Bumper crowds expected for NRL Magic Round

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced more than 90,000 rugby league fans were expected to flock to Brisbane for this weekend’s NRL Magic Round blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium.

With strong support from the Palaszczuk Government, all 16 NRL teams will play eight games over three days at Suncorp Stadium from 14-16 May.

“Major events pump millions of dollars into our economy and support local jobs. They’re an important part of our plan for economic recovery,” the Premier said.

“We worked closely with the NRL to develop the inaugural Magic Round in 2019 because we know events like this drive strong economic outcomes and visitor numbers for our tourism sector.”

In 2019, the event pumped more than $20 million into Queensland’s economy and booked out 109,000 room nights for the state’s tourism industry and once again we expect to see a strong turnout this year.

“COVID-19 has hit our tourism industry particularly hard,” the Premier said.

“This year, we’ve delivered campaigns specifically targeting footy fans in NSW and New Zealand to boost the economic impact of Magic Round and support tourism operators here in Brisbane.

“Magic Round will be bigger and better than ever this year.

“Football fans can expect a magic weekend, with about 24,000 visitors from interstate and New Zealand travelling to Brisbane for the event.

“This means more people in hotel beds, eating out at our world-class restaurants and enjoying the many experiences on offer in Queensland’s capital.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said all sixteen NRL teams will play eight games over three days at Suncorp Stadium from 14-16 May, supported through Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane City Council via Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

“The grounds team at Suncorp Stadium report the turf is in top condition for 272 pairs of Rugby League boots and a star-studded weekend of first-class football,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“May also delivers the Reds versus the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium, the Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast and the GBR Masters Games in Cairns.

“The sport on our major events calendar alone is expected to contribute at least $30 million to support jobs and the Palaszczuk Government’s economic recovery plan.

“During May there are plenty of opportunities for basketball, soccer, netball and AFL fans to witness the spectacle of live elite sport.

“In May, Queensland is the place to be for magic sporting moments.”

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Magic Round was a major drawcard for rugby league fans across Australia.

“Magic Round is a weekend like no other – 272 players, 16 teams and 8 games all at Suncorp Stadium,’’ he said.

“Magic Round is about the fans. It gives our fans the opportunity to get closer to our players and our activations inside the fan zone will provide incredible insight into our game.

“We’re really excited to be returning to Brisbane as a three-day festival of genuine entertainment on and off the field.”

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Media contact:

Jack Harbour (Premier’s office) 0419 620 447
Darren Roberts (Tourism Minister’s office) 0427 475 089