Rockhampton sees sell-out crowd at NRL premiership finals match

Published on 13 September 2021

The Week 1 National Rugby League (NRL) Telstra Premiership Finals match between the Parramatta Eels and Newcastle Knights held in Rockhampton was a sell-out, bringing over $680,000 economic benefit to the region.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said the match provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the local community.

“It was so exciting to witness two high-profile teams go head-to-head for a place in the NRL premiership finals right here in Rockhampton,” Mayor Williams said.

“Being a Week 1 NRL premiership finals match the winning team, Parramatta Eels, will now go through to the next finals round to win a spot in the overall premiership final.

“Not only did our region get to host a finals match, but we were also successful in hosting two NRL premiership matches in region in August and it was great to see the community come together and witness such high-profile sporting matches and players in their home town.”

Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry MP said it was fantastic to be able to support such an important and high-profile event with $62,215 of federal funding.

“The Coalition Government supported the live entertainment component of the festival, including staging, sound, appearance fees, seating, amenities, screen hire, traffic control, advertising and marketing.

“The event coincided with the hosting of the NRL semi-final and the Government provided support for the festival only.

“This funding meant emerging local artists like Maddi and The Hoopers and The Stone Apes could take the stage as part of the pre-game entertainment line up and get the crowd pumped up before kick-off.

“I welcome the boost the event brought to the local economy and to regional tourism in Central Queensland,” Ms Landry said.

Advance Rockhampton Executive Manager Greg Bowden said the sell-out finals match benefitted the local community in more ways than one.

“Over 25% of ticket holders came from out of region to witness the Week 1 Finals match between the Parramatta Eels and Newcastle Knights,” Mr Bowden said.

“We estimate the total economic impact to the Rockhampton region from the match to be over $680,000, with spectators spending money on local retail and in hospitality businesses, as well as visitors to the region spending money on accommodation.

“The economic benefit extended far and wide, with our region being profiled to national TV audiences across Nine, Fox Sports and online streaming services with an estimated viewership of 1.275 million.

“All three NRL premiership matches we hosted in region truly helped to put Rocky on the radar, and we welcome any future large-scale sporting events to be played in our region.”

Queensland Rugby League Central Regional Manager Rob Crow said it was great to see the local community come together and support the games, and take part in the additional entertainment on game day.

“It was fantastic to see another sell-out crowd in the grounds, as well as more take part in the Street Party on Murray Street,” Mr Crow said.

“Playing host to three NRL premiership matches has created a real buzz around the city.

“Browne Park has well and truly proven it can host high-profile sporting matches and we hope to see many more large-scale footy matches played at the stadium in the future.”

ENDS