You don't have to support a team playing in the NRL or NRLW deciders to join in this year's grand final week excitement thanks to the Fan Fest.
A three-day event (October 2-4) at Sydney's Martin Place will give club members and fans of all ages a chance to mingle with players while enjoying a range of fun activities.
It shapes as the ideal way to build the buzz for the showpiece matches.
"NRL Fan Fest is all about celebrating our fans, their clubs and our players - and bringing them closer to the game than they ever have been before," said NRL chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo.
"Grand final week is more than just about the matches on [the] Sunday. It is about a celebration of Rugby League and the culmination of a wonderful season."
Among the attractions is an "Immersion Zone" where attendees can play video games or live out their real-life footy fantasies.
There's also the chance to trial the NRL's rapidly-growing introductory League Stars program, which teaches kids aged five to 12 the core skills of the sport without the contact in an inclusive, social environment.
Elsewhere, players are set to participate in meet-and-greets and on-stage question-and-answer sessions, while a family area will be available for those with children.
"NRL Fan Fest is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to be a part of our grand final celebrations," said Abdo.
The NRL and NRLW grand final squads and retiring players will be presented to the Martin Place crowd.
The carnival is close to The Westin Sydney - the hotel that will host the grand final breakfast on October 4.
NRL Fan Fest Details
- Harvey Norman Family Zone
- Enjoy a complimentary Grinders coffee and entertain the kids with colouring competitions, meet the NRL Club mascots, face painting, hopscotch, player signings, plus the chance to win some great prizes.
- Your chance to win grand final tickets by guessing how many Steeden balls fit in the Holden Acacia.
- See the Triple M Street Team at the NRL Club Marquee to go on a scavenger hunt for your chance to win a great range of prizes.
- Immersion Zone
- Try out the new League Stars program from 9am to 10am on Wednesday and Thursday.
- Show us your best try celebration in the KFC Dive Try foam pit.
- Check out the Chemist Warehouse zone and kick to win a range of prizes, trade the House of Finals collectors coins and visit the Schick Shaving Station for a complimentary shave to be work ready.
- Purchase exclusive NRL merchandise including new NRL branded Typo products including personalised diaries.
- Challenge your friends and NRL players in the League Royale featuring Fortnite.
- Test out your skills in the NRL Reaction Test.
- Surprise and delight complimentary KFC throughout the day from the KFC Food Truck.
- On stage
- NRL Fan Fest Radio from 8.30am – 11.30am Wednesday to Thursday at Martin Place (Friday at First Fleet Park)
- Telstra Grand Final Face Off - Hosted by some of NRL most famous faces at 12pm daily, for your chance to win 2 Grand Final tickets live on stage.
- The only public appearance by the Grand Final teams.
- Plus an exclusive appearance by NBA Legend Paul Pierce as he tackles Johnathon Thurston in a skills session on the Friday morning
- Player appearances
There will be more than 100 players across the three days including dedicated club sessions:
- Wednesday – Sharks, Bulldogs, Eels, Panthers, Broncos, Cowboys and Titans
- Thursday – Raiders, Warriors, Wests Tigers, Knights, Roosters and Sea Eagles.
- Friday – Rabbitohs, Storm and Dragons
- Grand Final Teams' only public appearance
- 12.30pm Thursday – NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final Teams
- 12.15pm Friday – NRL Holden Women’s Premiership Grand Final Teams
