Images of NRL stars and fans will light up iconic Brisbane landmarks, King George Square will be transformed into a Fan Fest and Queensland musical talent will headline the entertainment for the historic NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night.
Grand Final Week will officially kick-off this evening with Brisbane City Hall, King George Tower and the Hilton lit up with iconic images from the season, tributes to the Grand Final teams, the game's fans and a thank you to the Queensland community for their hospitality.
King George square will be renamed King Wally Square as part of a two-day NRL Fan Fest on Thursday and Friday, culminating with the appearance of both Grand Final Teams on Friday afternoon. The Fan Fest will feature current and former player appearances from all clubs, partner activations, kids activities and prize giveaways. A mural designed by local Brisbane artist Drapl will be installed in the Brisbane CBD starting on Wednesday celebrating the two Grand Final Teams.
Grand Final Day entertainment will be headed by home grown Queensland star Kate Miller-Heidke who will sing the National Anthem and lead entertainment with Australian Music Legend Ian Moss. Popular group The Stafford Brothers, DJ, producer and live instrumentalist Timmy Trumpet, Aboriginal didgeridoo player William Barton and a 40-piece Orchestra will complete the Grand Final entertainment which will also include a spectacular light show at Suncorp Stadium.
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the Grand Final would be a week-long celebration of rugby league and a thank you to the region for supporting the Telstra Premiership in 2021.
"This is an historic week for rugby league in Queensland as we will light-up some of Brisbane's best known landmarks with iconic images from our season. This is also an opportunity to say thank you to fans and Queenslanders for hosting us in 2021,'' he said.
"The Grand Final is more than game day, it's a week-long celebration of clubs, players and most importantly fans. We have a Fan Fest in King George Square which will be highlighted by the appearance of both Grand Final Teams on Friday."
"This week is also an opportunity for us to provide a boost for the local economy. Visitors from across Queensland will be in Brisbane for the Grand Final. The first allocation of tickets have sold out and the final 7,000 tickets will be released on Monday."
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said excitement for the NRL Grand Final will hit fever pitch this week.
"I have long said Queensland deserves a grand final," the Premier said.
"We're happy that our strong health response has made this possible.
"Major sporting events inject millions of dollars into Queensland businesses, supporting local jobs and helping to rebuild our economy.
"We've seen with Magic Round the strong benefits events like this can deliver for tourism and hospitality businesses.
"An NRL Grand Final is a dream come true for footy fans across the state. I encourage all Queenslanders to make the most of having the grand final here in rugby league heartland."
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said renaming King George Square after King Wally and lighting up City Hall in NRL team colours were fitting ways to celebrate the grand final coming to Brisbane.
"Queensland football fans have long wanted the grand final to be held at Suncorp Stadium, which is still the best rugby league ground in the world," Cr Schrinner said.
"Now that it's finally happening, we want to ensure the city celebrates and embraces this incredible opportunity by creating a real festival feel.
"Renaming our square after King Wally, who is regarded as one of the best rugby league players to ever pull on a pair of boots, and lighting up City Hall in NRL team colours will help get people excited."
The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final will also feature Preliminary Finals from the Queensland Rugby League Intrust Super Cup.
The final allocation of supporter bay tickets, for Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs fans, will be released on Monday morning with Club Members accessing the tickets at 10am and any remaining seats going on sale to the general public at 4pm.
Tickets are available via www.nrl.com/tickets
Fan Fest Details can be found at: https://www.nrl.com/fanfest
