Gold Coast rugby league fans are getting onboard – literally – for this week’s inaugural NRL Magic Round in Brisbane.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate today announced the State Government and City of Gold Coast had co-funded a convoy of buses for more than 1,200 Gold Coast league fans to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium for Thursday night’s Titans v Sharks game.
“Hosting the first-ever Magic Round in Queensland – the home of rugby league – where all 16 teams will play a round of NRL in the one place is a huge coup for the state’s major events calendar and for footy fans around the country,” Ms Jones said.
“We want to see our Queensland teams strongly supported and that’s why we’ve partnered with City of Gold Coast to help Titans fans get to the game, show their support for their team and enjoy the magic of this major event.
“There will be a convoy of 26 buses making the trip north from as far south as Byron Bay and bringing Titans supporters from all along the coast to Suncorp Stadium.
“There’s even several local businesses who have booked buses, making it a social occasion for their workplace.
“The army of Titans fans will provide a ‘home’ atmosphere for the team in Brisbane and contribute to the magic of the event overall – it’s great to see the support for this being the first ever Magic Round.”
This Thursday night’s match between the Titans and Sharks is the opening match of the Brisbane Magic Round, as well as the NRL’s Golden Charity Night, with proceeds from ticket purchases donated to a charity of the purchaser’s choice.
Titans partners Ronald McDonald House SEQ and the Preston Campbell Foundation are two of the available charities that members and fans can donate to.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the word was out and Titans’ supporters were heading north to take the points at Suncorp.
“I love the spirit of our club with the growing fan base right behind the boys in 2019. Go Titans!” he said.
Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said he couldn’t wait to see the southern end of Suncorp Stadium full of members and fans.
“This is a great initiative and we’re thankful to the Minister and Mayor for jumping on board to get our members, corporates and fans up to Brisbane for what will be the start of a truly magic weekend,” Mitchell said.
“We want to make Suncorp Stadium like our own home and I’m expecting plenty of noise and support for our team up there on Thursday night.
“It’ll be a great sight with all the buses heading up the M1 and I’m sure everyone will enjoy being part of the convoy.”
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said he was looking forward to the upcoming festivities in Brisbane.
“This will be an incredible experience for our game, our players and our fans,” Mr Greenberg said.
“Put simply, this is something which has never been done in this country.
“Brisbane will be a fantastic host city and I know from speaking with clubs that they are looking forward to greeting their fans – both local and travelling – and spending time within communities.”
Magic Round was secured by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, together with Brisbane City Council, through Brisbane Marketing.
