Police are reminding footy fans to keep the rivalry on the field for a family-friendly atmosphere as State or Origin kicks off in Sydney tomorrow night, NSW Police say.
Thousands of fans are expected to descend upon ANZ Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park tomorrow, to cheer on the New South Wales Blues as they take on the Queensland Maroons in Game 1 of the series.
Gates open at the stadium from 5.45pm where fans can soak up the pre-game action, before the teams go head-to-head at 8pm.
A high-visibility police operation – comprising officers from South West Metropolitan Region, the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operation Support Group (OSG), Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Police Transport Command (PTC), Licensing Police and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command – will be in place to ensure the safety and security of players, officials and spectators.
Police will also be supported by stadium security and will be focused on targeting anyone engaged in anti-social behaviour or alcohol-related crime.
South West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli, reminded spectators the State of Origin series is a celebrated annual event and everyone deserves to enjoy the match safely.
"Anyone who chooses to engage in criminal, anti-social or unsafe behaviour will be identified and dealt with swiftly," Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.
"There’s always a healthy dose of rivalry amongst fans at the State of Origin, but I urge all spectators to keep it friendly and in the true spirit of the game.
"Anyone caught causing trouble for others will be removed from the crowd and you may very well face further police action, or be banned from ANZ Stadium," Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.
"The match promises to be a fun and exciting event for the whole family, and we’re focused on keeping it that way."
To access further event details, including conditions of entry, ticketholders are advised to visit: http://www.anzstadium.com.au/
Spectators are reminded their game ticket also gives them free travel on public transport services to and from the match.
"State of Origin is an integrated ticketing event, so with additional direct train services and Sydney Olympic Park buses available, public transport is certainly your best bet in getting to and from the game," Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.
"I urge everyone to remember that public transport is there for everyone to use so don’t spoil the night by causing trouble or ruining the trip for fellow passengers.
"There’ll also be plenty of officers from the Police Transport Command travelling across the public transport network to ensure everyone gets to and from the match safely," Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.
Visit the events page at www.transportnsw.info or call 131 500 for all the latest timetable and ticketing information for trains, buses, ferries and taxi ranks.
"Anyone who must drive to the game tomorrow should expect delays while travelling both to and from Sydney Olympic Park – so exercise patience and allow extra travel time," Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.
"Drivers should also visit the Sydney Olympic Park website to book parking in advance, as availability may be limited."
For all special event traffic information and live traffic reports, visit: www.livetraffic.com.
