Media Release 25 August, 2016 BUMPER FIVE DAYS OF FOOTBALL IN SYDNEY Sports fans are set for five jam-packed days of football in Sydney with seven matches covering AFL, NRL and American Football to be played from Thursday to Monday in stadiums across the city. The NRL will kick off the match schedule this evening with the Bulldogs vs. Cowboys at Belmore Oval, followed by the inaugural College Football Sydney Cup on Saturday at midday at ANZ Stadium. Come Saturday afternoon the Sydney Swans will take on Richmond at the SCG, and from Sunday through to Monday, fans can take in a further two NRL matches. NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said, “Sydney continues to set the benchmark as Australia’s sports capital, and the volume of football games being hosted across the city is a testament to that. “We’re particularly excited to host the College Football Sydney Cup, the opening round of the American College Football season this Saturday, with the Cal Golden Bears taking on the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. This major event alone is anticipated to attract more than 15,000 domestic and international visitors to Sydney – an influx which is estimated to inject more than $10 million in visitor expenditure into the local economy.” Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said, “Securing major sporting events for NSW is a crucial part of our strategy to continue to attract visitors to our State. There’s no better place to spend a weekend than watching some footy and seeing what the city has to offer, and with a bumper five days of game-day action, visitors have even more reason to extend their stay.” The five-day schedule of football games in Sydney includes: Thursday, August 25th Bulldogs vs. Cowboys Belmore Oval, Canterbury Kick off at 7:50pm Why fans must attend: Not only is it a rare opportunity to see the Dogs play at their old home ground, but fans will see former Bulldogs player and current Cowboys captain, Jonathan Thurston Tickets available at www.tickets.nrl.com Saturday, August 27th College Football Sydney Cup ANZ Stadium, Homebush Bay Kick off at 12:00pm Why fans must attend: One of the hottest tickets in town. Fans will see the University of California, Golden Bears take on the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in the opening round of the American College Football Season. Even if you don’t like football, the cheerleaders, marching band, entertainment and 2-foot long hot dogs are reason enough to grab a ticket! Tickets available at www.ticketek.com.au Media Release Sea Eagles vs. Raiders Brookvale Oval, Manly Kick off at 3:00pm Why fans must attend: The Sea Eagles’ final game of the 2016 season and a chance for fans to say farewell to one of the true legends of the game, Manly captain Jamie Lyon Tickets available at www.tickets.nrl.com Sydney Swans vs. Richmond Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Moorepark Kick off at 4:35pm Why fans must attend: It’s the final Sydney game of the home-and-away season. Bring your family, round up your friends and don’t miss the last Saturday afternoon match at the SCG for 2016 Tickets available at www.premier.ticketek.com.au/ Sharks vs. Roosters Southern Cross Stadium, Woollooware Kick off at 7:45pm Why fans must attend: A huge game for the Sharks as they fight to finish in the top two of the Minor Premiership, and secure a home game match for their first game of their finals series campaign Tickets available at www.tickets.nrl.com Sunday, August 28th Knights vs. Rabbitohs Hunter Stadium, Newcastle Kick off at 7:45pm Why fans must attend: The game is the last chance for Newcastle fans to farewell a couple of stalwarts of the game, Jeremy Smith and James McManus Tickets available at www.tickets.nrl.com Monday, August 29th Eels vs. Dragons Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta Kick off at 7:00pm Why fans must attend: A must-attend for any Eels fan. It’s the final ever match at Pirtek Stadium Tickets available at www.tickets.nrl.com More information on where to stay and what to do in Sydney, including all major events taking place, where to purchase tickets and travel packaging information, is available at www.sydney.com Media Contact: Kelly Evans, Destination NSW Email: [email protected] Tel: 02 9931 1162 / Mob: 0477 753 833 .