Brisbane Hosts All NRL Games In New Special Event

Fans of Australia’s National Rugby League are getting to feast on an entire round of games from around the whole league over this weekend as the first NRL Magic Round, a new event concept, kicks-off in Brisbane.

The event brings all 16 NRL teams to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in a multi-year deal struck by Brisbane City Council (through Brisbane Marketing) in partnership with the Queensland Government (through Tourism and Events Queensland).

The entire deal is tipped to inject more than 300,000 room nights and have an economic impact of more than $60 million, and comes after Brisbane hosted another successful NRL Double Header this year.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our game and create a festival-like occasion for a Premiership Round.”

“We have seen the success of double headers in recent seasons, but this takes the concept to another level.

“There are enormous benefits to a full Round in the one location. Obviously, there will be significant exposure for such a unique round and it will be a wonderful promotion for all our clubs.

“We’re extremely grateful for the support of the clubs, the stadium, the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council and our broadcast partners Nine and Fox Sports, who have provided unwavering support to ensure this initiative became a reality.”

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the fact that Brisbane was chosen to host the inaugural Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium once again demonstrated the city’s reputation for staging major events.

“Major events support our local economy and create jobs right across Brisbane, with their economic impact expected to rise to a record $165 million this financial year,” he said.

“Events such as the Battle of Brisbane, the Ashes cricket, the Rugby League World Cup finals and the Bledisloe Cup have helped attract huge numbers of visitors from across Australia and overseas.

“Brisbane will be in the sporting spotlight once again when all 16 NRL teams play a round in the one venue and is set to attract thousands of visitors to fill our hotel rooms and boost our local economy.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said hosting an entire round of the NRL competition would further enhance Queensland’s reputation as the home of rugby league.