Temporary grandstands deliver thousands more seats for Origin blockbuster

Up to 2000 extra seats will be up for grabs at Wednesday’s State of Origin blockbuster after workers put the finishing touches on temporary grandstands at Queensland Country Bank Stadium today.

Rebuilding Queensland’s tourism industry is an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s economic recovery plan.

State of Origin one is tipped to generate $7 million for the North Queensland economy – helping to drive the region’s recovery from COVID-19.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said extra tickets would go on sale tomorrow.

“This event will deliver huge economic benefits for Townsville and support local jobs,” the Premier.

“We want to make the most of this week.

“That’s why we’re installing temporary grandstands that will allow more than 1000 more footy fans to be part of history.

“These extra grandstand seats will lift capacity toaround 28,000, ensuring State of Origin is the biggest sporting event Townsville has ever seen.

“If you’re desperate for tickets, it’s not too late – make sure you join the waitlist on the NRL website for a better chance.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said up to 2000 seats extra seats will be up for grabs for State of Origin fans from tomorrow, after the installation of new temporary grandstands was completed at Queensland Country Bank Stadium today.  

Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the grandstand fit-out was the culmination of a precision operation.

“The logistics of hauling steel parts almost 1,400 kilometres to Townsville and dropping the grandstands into place have come together like clockwork,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Getting the job done at short notice, without a hitch, is a great credit to the team at Clifton Productions.

“Upsizing seating for Townsville’s historic State of Origin demonstrates the clever design built into Queensland Country Bank Stadium and Queensland’s ability to host major events anywhere in the state.

“With Origin tickets snapped up like hot cakes last week, we’re ecstatic to be able to bring new tickets on line for North Queensland Rugby League fans.

“Not only is a sold out stadium guaranteed, this is one State of Origin that will be remembered by the North’s football supporters and tourism operators for many NRL seasons to come.”    

Resources Minister and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said there would be a fantastic atmosphere in Townsville for the first game of State of Origin.

“This will be huge for our city and will be great exposure for Townsville on the national stage,” Mr Stewart said.

“For people who missed out on tickets Flinders St East will be a great place to take in some pre-game entertainment and watch the game on the big screen.”

“We know North Queensland is rugby league heartland so to have State of Origin here this Wednesday will be massive for the region.

“The Palaszczuk Government built Queensland Country Bank Stadium to attract world-class events which helps so many businesses, particularly during our economic recovery.”

Queensland Country Bank Stadium Manager Tom Kimball said swift and extensive work had been done to ensure the new seating plan could be made a reality. 

“The short notice of the event coupled with the decision to add more seating has made for a busy couple of days but the team is working around the clock to make sure it all comes off on game night,” Mr Kimball said. 

“We’ve had architects and engineers working with the team at Clifton Productions to ensure considerations like patron sightlines are good, and that safety and COVID requirements are all met,” he said.  

Clifton Productions National Events Manager Phil Harris said the process had been a colossal undertaking.

“We’ve had a team of 20 people working 10 hours a day for six days to get the seating right, with 10 B-Double semi-trailers required to transport the 100 tonnes of steel to the stadium for the extra 2,000 seats,” Mr Harris said. 

“An event of this scale usually takes months to plan, however, we were first contacted about the extra seating a little over a week ago, so it’s been a quick turnaround, loading trucks Tuesday morning and building by 7am Thursday,” he said. 

“However all the right people have been involved to ensure the seating is safe, including architects, engineers, fire engineers, health and safety officers, compliance officers, truck drivers, build staff and administration officers – it’s been a big job!” 

Join the waitlist via nrl.com/waitlist to hear first when seats become available.

General public gates open at 6:30pm with live entertainment from 7:35pm and kick off at 8:10pm.

For event information visit www.queenslandcountrybankstadium.com.au  

ENDS

Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447