Magic Round and Women's State of Origin to light up Brisbane this weekend
- NRL Magic Round comes to Brisbane this weekend, opening with the Women's State of Origin.
- Features 16 teams playing all 8 NRL games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Festival of football set to attract 50,000 visitors to Brisbane who will spend an estimated $50 million.
The Crisafulli Government has welcomed the first game of the Women's State of Origin and the NRL Magic Round back to Brisbane for another year.
Game one of the Women's State of Origin Series kicks off a massive four days of rugby league in Brisbane with NRL Magic Round set to see all eight games played on the hallowed turf of Suncorp Stadium.
The footy feast is set to attract 50,000 visitors to Brisbane, who still stay an average of five nights each, and spend an estimated $50 million.
Around 150,000 tickets to the Magic Round games are expected to be sold, in addition to the Women's State of Origin game which drew more than 25,000 fans last year.
Suncorp Stadium will not only come alive during Magic Round but is set to host a series of major events in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where it will continue to shine on the world stage.
Minister for Sport Tim Mander said NRL Magic Round shows why Queensland is the home of major sporting events.
"Brisbane has proved time and again that it is the best place in the country to host NRL Magic Round and it is fitting that the city has secured the event until 2027," said Minister Mander.
"NRL Magic Round is a highlight of the Queensland sporting calendar and has only been strengthened by the addition of the Women's State of Origin to the exciting long weekend of sport.
"It showcases exactly why Queensland is becoming the undeniable home of Australian sport and will increasingly become the centre of the sporting world as we draw closer to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said 40 per cent of ticket holders come from outside of Queensland.
"Queensland is the home of the holiday, and our Government is excited to welcome thousands of visitors from interstate and New Zealand this weekend," said Minister Powell.
"Magic Round is a key event on the rugby league calendar that extends to millions of people on TV who see the buzz that is created in the river city and I want to invite all footy fans to consider coming to Queensland for your next holiday."
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Magic Round is the best sporting festival in the country.
"Nothing compares to the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of Magic Round," said Mr Abdo.
"The Suncorp Stadium precinct and Caxton Street will be buzzing all week, starting with Women's State of Origin on Thursday night and of course eight Premiership games in the one venue from Friday to Sunday.
"Magic Round is on track to break even more records with more fans than ever before set to converge on Brisbane."
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the city was ready to host a blockbuster weekend of sport.
"Brisbane is buzzing with energy and excitement with fans taking over the city and our vibrant precincts," Cr Schrinner said.
"From Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank to Queen's Wharf and Caxton Street, NRL Magic Round turns Brisbane into one giant festival of footy, delivering a major economic boost for our city.
"With over 50,000 visitors in town, Brisbane is ready to deliver a blockbuster weekend, showcasing the magic of Brisbane that keeps fans coming back year after year."
