Julian Keith
Stadium Australia will become a Blues fortress on Wednesday as the entire state of NSW gets behind our State of Origin champions when they begin their defence of the Shield.
Holden State of Origin Game I – the only Sydney game of the series – is crucial to the Blues’ hopes of repelling the Queensland challenge, with coach Laurie Daley calling on NSW fans to turn Sydney Olympic Park into a giant Blues Zone.
“There is no doubt our players feed off the energy our fans bring to Stadium Australia and we need as many Blues fans as possible to get out to the game and turn the stands blue,” Daley said.
Be part of Holden State of Origin Game I here.
Passionate Blues fans have given NSW a distinct edge at home – with the Blues winning four of the last five Origin games at Stadium Australia and an amazing six of the last seven games when NSW have hosted Game I of the series.
Who will ever forget last year’s Blues victory, when a converted try by Trent Hodkinson gave Daley’s heroes a 6-4 win over the Maroons – breaking an eight-year series drought.
The world-famous Blatchy’s Blues fans will fill the northern stands at Stadium Australia, with as many as 14,000 fans donning the electric blue wigs and cheering on NSW.
A themed Blues Bar will operate directly behind Blatchy’s Blues supporters’ area, accessible near Aisle 120.
Queensland fans will not be without their dedicated supporters’ zone, with the Maroons Bar operating at the southern end of Stadium Australia, near Aisle 140. The Maroon Crusade will have an MC, live band, XXXX beer and raffles and prizes.
Pre-game Origin party
A massive pre-Origin party is planned for Sydney Olympic Park, outside Stadium Australia, with the festivities kicking off at 4pm on Wednesday.
Dedicated Blues supporters will take over Cathy Freeman Park with highlights including The Sheds monster marquee, live bands, a 50m bar and visits by NSW Blues legends.
The Sheds are open to all ticketholders but will double as the collection point for those electric blue wigs and T-shirts that are part and parcel of the NSW Blatchy’s Blues supporters’ match-day experience.
Sydney Olympic Park’s bars, cafes and eateries will all embrace the Blues theme on the night and will be pumping with energy. Good options are The Novotel Brewery and The Lounge.
Gates open at 5:45pm with NSW v Queensland U16’s preliminary game kicking off at 6pm.
The Origin I fan game plan is:
1) Get an early cut from work. Your State needs you at Stadium Australia, whether you are cheering for the reigning champion Blues or for Queensland.
2) Use free public transport. All tickets to Origin I include the cost of travel on Sydney Trains or Major Event Buses. If you insist on driving, please pre-book parking via the Sydney Olympic Park website.
3) Arrive at Sydney Olympic Park early to soak up the colour and atmosphere of Origin. Stadium Australia gates open from 5.45pm.
4) Be prepared for the noise and energy of Origin I. Wear Blues or Maroons colours and get into the spirit of this unforgettable sporting occasion.
Members and Corporates
To guarantee your premium seat at Origin Game I and at all the blockbusters at Stadium Australia this year – including Tottenham Hotspur v Sydney FC, Chelsea FC v Sydney FC, Bledisloe Cup, NRL and AFL Finals, NRL Grand Final and much more, become an Stadium Australia Member here.
There are still some remaining 8-person zone boxes available for the game so enquire here and bring your clients along to the biggest footy match of the year.
