We welcome this afternoon's announcement that Townsville will host State of Origin | Game 1 next Wednesday 9 June at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. This is fantastic news for all of North Queensland and our arms are wide open to welcome fans from across the nation to our city.
Hosting State of Origin in NRL heartland is a major win for the north. Game one will not only inject $5 million into the local economy but showcase our region on a national stage and cement our position as a major events destination.
Queensland Country Bank Stadium was always intended to cater for world class events and we are up for the challenge to host rugby league's greatest rivalry in just over a week. The entire business community is already in overdrive preparing to put on an Origin like never seen before and leverage this truly unique opportunity.
The excitement has been building across the city over the past few days and our accommodation and hospitality operators are buzzing. Accommodation bookings were originally sitting at approximately 40% for next week, but with the anticipation over the past few days, and now confirmation of the game in Townsville, bookings are coming through thick and fast. We understand this event will put our city at capacity, however we are leaving no stone unturned and exploring all options to ensure we can cater for all attendees.
The State Government has this afternoon revealed that ten B-double trucks are already on standby to take temporary grandstands to Queensland Country Bank Stadium. An additional 1,872 seats will take the Stadium's capacity from 25,455 seats to 27,327.
We congratulate Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government on their efforts in securing this for North Queensland. We look forward to working with all stakeholders in the coming eight days to ensure this opportunity proves our capability as regional Australia home of best live events.
Got an available property, room or space in the Townsville region next Wednesday 9 June, consider listing it on Airbnb. Click HERE for more information.
For more information about the Townsville North Queensland region click HERE
