Sydney is set to become the epicentre of Rugby League this footy season, with the Men’s State of Origin Game 3 Decider expected to draw more than 83,000 spectators to Accor Stadium on July 9.
The NRL anticipates the crowd could rival the highest attendances in recent years, marking a significant moment for both the sport and the city.
The surge in attendance is expected to bring a considerable boost to Sydney’s tourism and local economy, further cementing the city’s status as a major rugby league hub.
Hospitality, accommodation and transport sectors across Sydney are gearing up for what many consider the biggest night on the Australian sporting calendar.
High-end corporate packages, including the Legends Lounge and Signature Dining experiences, have been priced between $1,227 and $1,409 per guest, according to figures by Austadiums.
A Destination NSW spokesperson told UOWTV that major sporting events such as the State of Origin play a critical role in bolstering Sydney’s tourism economy, describing them as vital to driving visitation, boosting local spending, and showcasing Sydney on the national stage.
“Sydney is expecting thousands of interstate and even international visitors to travel for Game 3, which will certainly generate great flow-on benefits specifically for accommodation providers, restaurants and NSW transport,” the spokesperson said.
Tourism remains a pillar of Sydney’s economy, delivering $14.8 billion in sales and contributing $8.3 billion in value added during the 2022–2023 financial year, according to ID Economy.
Over the 12 months to December 2023, New South Wales’ broader visitor economy reached $51.4 billion, with Sydney accounting for nearly a fifth of that total, Tourism Research Australia.
Manager of The Brewery Bar + Kitchen, Ben Collins said that local businesses in surrounding Sydney Olympic Park are gearing up for a spike in demand.
“State of Origin nights are some of the busiest we see all year,” he said.
“We typically double our staff and extend trading hours to meet the demand. Fans start arriving hours before kickoff, and the energy is incredible. Events like this are a real boost—not just for us, but for the entire city.”
Past Origin games have seen large-scale community participation, with pre-match fan zones and events attracting thousands.
With attendance, spending and engagement trending upward, Sydney’s role as host is expected to deliver quantifiable returns.
Additional reporting: Finlay Smart.
