Sports fans are being encouraged to take advantage of a special ticket offer for the biggest weekend of football in Townsville’s history.
The North Queensland Cowboys host the West Tigers on 14 June and the Gold Coast Suns meet St Kilda the next day in the first AFL premiership game in Townsville.
Townsville Deputy Mayor Les Walker said it is a massive weekend for football supporters.
“This is a fantastic time for the city and the special Festival of Footy pass gives AFL and NRL fans a chance to watch both codes on the same weekend,” Cr Walker said.
“This is the biggest weekend of football Townsville has hosted and I’m urging people to buy their tickets soon – don’t miss a chance to see NRL and AFL games live within 24 hours in Townsville.
“Riverway Stadium can hold 10,000 spectators so don’t wait too long to buy Festival of Footy passes."
Long-time rugby league player and administrator Cr Russ Cook said the games will be watched by football fans across the country.
“The NRL and AFL are very popular sports and these games will showcase Townsville to TV viewers across Australia,” Cr Cook said.
“We’re confident the Suns game will encourage other AFL teams to bring games to Townsville – the sporting capital of North Australia.”
Acting Tourism Industry Development Minister Di Farmer said the Festival of Footy will be a great boost for Townsville businesses.
“This is going to be a historic weekend for Townsville, hosting its first-ever AFL premiership match and this special Festival of Footy ticket offer even gives fans an opportunity to cheer on their hometown North Queensland Cowboys as well,” Ms Farmer said.
“We support events because they support local jobs and pump millions into our economy – we know this weekend will be a boon for Townsville.”
Gold Coast Suns CEO Mark Evans said the club is excited about bringing an AFL premiership game to Townsville.
"To be able to bring elite level AFL football to the region and highlight Townsville on the national stage as part of the Toyota AFL Premiership season is very exciting,” Mr Evans said.
“As a club we need to continue to play our role in developing our game throughout the region, a key recruitment catchment for the SUNS Talent Academy.
“I’d encourage everyone to buy their tickets early and make the most of the opportunity to attend both the Suns and Cowboys games across the weekend.”
North Queensland Cowboys Chief Operating Officer Micheal Luck said it will be a great weekend for Townsville.
“As passionate advocates of the North Queensland region we’re pleased to be involved in a weekend that celebrates Townsville and the sporting entertainment it offers,” Mr Luck said
“As a community-owned club, Cowboys fans from far and wide are always excited to share their passion with others – so anyone with a Festival of Footy pass can expect a welcoming reception.”
AFL Fans can enjoy a representative game after the Suns play St Kilda – North Queensland will face South Queensland in a twilight game at Riverway Stadium.
