Police are urging sports fans to keep team rivalry friendly and behave responsibly ahead of this weekend’s NRL grand final, NSW Police say.
The North Queensland Cowboys will take on the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium from 7.15pm on Sunday (1 October 2017).
Pre-game activities will commence at 11am in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, before gates open at 1.15pm.
The Holden Cup grand final will kick off at 1.35pm and the NRL State Championship grand final starts at 3.40pm, followed by the pre-game entertainment featuring Macklemore that begins at 6.30pm.
Police will launch a high-visibility operation to ensure the safety and security of players, officials and more than 80,000 spectators who are expected to descend on ANZ Stadium on Sunday.
The police operation will involve General Duties officers from South West Metropolitan Region, the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Group (OSG), Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Police Transport Command (PTC), PolAir, Licensing Police and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.
A large number of security guards will also assist police in targeting trouble makers, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime to ensure all fans get to and from the stadium safely.
South West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli, said police will not tolerate anyone causing trouble.
"Despite a NSW team not featuring in the game, we are expecting large crowds and our priority will be the safety of fans, players, and officials," Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.
"Police are experienced in the day-to-day security of the residents of the state and we want to ensure this event maintains its family-friendly reputation.
"Expect to see officers out and about targeting those who engage in anti-social behaviour or alcohol-fuelled violence.
"The message is simple, if you play up you will be ejected from the stadium immediately and you may very well face further police action," Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.
Anyone ejected from ANZ Stadium by police or security may also be banned from the venue for up to 12 months.
"Spectators need to be considerate of others during post-match celebrations; whether your team wins or loses on Sunday, there is no excuse for violence, intimidation or anti-social behaviour, "Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.
Police attached to local area commands across the state will also be targeting anti-social behaviour over the long weekend.
"To anyone celebrating across the state before, during and after the match and over the weekend, I’d like to remind you to drink responsibly and know your limits," Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.
"Excessive alcohol consumption can turn anyone into an offender or victim of crime so keep an eye on your mates and think before you drink.
Spectators are also being urged to plan their trip ahead of time and utilise public transport services.
Visit the events page at www.transportnsw.info or call 131 500 for all the latest timetable and ticketing information for trains, buses, ferries, light rail and taxi ranks.
Motorists driving to Sydney Olympic Park are reminded to book their parking in advance and allow plenty of travel time and expect significant delays, particularly around the venue before and after the match.
For all special-event traffic information and live traffic reports, refer to the live traffic website for details: www.livetraffic.com.
Assistant Commissioner Mennilli also reminded ticketholders to check conditions of entry and allow plenty of time when entering the stadium.
"We’re expecting more than 80,000 people at the game on Sunday so fans may experience delays as they enter the stadium, with increased security and stringent bag checks," Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.
"Spectators are also urged to keep an eye on their possessions, be aware of your surroundings and don’t leave anything unattended. If you notice suspicious or dangerous behaviour, report it to police immediately."
Further venue information, including conditions of entry and parking availability, is available on the event page at: www.anzstadium.com.au.
