Melbourne is preparing for an influx of State of Origin fans with Game 2 returning to the MCG this Wednesday.
In a major boost for Victoria, about 30,000 interstate supporters are expected to visit – transforming Melbourne into a sea of blue and maroon.
The Origin atmosphere will extend well beyond the MCG, with a State of Origin Illumination Walk, lighting up Birrarung Marr on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Fans will also get the chance to meet the stars and coaches up close at the free Captain’s Call at Queensbridge Square at 12:30pm on Tuesday.
The game is a huge win for the visitor economy with CBD hotel occupancy up 15 per cent for Wednesday night.
This week’s match is the 11th Origin game played in Victoria.
The 2024 showdown was played in front of 90,084 fans – injecting more than $40 million into the state.
The MCG holds the top two crowds in Origin history, with the record-breaking 2015 game drawing 91,513 fans.
The event is part of a bumper line-up secured by the Allan Labor Government this year, including the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: Cartier exhibition at the NGV, the Australian Open Golf at Kingston Heath featuring Rory McIlroy, and the NFL’s first-ever Regular Season game played in Australia.
Tickets and further details for the game can be found at nrl.com/tickets.
As stated by Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“Nobody hosts a major event like Melbourne – thirty thousand travelling fans this week means full hotels, packed restaurants and millions flowing into local businesses.”
“Our calendar of events means there really is something for everyone. This is yet another reason why we are the major events capital.”
As stated by Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
“From the moment supporters arrive, they’ll find a city ready to embrace Origin week – whether that’s through fan events, live entertainment, hospitality experiences or the match itself at the MCG.”
As stated by NRL CEO Andrew Abdo
“State of Origin is Australia’s greatest sporting rivalry, and the MCG is one of the game’s great stages. We’re looking forward to Melbourne delivering another strong crowd and a great atmosphere for Game Two.”
