100 million to focus on the region

IN less than 48 hours Townsville will be the centre of the rugby universe, with a packed Queensland Country Bank Stadium rocking as the world’s best players put on a spectacle to remember.

The city has embraced the sport and the competing teams with open arms this week, with locals relishing another major sporting event for 2021. With the buzz around town building, Mayor Jenny Hill made a big call.

“This, I think, will top Origin,” Cr Hill said.

“We’ve got 100 million viewers all around the world watching these world-class matches. Someone from England will be watching, someone from France, Ireland, Japan, Italy and even Argentina. For me it’s about seeing the city come of age. We are hosting events similar to what you see in a capital city.

“The city should be proud of itself.”

Cr Hill said the decision to erect in the city a world-class stadium five years ago had paid off this year.

“We’ve always said the stadium is an important factor in the Townsville economy,” she said.

“It’s very hard to differentiate yourself from Cairns and the Whitsundays, the best way we can do it is through events, and that’s what we’re doing.

“We are on the radar of many sporting organisations to be able to host world class events.”

The stadium is nearing a sellout, ensuring an electric atmosphere for those attending.

“When the double-header was announced, tickets started selling quicker than a Wallabies winger,” Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-smith said.

“It’s fantastic to see our region and Queenslanders getting behind this historic event and not missing the opportunity to cheer on rugby’s best in our own backyard.”

Ms Brumme-smith said accommodation was almost sold out around Townsville, a strong indication of the cash flow to come.

“We anticipate no vacancy signs to be splashed across the city come Saturday,” she said.

“Our stadium continues to deliver positive benefits for business as we cement our position as the home of regional Australia’s best live events and sporting capital of the North.

“The two games are predicted to reach a global audience of 45 million people which means 45 million opportunities to promote our destination to the world.

“We were thrilled to put together a promotional video showcasing just why Townsville shines which will be played during Saturday’s global broadcast. This is moneycan’t-buy coverage and puts our region top of mind for potential visitors across the country and the world.”

Masks are mandatory as part of Stadiums Queensland rules.

The double-header featuring South Africa against New Zealand and Australia playing Argentina, begins at 5.05pm.