Blockbuster crowd to make Origin history

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

IT'S any wonder Melbourne want our State of Origin.

Sydney's Origin II blockbuster's next Wednesday night will be the highest grossing Origin match in history, worth an estimated $30m to the NRL, ANZ Stadium and the state of NSW.

Unlike in Queensland, where officials were faced with the embarrassing prospect of being unable to sellout Suncorp Stadium ahead of Origin I, the home ground of NSW, ANZ Stadium, is nearing a sellout with a post-Olympics record crowd of more than 84,000 fans expected.

NSW NAME SQUAD FOR GAME TWO

HOW ORIGIN'S INFECTED THE WORLD

State of Origin game at ANZ Stadium. Source: Supplied

Six days out from the Blues highly-anticipated tilt at ending the Maroons eight-year Origin reign, only 2,000 tickets remain for the clash.

Such is the rush for a seat at the game, that the Sydney Olympic Park stadium's capacity has been increased to meet with the demand.

Hotels surrounding the stadium and flights into Sydney next week have been booked out by an influx of sport lovers travelling from interstate, who are hoping to witness one of the most anticipated sporting moments in decades.

As of Wednesday, 5000 Maroons supporters had arranged travel and accommodation ahead of the match.

DRAINING EXERCISE AIDS BLUE LEWIS

BLUES LAUGH OFF MAROON MIND GAMES

NSW State of Origin team announcement at ANZ Stadium. Source: News Corp Australia

"You get the feeling we are on the verge of seeing something very special at the Stadium next Wednesday,'' ANZ Stadium managing director Daryl Kerry said.

"State of Origin has become one of the world's greatest rivalries and the game at ANZ Stadium next Wednesday will be another major event generating millions of dollars for Sydney and the state of NSW.''

The NRL's decision to hike up ticket prices ahead of this year's State of Origin series was fingered as the reason behind the sluggish sales ahead of Origin I in Brisbane.

The new pricing strategy led Maroons coach Mal Meninga and Queensland great Wally Lewis, to demand an apology from the NRL on behalf of disgruntled fans.

State of Origin game at ANZ Stadium. Source: Supplied

But the same thing can't be said for Blues supporters who have forked out, on average, $160 a ticket for game two.

And they say Queenslanders have more passion for Origin.

A sellout next Wednesday under the NRL's new pricing structure, which is garaunteed, would result in the NRL and ANZ Stadium grossing a record $10m, while the economic impact for the state of NSW is estimated at just over $20m.

Paul Kind, the NRL's head of commercial, said the decision to increase ticket prices wasn't an easy decision to make, but added that ultimately the revenue raised from Origin would return back to the game.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"To derive revenue from our major event that is then reinvested back into the game is a priority for us,'' Kind said.

"And Origin is the best event in the sports calendar bar none.

"We considered the balance between the low end pricing and best seating for the best sporting event in the country.

"Origin pricing now reflects the true value of Origin compared to other major sporting events.''

State of Origin at Anz Stadium. Source: News Limited

NSW Blues forward Ryan Hoffman summed up the entire playing squad's anticipation for their first match back at home since last year's ill-fated decider.

"The crowd will be very excited and that's what we want to see,'' Hoffman said.

"We want to see a packed house of Blues supporters. and as players we need to put in a performance like we did in Origin I.''

To celebrate the occasion a massive pre-game Origin party is planned for in and around the Sydney Olympic Park precinct from 4pm next Wednesday.

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

Blockbuster crowd to make Origin history

Dengan url

http://sportfoxer.blogspot.com/2014/06/blockbuster-crowd-to-make-origin-history.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

Blockbuster crowd to make Origin history

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

Blockbuster crowd to make Origin history

sebagai sumbernya