Brisbane welcomes world’s largest rugby league festival

Published Friday, 05 May, 2023 at 10:03 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

  • 2023 is the fourth NRL Magic Round, featuring all eight games of Round 10 of the NRL Premiership
  • Total attendance of more than 130,000 expected over the three days
  • Four Queensland teams playing for the first time
  • Close to half of ticket holders travelling from interstate
  • Event expected to support more than $28 million in economic impact

Brisbane is bracing for an influx of footy fans from around the country as Suncorp Stadium plays host to the fourth NRL Magic Round.

Over three days, Queensland will once again be the centre of the rugby league universe as it welcomes all eight games of Round 10 of the NRL Premiership.

Featuring four Queensland teams on the field for the first time in Magic Round history, this year’s event could be the biggest yet with crowds across the three days expected to top 130,000.

With close to half of ticket holders travelling from interstate, the 2023 edition of NRL Magic Round is projected to deliver more than $28 million in economic impact for the state.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:

“Once again Queensland is the centre of the sporting spotlight as we welcome the NRL to Brisbane and Suncorp Stadium.

“I’m delighted to welcome the 16 teams, and all the excitement the eight matches will bring.

“It’s been an amazing start to the 2023 NRL season with the Broncos at the top, and I’m sure Magic Round will live up to its name.” 

Quotes attributable to Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe:

“This is always a magic time of year when rugby league fans get the chance to experience Brisbane’s great lifestyle and watch every match of round ten of the NRL live from the best stadium for rectangular sports in the world.

“Magic Round is a Queensland innovation, made for Queenslanders. The real deal that brings a unique festival atmosphere that no other event can match.

“Having four Queensland teams playing for the first time at the cauldron in rugby league heartland is special and sure to threaten last years record attendance of more than 130,000.

“The round is forecast to shower more than $28 million of rugby league magic across Brisbane with up to 32,000 fans tipped to travel from across the state, interstate and from New Zealand.”

Quotes attributable to Brisbane Mayor Adrian Schrinner:

“There is no other city with this much sporting action packed into one magic weekend.

 “This year, we are expecting to eclipse our biggest crowds yet, with fans flying in from across the country to join local footy supporters to watch their favourite clubs in one spot at Suncorp Stadium.

 "There will be a massive flow on effect to local business, with local hotels and restaurants buzzing with tens of thousands of people enjoying Brisbane.

 "The popularity of this event cements exactly why Brisbane is the rightful home of NRL Magic Round."

FURTHER INFORMATION:

  • Limited seats remain for the three days, fans are urged to secure seats now at nrl.com to avoid disappointment
  • Queensland teams feature each day, Broncos v Sea Eagles 8:05pm Friday 5 May, Dolphins v Sharks 5:30pm Saturday 6 May, Cowboys v Roosters 4:00pm and Titans v Eels 6:25pm Sunday 7 May 

ENDS 

Media contact – Bill Walker 0437 859 987