State of Origin II set to attract more than 12,000 out-of-state tourists

  • 12,000-15,000 out-of-state tourists to pour into Perth for showpiece NRL event
  • Final tickets now on sale for expected sell-out match on Sunday June 23 at Optus Stadium
  • Hosting major events to attract visitors helps grow the economy and create jobs  
  • Optus Stadium’s history-making State of Origin II clash is set to attract more than 12,000 out-of-state visitors to Perth, with final tickets to the expected sell-out event now on sale.

    State of Origin 2019 kicked off with Game I last night at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, as Western Australia gears up to welcome the showpiece NRL spectacular to its shores for the first time on Sunday June 23.

    It is expected that about 12,000-15,000 interstate and international tourists will travel to Perth for the match. A further 7,000 intrastate tourists from within WA are also expected to converge on Perth for the match.

    With the event taking place on Sunday evening, the influx of east coast visitors are expected to arrive in Perth earlier on the weekend, ensuring more overnight stays in the city and a greater return for local tourism and hospitality operators.

    Hosting major events such as the State of Origin is an important part of the State Government’s strategy to grow Western Australia’s economy and create jobs.

    As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:

    “We are very excited to be hosting Game 2 of the State of Origin in Perth, at our world-class Optus Stadium. 

    “This match will be only the 10th time in State of Origin history that part of the series has been played outside New South Wales or Queensland.

    “This game alone is expected to attract between 12,000 and 15,000 visitors to Perth and millions more will watch the live television broadcast, which gives us a perfect opportunity to showcase our amazing city to the rest of Australia.

    “Hosting major events like this one is an important part of the State Government’s strategy to grow Western Australia’s economy and create jobs.”

    As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:

    “Not only is this a history-making first for Perth sport, it is a shot in the arm for the local economy, particularly our tourism and hospitality operators.

    “The interest in Game II at Optus Stadium – both locally and across Australia – bodes well for the NRL’s potential to increase their presence in WA. The State Government continues to work closely with the NRL to see what’s possible for rugby league in WA.

    “This event demonstrates the huge value Optus Stadium provides in attracting intrastate visitors to Perth. For every country family that travels to Perth for one of these showpiece events instead of heading to Asia, that’s money in the pocket of local business and support for local jobs.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.