AusLeisure

Sports fans around the world have acclaimed the near capacity crowd at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium for last night's State of Origin decider.

More than 49,000 fans packed into the venue, the largest crowd for a sporting event anywhere in the world since the Coronavirus was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March.

Commenting on last night's game, Alan Graham, ASM Global’s General Manager of Suncorp Stadium, told Australasian Leisure Management "overall, the event was very successful. More than 49,000 people attended and the event went very smoothly which was an achievement for all involved.

"It’s a tribute to Queensland Health for their handling of the pandemic and to the NRL for how they have adapted this season. And we worked very hard to ensure that the event was as safe as possible.

"The fact that the crowd was more than 49,000 people showed the confidence that people had in turning out to an event like that.

"From an operational perspective, everything went smoothly. We had a late rush as some people arrived just before the start of the match but that was worked through well. People were very cooperative with the COVID measures.

"The departure was very smooth and the use of public transport ensured that spectators left easily.

"From a catering viewpoint, everything worked well with all outlets open and some additional satellite outlets available for a crowd of that size."

A range of other comments on social media praised the game.

Fans at the venue, including regular Australasian Leisure Management contributors Blair Hughes and Ross Gage - praised the atmosphere for the clash, with Gage stating on social media it was the "greatest victory ever in the history of world sport".

Having staged last night's game and a Bledisloe Cup clash in recent weeks, the ASM Global-managed Suncorp Stadium is now set for a quiet few months.

However, its 2021 calendar will see it host Super Rugby from Febraury and rock giants Guns N' Roses in November next year.

It has been announced today that Guns N' Roses visit the venue on 14th November 2021 as part of six date Australian tour.

Looking forward to 2021, Graham added "our next event is not until mid February when Super Rugby resumes. That gives us a very good chance for the summer grass to come through.

"That break is a luxury that we don’t often get but it will be beneficial because we’re preparing for a very busy year with football, the World Nitro Games in October and Guns ‘N’ Roses to play here in November."

Images: Suncorp Stadium confirms the crowd numbers for last night's State of Origin decider (top, credit: Blair Hughes/Facebook) and Guns N'Roses on tour (below, credit: ANZ Stadium).

Related Articles

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

19th October 2020 - Ticketing malfunction sees NRL fans in queues with no social distancing outside Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium

6th October 2020 - Roy Morgan study shows growth of NRL’s supporter base

30th September 2020 - NRL Grand Final will see 40,000 fans at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium

22nd September 2020 - NRL announces ‘brutal’ job cuts as it looks to slash $50 million in costs

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

27th June 2020 - ASM Global releases operational plans for the reopening of its arenas, stadia, theatres and convention centres

30th April 2020 - ASM Global to launch environmental hygiene program

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

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