Out-of-state visitors and locals alike have snapped up the opportunity to watch the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons go head-to-head in Perth, with tickets to the game officially sold out.
State of Origin Game 2 in the three-game series will be played at Optus Stadium on Sunday (June 23) and is proudly supported by the State Government, through Tourism Western Australia in partnership with Optus Stadium operator, VenuesLive.
It will also make history as the first time a State of Origin game has been played in WA.
The State is expected to receive an influx of approximately 15,000 out-of-state visitors who will travel to Perth for the match. About 7,000 additional rugby league fans from regional WA are also anticipated to flock to the city to see the showpiece event.
The economic impact of the highly anticipated event is estimated to be well into the millions, with travelling rugby league fans filling hotel rooms throughout Perth.
The blockbuster game will also serve as a valuable promotional tool for Perth and the world-class Optus Stadium, with the game to be broadcast live during prime time to millions of people nationally.
Game 1 of the series, held earlier this month in Brisbane, was the most watched program of 2019 to date, attracting more than three million viewers across the country.
Game 2 will give the New South Wales Blues the opportunity to even the score after the Queensland Maroons came from behind to secure victory in the first game of the series.
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"High profile events are crucial to the State Government's tourism strategy as they attract significant numbers of visitors, allowing us to showcase what we have to offer as an on-trend tourism destination.
"Perth now has an exciting calendar of events, a range of accommodation options, along with a sophisticated dining scene and vibrant night-life.
"Many visitors will also choose to extend their stay before or after the game to explore these attractions or venture out to our beautiful regional areas.
"Whatever the result of this hotly anticipated State of Origin game, WA will be the ultimate winner due to the valuable tourism spend that will grow businesses and jobs in WA.
"State of Origin Game 2 officially kicks off the biggest winter of sport in WA's history, with an impressive line-up of blockbuster events including the Bledisloe Cup and Manchester United taking on Leeds United."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
"This weekend's Origin kicks off the biggest winter of sport Western Australia has ever seen, with Manchester United, the Bledisloe Cup, blockbuster AFL matches and the Australian Boomers all to come in the next few weeks.
"The McGowan Government has secured this top-class calendar of sporting events to capitalise on Optus Stadium and RAC Arena's full potential, for local fans and in support of tourism, hospitality and small business."
