200k visitors spend over $50m in bumper weekend across Brisbane

Brisbane’s iconic Caxton St precinct has enjoyed its biggest trading weekend in history, after being closed to traffic for the NRL Magic Round.

Brisbane Broncos star Selwyn Cobbo against Manly at Magic Round. Picture: NRL Photos

Brisbane’s iconic Caxton St precinct has enjoyed its biggest trading weekend in history, after being closed to traffic for the NRL Magic Round.

Hundreds of thousands of fans from across Queensland and interstate packed into the strip as every match of the round was played at Suncorp Stadium.

Caxton Street Development Association president and business owner Sarosh Mehta hailed the closure of the street, saying businesses along the strip recorded historic trade. “I can categorically say that these have to be the biggest ever unprecedented bonanza of trading that we’ve ever had,” Mr Mehta said.

“Obviously business was very good, but it was the atmosphere and the entertainment that was so unique about this.

“Hats off to those who organised this idea, and I would also like to give our appreciation to the Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner – closing the streets is really up to the council and he was very co-operative on that.”

Crowds in Caxton St during Magic Round. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Prominent Caxton St restaurateur Andrew Baturo, who owns Libertine Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, said the street’s closure added a splash of vitality to the precinct.

“I love it,” Mr Baturo said.

“I think it adds a real sense of excitement, energy and business to the area.”

Sydney resident Phil Evans, who attended with his children and two mates for Magic Round, said there was a real buzz around Brisbane. “It’s great, it’s a bit of a tradition for us now,” Mr Evans said.

The final official attendance at Suncorp Stadium over the three days was 149,156.

And it wasn’t just the NRL drawing the crowds, with the AFL clash between the Brisbane Lions and Richmond at the Gabba, the Paniyiri Greek Festival, a concert by US rapper Macklemore, a monster truck spectacular and the Doomben 10,000 horse race.

Mr Schrinner said it was a magical weekend for the city.

“This weekend’s line-up... has seen a tourism boom, with visitors staying in our hotels, dining at our restaurants and enjoying the city’s incredible lifestyle precincts,” Mr Schrinner said.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said it was a magic weekend for Brisbane. Picture: David Clark

“For the first time ever, we have closed off Caxton St to cater for 200,000 fans and this expanded footprint has made it the biggest weekend of the year for local business in the precinct. “Brisbane has emerged as a must-do destination which is a ringing endorsement for our city’s reputation as Australia’s lifestyle capital.”

The Paniyiri Greek Festival drew huge crowds, with spokesman Kos Kastrissios estimating a crowd of at least 50,000.

“We had people come in the beginning quite early and they just want to have a good time,” Mr Kastrissios said.

“They’ve been staying all day dancing, drinking and eating – it’s been a really good vibe.

“Brisbane has been the place to be this weekend.”

Originally published as 200k visitors spend over $50m in bumper weekend across Brisbane