The Minns Labor Government is delivering a full calendar of events for locals and visitors to help drive our visitor economy and for the first time on record - every NSW venue will host at least one major event over the weekend.
With more than a quarter of a million people expected to walk through the gates at Venues NSW stadiums this weekend, NSW delivered an electric atmosphere with 11 events across 7 venues.
With Allianz Stadium, SCG, CommBank Stadium, WIN Entertainment Centre, WIN Stadium, McDonald Jones Stadium and Accor Stadium, all in operation, the real winners are anticipated to be the local pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants.
This weekend is just the tip of the iceberg, with NSW to host the best in sport and entertainment all-year long. Whether its Harry Styles, the Women's AFC Asian Cup, State of Origin, Tottenham vs Chelsea, or the Rugby League World Cup, there is something for everyone in NSW.
This aggressive strategy to cement NSW as the premier destination for major events has seen rapid growth in the NSW visitor economy. In the year to September 2025, the NSW visitor economy grew 7.3 per cent to a record $59.4 billion.
This is far ahead of the Minns Labor Government's stretch goal, which had NSW reaching this level of expenditure by December 2026.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, and Sport, Steve Kamper said:
"We said we would bring the entertainment back to NSW, and that is exactly what we have done. This weekend once again showed that NSW is Australia's home of major events.
"We've got the best venues, an all-year blockbuster events schedule and we're continually seeing record crowds in attendance.
"It is clear that nothing beats the live event experience - and we're just getting started in 2026."
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:
"This packed schedule of world-class sporting and entertainment events brings with it a significant boost for our local businesses in the Illawarra.
"We are proud to welcome visitors to our iconic region as audiences pack out WIN Stadium and the Entertainment Centre to support our champion sporting teams.
"This weekend, the proof is in the pudding - NSW and the Illawarra are the go-to destination for live sport and entertainment in Australia."
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"It's no secret that the Hunter is the sporting heartland of NSW.
"This weekend's packed schedule shows why so many people are choosing to live, work and play here.
"The rest of NSW is quickly recognising what locals have always known: this is a region on the rise, with world-class entertainment right on our doorstep."
Friday
- Ed Sheeran - Accor Stadium
- Wanderers v Phoenix - CommBank Stadium
- Waratahs v Reds - Allianz Stadium
- Hawks v Kings - WIN Entertainment Centre
Saturday
- Ed Sheeran - Accor Stadium
- Sydney FC v Adelaide United - Allianz Stadium
- Knights v Bulldogs - McDonald Jones Stadium
- Charity Shield - Dragons v Rabbitohs - WIN Stadium
Sunday
- Ed Sheeran - Accor Stadium
- Australia Women v India T20 - SCG
- Farmers Markets - Newcastle Entertainment Centre
