Brisbane set to buzz as three sporting blockbuster events across nine days

Up to 150,000 fans are set to descend on Suncorp Stadium in a sports lover’s fantasy with three epic matches to be showcased nine days apart in a major economic boost to businesses.

Up to 150,000 fans are set to descend on Suncorp Stadium for three cross-code blockbuster matches across nine days that has Brisbane’s hotels bursting at the seams.

Suncorp Stadium will on Saturday night host the Wallabies v England test match, the epic State of Origin decider on Wednesday and the inaugural Queensland Champions Cup between Aston Villa and Leeds United on Sunday, July 17.

The rugby league clash is sold out, the union clash is close to a full house, while more than 35,000 tickets have been snapped up by fans hungry for a chance to see Premier League teams in the flesh.

In a major boost for Brisbane hospitality, tourism and accommodation providers still recovering from the pandemic, the matches are expected to pump in more than $16m to the economy and attract 26,000 visitors to the River City.

Gabrielle Bambery, Ellie Fitzgerald and Darius Goodall checking into Emporium Hotel South Bank ahead of nine days of sporting events in Brisbane. Picture: Tara Croser.

Emporium Hotel general manager John McIlwain said the South Bank hotel was fully booked out on the back of the Wallabies match and Origin decider.

“It’s fantastic to see the city come alive again and people moving about with the restaurants, bars, and cafes all enjoying high patronage from locals and visitors alike,” Mr McIlwain said.

“Brisbane does sport events well with a surge in bookings coming in across the last few weeks.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the events would help drive the post-pandemic recovery for businesses.

“Brisbane’s blockbuster calendar of sporting showdowns this month is a big win for local businesses,” Cr Schrinner said.

“From record pedestrian numbers in the city to bumper hotel bookings, Brisbane is turning up the heat this winter with football fever driving visitation to the city.

“Major events play an important part in powering Brisbane’s economy, encouraging visitors to stay longer, spend more and support local businesses.”

Cr Schrinner said the three events further cemented Brisbane’s reputation as a premier sporting destination.

Wallabies fan Gabrielle Bambery will be part of the 50,000-plus crowd on Saturday night to cheer on the green and gold in its second clash with England.

Ms Bambery said it was “very cool” to see Brisbane attract such high quality sport and hoped more would be locked in.

“It’s great and it will definitely have the likes of Caxton St buzzing,” Ms Bambery said.

Originally published as Brisbane set to buzz as three sporting blockbuster events across nine days