Footy fever has reached the Territory, with Parramatta Eels fans set to take over TIO Stadium in a sea of blue and gold when they go head to head against the Brisbane Broncos this Friday night.
But the action has already kicked off, with four Eels legends taking part in community engagement initiatives in Alice Springs since Sunday, including a come and try event at Anzac Oval yesterday.
The action continues in Darwin this evening, with a player signing at Darwin Waterfront from 5.15pm, followed by the Eels Captain’s Run at TIO Stadium tomorrow, from 7pm-8.30pm. There is room for a limited number of fans to head along to the Captain’s Run free of charge, but they must register through Ticketmaster.
Game-day action kicks off at TIO Stadium on Friday, with gates open from 4.30pm and the curtain raiser Eels Cup Men’s U16 kicking off at 4.35pm, followed by the Women’s Eels Cup at 5.25pm.
There will be plenty of entertainment, with face painting, food trucks and an Eels merch stand. There is also the opportunity to win the Best Seats in the House competition, with winners able to enjoy the game from a comfy couch on the sidelines, complete with food and drinks, and waiter service. To be in with a chance to win, ticketholders need to visit the Mix104.9 stand at the stadium, and be onsite when the winner is announced at 6.30pm.
The Eels vs Broncos match forms part of the Northern Territory Government’s partnership with the Parramatta Eels through Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC).
NTMEC brings major events such as the NRL to the NT to enrich the Territory lifestyle and boost the local economy, with visitors drawn to attend these events and in turn explore the region. Independent research indicated last year’s NRL game was responsible for generating a total expenditure stimulus, in the Northern Territory, of $4.0 million – 70% ($2.8 million) of which was new money to the Territory.
To grab your match ticket in advance and save $5, or to book a spot on the Captain’s Run, visit here
Quotes from NT Major Events Company CEO Suzana Bishop:
“We’re delighted to see our team, the ‘Territory’ Eels come back to Darwin for their Round 8 match against the Brisbane Broncos.
“It’s exciting for fans to not only see the Eels in action on the pitch, but also have the chance to meet them at activations such as player signings, and to watch them train at the Captain’s Run. It’s extras like this that make our partnership with the Eels so important.
“They give local fans the chance to meet their heroes, and provide valuable experiences for travelling fans keen to make a memorable holiday out of their time in the Top End.
“The team also plays an important role in inspiring the next generation of children to take up NRL through their school clinics and out-reach programs.”
Quotes from Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos:
“Our trip to Darwin is one we look forward to every year because it’s an opportunity for our whole Club including players and staff to connect with the community. We enjoy interacting with the fans and helping to inspire the children to play rugby league.
“We have a large and loyal fan base in the NT, and this annual fixture is important as it gives them a chance to experience a live game between two of the biggest clubs in the NRL.”
