Canberra’s GIO Stadium becomes first neutral venue to host 2022 Women’s State of Origin

March 9, 2022

Events / Sport / Venues /

The National Rugby League, alongside the Canberra Raiders and the ACT Government have today announced that Canberra’s GIO Stadium will be the first neutral venue to host the 2022 Ampol Women’s State of Origin on Friday, 24^th June.

With Queensland and NSW having both won two Origin matches each, NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo advised “it was fittng the fifth game is played at a neutral venue.”

GIO Stadium underwent significant upgrades in 2020 to deliver female-friendly change rooms aligning with a commitment from ACT Government to support participation for women and girls involved in sport across the Territory and with ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister for Women Yvette Berry commenting “the ACT is a leader in women's elite and semi-professional sports and simple changes to facilities reduce the barriers that some women face when participating in sport and recreation.

“Improving facilities and changing rooms is part of a range of measures being undertaken by the ACT Government to support women in sport.

“The ACT is a leading destination for women’s sport in Australia and I can’t wait to see the game.”

NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said Canberra’s GIO Stadium as a neutral venue highlights the growth of the event, with regions outside of the home states seeking to host the match.

“Ampol Women’s State of Origin is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting events on our calendar and we are delighted to be taking the Game to a neutral venue for the very first time,” he said.

“When Women’s State of Origin was launched at North Sydney Oval in 2018 we all knew it would build to something special and Canberra becoming the first neutral venue to host the event is another step in the evolution and growth of the women’s game.

“Canberrans are passionate rugby league fans and we’re looking forward to giving fans the opportunity to witness the elite women’s game for the very first time. It’s a great city and we’re delighted to take new content to the region.”

Canberra Raiders Chief Executive, Don Furner said having Ampol Women’s State of Origin at GIO Stadium was a boost to the club and local supporters.

“The Raiders are very excited with the news that the 2022 Women’s State of Origin is coming to Canberra for the first time and we know the local community will support the match at GIO Stadium,” he said.

“The Raiders are working hard on our bid to secure an NRLW team for 2023 and high-profile women’s matches in Canberra will go a long way to showing our commitment and passion for the women’s game.”

Series partner Ampol will once again showcase the game’s up-and-coming junior female players through the Ampol Little Origin program. The next generation of female players will have the opportunity to take to the field at half time, continuing the strong focus on aligning the elite game with grassroots programs.

Tickets will be on sale for the General Public next Wednesday, 16^th March, via nrl.com/tickets.

11th September 2020 - ACT Government to double GIO Stadium capacity limit for Super Rugby AU Final

15th March 2020 - GIO Stadium unveils new video screen and female-friendly changerooms

4th July 2019 - GIO Stadium Canberra to get $440,000 security upgrade

10th March 2016 - ACT Government backs cheaper food prices at GIO Stadium

23rd January 2016 - Brumbies agree five year GIO Stadium deal

9th September 2014 - GIO Stadium Canberra to get facelift for AFC Asian Cup

10th July 2021 - Second relocation sees State of Origin finale moved to Gold Coast

7th July 2021 - Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium to stage relocated State of Origin finale

3rd June 2021 - Warnings issued on buying or selling scalped tickets ahead of State of Origin game

1st June 2021 - Melbourne Coronavirus situation sees State of Origin opener relocated to Townsville

21st April 2021 - State of Origin returns to Optus Stadium in 2022

23rd February 2021 - 2021 State of Origin series opener to be played at the MCG

19th November 2020 - Suncorp Stadium’s State of Origin crowd gains global acclaim

18th November 2020 - Suncorp Stadium State of Origin decider sets world’s post-COVID attendance record

13th November 2020 - Easing of Queensland Government’s Coronavirus restrictions will allow capacity crowd for Suncorp Stadium State of Origin decider

15th September 2020 - Adelaide Oval to host first ever State of Origin clash

10th July 2019 - State of Origin decider shows the tourism benefit of major events

25th July 2018 - NRL sells out first batch of tickets for 2019 State of Origin clash in Perth

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