NRL Grand Final for Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane would deliver tourism bonanza, data shows
As the campaign to bring an NRL Grand Final to Brisbane rolls on, a dollar value has been placed on what such a coup would mean for the state economy.
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A BRISBANE NRL Grand Final would deliver a $40 million payday to the Queensland economy, according to tourism data.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Sport Minister Mick de Brenni are set to meet NRL powerbrokers during this weekend’s representative round about hosting the 2021 Grand Final in Brisbane, rather than the Sydney Cricket Ground, an oval where rugby league fans would need binoculars to follow the action.
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According to tourism industry insiders, a Brisbane grand final featuring two interstate teams could bring 40,000 visitors to the city, injecting up to $40 million in to the Queensland economy.
It is understood the NRL would also make significantly more revenue out of holding a grand final in Brisbane instead of the SCG, which only holds less spectators and has inferior corporate facilities to the 52,000-seat Suncorp Stadium.
The extraordinary numbers for a grand final follow the hugely successful NRL Magic Round where a Saturday night triple-header featuring no Queensland team provided a roaring result for Brisbane businesses.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones said it made sense to bring the game’s showpiece event to Brisbane before it was locked away for the next two decades at a redeveloped Olympic Stadium in Sydney as part of a long-term deal with the NSW government.
“There’s no doubt that having a grand final in Brisbane would be a boon for Queensland and for Brisbane,” she said.
“Having a grand final at Suncorp would be a win for Queensland and a win for footy fans.”
Suncorp Stadium boss Alan Graham said Brisbane was a far better option from both a spectator and financial view.
“Suncorp Stadium will deliver a greater commercial return to the NRL than the SCG which can only benefit grassroots rugby league and ensure more fans will actually be able to attend the game,” he said.
“It’s a no-brainer — Suncorp Stadium will make for a better spectacle than a cricket ground in Sydney.”
Ms Palaszczuk and NRL CEO Todd Greenberg attended last night’s women’s State of Origin match in Sydney, giving the premier a golden opportunity to press Queensland’s case, while Mr de Brenni will personally meet with Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter Beattie in Perth ahead of the men’s Origin match on Sunday.
Originally published as NRL Grand Final for Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane would deliver tourism bonanza, data shows
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