ANZ Stadium to host 40,000 fans at NRL grand final

Up to 40,000 people will be able to attend the grand final after the NRL confirmed the game had been relocated to ANZ Stadium.

Sydney's ANZ stadium will host 40,000 fans at the NRL grand final

Up to 40,000 people will be able to attend the grand final after the NRL confirmed the game had been relocated from the Sydney Cricket Ground to ANZ Stadium.

The NRL announced the switch on Wednesday morning, revealing an agreement had been struck with the NSW government after the planned redevelopment of ANZ Stadium was scrapped.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said the game was excited to have even more fans attend the decider.

“ANZ Stadium is the biggest venue in NSW and that means more of our fans will be able to experience grand final day live,’’ he said.

“This year will be a historic grand final day. The teams competing would have overcome all challenges in front of them and we will experience the culmination of a season like no other.

“We are working on innovative ways to showcase the pre-game entertainment and returning to ANZ Stadium will provide us with the space to put on the most entertaining show possible.

“We can’t wait to see 40,000 fans at the venue. Our fans have been so patient and loyal throughout the season and having crowd caps increase for the finals series is the perfect way to acknowledge that loyalty.

“This year has been the most unpredictable year in our game’s history, we’ve faced unprecedented challenges and I feel like the best football is yet to come.”

Abdo thanked the NSW government for their ongoing support during the pandemic.

“I want to congratulate the NSW government for the way in which they have managed the pandemic,” he said.

“Their contact tracing has been world class and has enabled a crowd of 40,000 to attend our grand final day.

“We thank them for their support throughout the season and we will continue to follow all public health orders to ensure the general community remains healthy.”

NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said ANZ Stadium and Sydney were a perfect fit for the grand final.

“ANZ Stadium has hosted many of Australia’s most iconic moments in sporting history and the 2020 NRL grand final will be among them,” Ayres said.

“I encourage NRL fans attending the grand final to stay COVID safe and make the most of the electric atmosphere in Sydney by making a weekend of it, booking a hotel staycation and getting out to enjoy the hospitality and attractions of the city.”