NRL 2021 grand final: Fan Fest to light up Brisbane

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Fri 1 Oct 2021, 10:12 AM

Former Queensland legend Petero Civoniceva wants fans of all ages to join him and other past and present players at NRL Fan Fest this week to celebrate the Telstra Premiership grand final.

Brisbane's King George Square will officially be the centre of the rugby league universe on Thursday and Friday with NRL Fan Fest set to be the biggest two-day event of its kind.

Despite the increase in restrictions in Queensland due to a number of COVID-19 cases, Fan Fest is still going ahead on Friday with each team being presented to the fans.

In the heart of the CBD, fans will be able to be part of the festivities as the countdown to the history-making decider between South Sydney and Penrith at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday continues.

Civoniceva will reunite with his former Broncos, Maroons and Kangaroos teammate Lockyer as one of the many NRL legends who will be part of the festival of fun celebrating the Greatest Game of All.

Issac Luke, Ethan Lowe, Scott Sattler and Petero Civoniceva in Brisbane. ©NRL Photos

"There's a lot of excitement in the air, everyone in Queensland is grateful for the opportunity the NRL has given us to play a grand final in Brisbane," Civoniceva said.

"It's been a challenging time for a lot of people and a bit going on in Brisbane but hopefully we can put a big show on Sunday.

"Footy fans in Queensland love Suncorp Stadium. The fact they're going to be able to watch a grand final here is pretty special.

"The tour of the NRL trophy around the regions was a huge success and generated a lot of excitement. You can see that now flow to Brisbane.

"We've got a huge couple of days coming up with the Fan Fest and it will be great to see everyone decked out in their team's colours in the CBD."

In a year like no other, Fan Fest showcases Brisbane’s best entertainment and a celebration of the season in a two-day event.

The Rabbitohs and Panthers teams will be presented to the fans on Friday.

The free festival features player appearances, giveaways, live music, as well as activities such as the Telstra Huddle, Ampol Mini Servo, DoorDash - Dash Lounge, Chemist Warehouse Wellness Van and much more.

"I think it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Queenslanders," Lockyer said.

"They have embraced all the regional games. There is no Queensland team in the grand final but they will get behind it.

"The grand final is an event and Suncorp is arguably the best rugby league stadium in the world so it will be an awesome atmosphere and a pretty special occasion.

"There will be a week of festivities and Queensland businesses will reap the benefit of that but I think it is also good exposure for the game and brings awareness of the game.

"There might be some casual rugby league supporters who will engage a lot more in the game because the grand final is in Queensland. I tell anybody who has only come to the country recently or who hasn’t seen much rugby league to go to an Origin at Suncorp.

"They always say ‘how good was that’ and it not necessarily because they understand the rules of the game but its because of the atmosphere and the energy. The grand final will be exactly the same."

Fan Fest Opening Hours

Thursday, September 30: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Friday, October 1: 10:00am – 8:00pm

Fan activities

NRL partners are delivering everything from food, face painting and the chance to meet some of your favourite players at this year’s fan fest. There’s something for all the family including

Ampol Mini Petrol Station: Get your photo with the Ampol State of Origin Shield, plus get your face painted in team colours

Youi pass the ball: Show your best flick pass

Harvey Norman outdoor competition: Scan your details to win the ultimate backyard set up for summer

NRL spin and win: Try your luck to win NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final tickets thanks to Telstra or one of Three Theraguns

DoorDash lounge: Relax before the game with all the essentials.

CUB Precinct Bar: A double decker bar in precinct. Enjoy some of your favourite brews before the game.

KFC Surprise & Delight: Get to the game early, with KFC giving away $2500 in Kentucky Fried GOLD to a lucky fan in the stand prior to kick-off.

Chemist Warehouse chill out zone: Get your gift bags with everything you need for the game with sunscreen, water and more.

There will also be: