The first-ever NRL Magic Round held in Brisbane over the weekend has been unanimously hailed a success with new data revealing strong support for the fixture.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today revealed attendance figures and television viewership had well and truly exceeded expectations for the first ever NRL Magic Round.
“We back events that support local jobs and help to grow our tourism industry. The Magic Round did just that,” she said.
“Almost 135,000 people packed Suncorp Stadium over four days with another 3.8 million watching the games on TV – proving the huge interest in this landmark event.
“There were some quality games throughout the round but the real winner was Queensland – with around one quarter of attendees coming from interstate and overseas. This has provided a huge boost to our tourism industry.”
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said Magic Round was at home in Queensland.
“On day one, NSW declared they would try to poach the event off Queensland. This is a testament to the event’s success,” she said.
“But the Magic Round isn’t going anywhere – with a three-year deal in place to keep the fixture in Queensland.”
Ms Jones said Magic Round was only possible through a partnership between the Palaszczuk Government via Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane City Council via Brisbane Marketing and the NRL.
“Brisbane boasts the country’s best rectangular stadium which is located right in the middle of a world-class entertainment precinct,” she said.
“This allows fans to enjoy their footy and experience the very best of Brisbane’s outdoor dining culture and lifestyle.
“To see tens of thousands of people flooding into Caxton Street, and exploring the city over the weekend was magic, and exactly what we wanted to achieve by supporting this event.”
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Australian-first NRL Magic Round didn’t disappoint.
“Footy fans came from far and wide to enjoy the Magic Round and provide a boost to our local economy with our hotels, bars and restaurants full to the brim with jerseys of every colour,” Cr Schrinner said.
“After the great long weekend of footy, we look forward to building on the success of the inaugural event and welcoming the Magic Round back in 2020.”
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said NRL Brisbane Magic Round had been a huge success.
“By our key measures Magic Round has certainly been a wonderful success,” Mr Greenberg said.
“The crowds have been fantastic and there has been a real festival atmosphere both inside and outside the stadium.
“An incredible amount of planning and work has come together to make this a great success and something to really build on into the future.
“The success of the event is testament to the partnership between the NRL, the Queensland Government and the City Council.”
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