Destination NSW will bring the first ever American College Football game to Sydney next year, boosting the local economy by a hefty $10 million.
The match, which will be held at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, 27 August 2016, will be the first game of the American College Football season between the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Hawaii. Over 15,000 domestic and international visitors are expected to attend the match, including 420 footballers and coaching staff, and, of course, cheerleaders and marching bands who will arrive from both teams – it will be an all American affair.
Mike Baird said it took the State Government about a year to secure the rights to host the inaugural match:
“It’s obviously a fantastic opportunity to take what is a huge event in America and bring it to Sydney.”
Mike Baird, NSW Premier
College sports are hugely popular in the US with a strong and growing TV audience. The game is expected to thrust Sydney into the homes of almost 30 million Americans.
In true US tradition, Sydney Olympic Park will host a pre-game tailgate party where fans meet, eat and drink out of the boot of their cars.
Australia’s largest hotel operator, AccorHotels, has congratulated the NSW State Government and Destination NSW on securing the $10 million deal.
“We congratulate the NSW State Government and Destination NSW on securing this landmark sporting event which will earn is place in history for our tourism sector.”
Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer, AccorHotels Pacific
AccorHotels’ Sydney Olympic Park hotels, with brands including Pullman, Novotel, ibis and ibis Budget, are expected to be fully booked during the event, so book early!
