Rockhampton has cemented itself as the sporting visitation capital of central Queensland, with new data revealing the significant economic and community benefits recent sporting events deliver in the region.
The data - released by Rockhampton Regional Council - shows that the 2025 Queensland Touch Junior State Cup, which is held in Rockhampton every second year, has delivered outstanding results with a significant $8.9 million boost to the region.
The data found that over 14,000 people attended the 2025 Junior State Cup held at Cyril Connell Fields and Norbridge Park in July, far exceeding the predicted 10,000 attendees for the event.
The success builds on Council's efforts to attract new and expanding sporting events to the region as a way to demonstrate Rockhampton's sporting facilities and deliver economic benefit to local businesses.
In 2025 alone, the region has hosted a number of significant events, including:
- Queensland Independent Secondary School Rugby League Confraternity Carnival
- Under 14 Boys State Hockey Championships
- Hockey Australia Country Championships
This is part of Council's broader Economic Development Strategy, working to invest in local hospitality, retail and accommodation businesses through major events and grow jobs and the local economy.
Each of the 2025 events attracted thousands of intra- and inter-state visitors with Council revealing that up to 90 per cent of attendees for some events being from out of the region.
The Touch Queensland Junior State Cup will return to Rockhampton in 2027 for its third of five bi-annual events. Council is also continuing to work with local, state and national sporting bodies to attract and secure new events in the coming years.
