Victoria The Winner As A Sydney Staple Heads To Melbourne

Melbourne is on track to beat Sydney at its own game as NRL State of Origin ticket sales soar.

The MCG is preparing to host the latest instalment of what is one of the most intense rivalries in Australian sport when Queensland and New South Wales meet for Game Two of the 2015 NRL State of Origin on Wednesday, June 17.

Some 80,000 tickets have already been sold, meaning Melbourne is set to draw a bigger crowd than Game One in Sydney. Not only did the Blues lose at home, the series opener in Sydney failed to sell out.

Fans from the northern states and beyond are about to flock to Melbourne in their thousands – some 24,000 interstate travel packages have been sold, ensuring our bars and nightspots are bustling and our hotels are full. Our steady stream of visitors keep our economy strong, meaning jobs for Victorians.

For many, it’s a chance to extend their stay and support their favourite NRL clubs as they venture into enemy territory. Melbourne Storm hosts Parramatta Eels just two days before Game Two, and then fellow top-four heavyweight, Brisbane Broncos, only days later. The NRL is offering visiting fans tickets to the games for as little as $10.

New South Wales and Queensland meet at the MCG on June 17. To book tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, John Eren

“It’s no surprise Victorians are setting the standard when it comes to the big events and the enormous crowds. Nobody does it quite like us.”

“With crunch NRL Premiership games on either side of the Origin game, it’s going to be a busy week for sport and a lucrative one for Melbourne.”

Key Facts

  • The MCG hosted State of Origin in 1994, when 87,161 fans crammed the MCG – setting a Rugby League record.
  • Melbourne Storm stars Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Will Chambers are all likely to suit up in their home city.
  • Tourism is Victoria’s second largest export, exceeded only by education. It generates 205,000 jobs and delivers more than $19 billion to the economy annually. The broader events industry provides around 4,700 full-time equivalent jobs.

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