hotels are expected to swell to near capacity as hordes of NRL and AFL fans descend on Sydney’s stadium precincts in Moore Park and Sydney Olympic Park for the official kick-off of footy finals season.
More than 40,000 NRL fanatics are expected to head to Saturday’s rollicking rugby league double, starting at ANZ Stadium where the Penrith Panthers battle the New Zealand Warriors before the Roosters slug it out with the Cronulla Sharks in a war of the shore at Allianz Stadium.
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Just 300 metres away from Allianz at Moore Park, 40,000 Aussie rules supporters will descend on the Sydney Cricket Ground for the city’s AFL showdown between the Sydney Swans and the Greater Western Sydney Giants.
NSW Business Chamber president Patricia Forsyth said the super day of sport would easily inject $2.5 million into the NSW economy.
“The multiplier effect is in operation. It is not just local business in the immediate vicinity — it is a bigger picture and we all benefit,” she said. “In all of these things there is a flow on, not just what we see at one locality like a football stadium.”
With five Sydney NRL sides making up the eight clubs in the hunt for the Provan-Summons premiership trophy, Australian Rugby League chairman Peter Beattie highlighted the unique opportunity the big weekend offered fans in Australia’s biggest city.
“I urge fans not to miss this opportunity as it may be years before it happens again. This will be the NRL’s busiest few weeks in Sydney for a long time,” he said.
“Fans in Australia’s biggest city will have their best chance in years to get behind their team in the finals.”
NSW Tourism Minister Adam Marshall also said a significant amount of tourists would be descending on Sydney. “More visitors to NSW means more spending in our local economy, representing a huge win for everybody, from our bars, hotels and restaurants to our tourism operators.”
Tourism Australia CEO Carol Giuseppi agreed, highlighting the healthy occupancy rates in hotels.
“Generally in Sydney city, you’re getting upwards of 80 per cent in the weeks leading into the grand final — that’s very strong.”
Sports Minister Stuart Ayres said Sydney would be the “focus of the football world” on September 8 and urged fans to “get to the ground and soak up the atmosphere”.