Media Release

26 September, 2016 FEVER HITS A jam-packed four days of special NRL events and experiences awaits NRL fans in Sydney over the long weekend.

It’s Grand Final weekend and Sydney is set to hit fever pitch with four days of football-fantastic events and experiences, as the long weekend intersects with NRL’s biggest day of the season.

With the Cronulla Sharks taking on the in the 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final on Sunday October 2 at ANZ Stadium, fans of both teams and those who want to this year's best of best in are encouraged to snap up their tickets now and plan their visit to Sydney to take in all of the pre-game activity on offer.

Fans can meet their NRL heroes in person at the Sydney Opera House and be part of the audience for the broadcast of NRL360, or make the most of Grand Final day by arriving early to ANZ Stadium for all the precinct activity.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said: “Sydney is the home of NRL and we look forward to welcoming an estimated 21,000 NRL supporters visiting Sydney to witness this spectacular, with the match expected to contribute up to $19 million to the NSW economy in visitor spend,” Mr Ayres said.

“I wish both the Cronulla Sharks and Melbourne Storm all the best of luck for Sunday, and look forward to welcoming both teams and their passionate fans to Sydney this week.”

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said, “Seeing your team play and in fact just being at the Stadium in Sydney for the NRL Grand Final is a not-to-be-missed experience definitely worth travelling for.

“As it is the long weekend, it’s also a great opportunity for fans to explore the city and surrounds across a few days, including the Hunter Valley, the Blue Mountains and the South Coast, with all regional NSW destinations ready to welcome visitors who want to extend their weekend and really make the most of the extra day off.”

NRL fans travelling to Sydney for the 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final should consider arriving early for this jam-packed long weekend of football, events and NSW experiences; including:

Thursday, 29 September

 A must-attend for all fans, don’t miss the Official NRL Grand Final Fan Day: From 1:30pm on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, the NRL will host a bumper 5 hours of activity dedicated to Rugby League fans. Entertainment and activations including Virtual Kick tester, player signing sessions and photo opportunities with all 16 NRL teams, and grand final team mascots meet and greets will take place. A life-size NRL Premiership Trophy will also be on display for fans to get their picture taken with. At 5:30pm, the two NRL Grand Finalist Teams will be presented to the public, and Foxtel’s TV program, NRL 360, will be recorded. Visit www.nrl.com.au for more information Media Release

Friday, 30 September

 Explore the locations featured in Channel 9’s The NRL Rookie: Why not take time to explore Sydney and some of the experiences and locations seen in the recent TV series, The NRL Rookie. Head to Bondi Beach where the Rookies enjoyed their recovery sessions and relax by spending a few hours wandering the Bondi Beach Promenade, enjoying a coffee and breakfast overlooking the beach at The Bucket List in the Bondi Pavilion.

Like the NRL Rookies, visitors can head to the Blue Mountains, a 90 minute drive from the heart of the CBD. The Blue Mountains are the perfect experience for nature lovers, adventure seekers, bushwalkers and families. While there, visit Scenic World in Katoomba, renowned for providing the ultimate Blue Mountains adventure - from native birdlife and fresh air, to breathtaking views of the World Heritage-listed region including the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and Jamison Valley.

Saturday, 1 October

 Head to Royal Randwick Races: Sydney has the ultimate weekend of sport on offer: Fans who purchase a 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final ticket will receive FREE entry to The Epsom Day at Royal Randwick, valued at $40, providing even more of a reason to arrive in Sydney ahead of the Grand Final clash on Sunday. To celebrate this super weekend of sport, there'll also be a Live Site showcasing the AFL Grand Final located in The Mews by delicious on the Octagonal Lawn. Gates open at 11:00am - visit www.theatc.com.au

Sunday, 2 October

 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final: It’s the day all rugby league fans and players dream of - the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final. After a long season and thrilling Finals series, the NRL's two best teams will battle it out for rugby league's ultimate prize. Be sure to arrive early to make the most of a massive pre-game Grand Final party, which will kick off from 11:00am on Sunday in Cathy Freeman Park, outside ANZ Stadium.

At 6:30pm, don’t miss international megastar Keith Urban perform live on-field as part of an electrifying build-up to the NRL Grand Final. He will be joined by multiple Grammy Award- winner Richie Sambora, a founding member of Bon Jovi, who will be joined by Australia’s own guitar goddess, Orianthi.

All this action will precede the Grand Final match which starts at 7:15pm.

More information on where to stay and what to do in Sydney over the NRL Grand Final long weekend, including other events and activities taking place and where to visit during your stay is available at www.sydney.com

Media Contact: Kelly Evans, Destination NSW Email: [email protected] Tel: 02 9931 1462 / Mob: 0477 753 833