The first-ever Women’s State of Origin in Queensland will deliver an $800,000 boost to the state’s economy with a sell-out crowd of more than 4800 set to attend the blockbuster event at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Friday.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the game would provide a great boost to local businesses and showcase Queensland to thousands of footy fans across the country.
“This game will go down in Origin history,” the Premier said.
“It’s the first time Queensland has ever hosted the Women’s State of Origin. To have our Origin stars walk out in front of a packed crowd on the Sunshine Coast will make the night even more special.
“We’re proud to be able to host this event and support women’s sport. These women are role models for young girls across Queensland and no doubt they’ll put on an inspiring performance on Friday night.”
The Premier said around 800,000 people were expected to tune in to the broadcast of the match.
“Major sporting events pump cash into local businesses and support local jobs,” the Premier said.
“We’re only able to host events like this that support our economic recovery thanks to the way Queenslanders have managed the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’ll continue to work with the NRL to secure more great footy content for Queensland.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said it would be an historic night in Queensland.
“Harvey Norman Women’s State of Origin is incredibly important to us. We’re delighted to be able to make history on the Sunshine Coast tomorrow, playing the first Women’s Origin in Queensland,” he said.
“The Commission made it a priority this year to ensure we completed our entire elite women’s schedule, as well as the men, and we’re proud that despite the challenges of COVID we’ll achieve that goal.
“I want to thank the Sunshine Coast community for their support of rugby league this year. Firstly, hosting our Premiers the Melbourne Storm and now reaching our venue capacity for Women’s Origin.
“The Sunshine Coast will be beamed live into households across the country tomorrow night, that’s excellent exposure for a tourist centre like the Sunshine Coast.”
Mayor Mark Jamieson said he was excited the region could showcase the NRL’s top sportswomen with another sell-out NRL match that confirmed just how much the Sunshine Coast community loved live sport.
“Hosting the Harvey Norman Women’s State of Origin event at the Sunshine Coast Stadium further reinforced our region’s capabilities as a leading regional location for national competition sport events,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“It’s a real drawcard for supporters from around Queensland, leading to a significant boost for the local economy, and again putting us on the map as a premier event destination.
“The Sunshine Coast is the perfect location for this event and we have demonstrated that we can host events of this nature safely and in compliance with COVID-19 requirements.”
