- The NSW Blues have the opportunity to lift the Holden State of Origin Shield in front of their passionate home fans who will make the difference on 10 July;
- Tickets for the Origin III clash are on sale now via Ticketek;
- Return travel on public transport included in all Origin tickets;
- Arrive early to make the most of the legendary pre-game party;
- Allow additional time for security screening process.
By Crystelle Cordero
ORIGIN. It’s a rivalry like no other. And this year the NSW Blues will have the opportunity to lift the Holden State of Origin Shield in front of their passionate home fans at Stadium Australia on Wednesday 10 July.
Blues coach Brad Fittler has called on fans to turn Sydney Olympic Park and Stadium Australia into a sea of blue as NSW shoot for a second successive State of Origin title.
And the record books show that YOU make the difference . . . The Blues have won 17 home games at Stadium Australia since 1999, with the Maroons claiming 9 titles and with one draw.
BOOK YOUR SEAT IN STATE OF ORIGIN HISTORY BY SECURING YOUR TICKETS NOW.
Here is everything you need to know to ensure you have an unforgettable night at Origin III.
WHAT TIME DOES IT START?
- 4pm: Famous pre-Origin celebrations kick off outside Stadium Australia;
- 5pm: Gates Open
- 5:15pm: NSW Under 20s v QLD Under 20s
- 7:30pm: Entertainment begins, including Guy Sebastian
- 8:10pm: Holden State of Origin III kick-off
THE PRE-GAME PARTY
Sydney Olympic Park will come alive with a sea of blue and a host of food, activities and entertainment happening outside Stadium Australia from 4pm.
The focus of the pre-game party will be the Brewery Extension Bar located underneath the Novotel Hotel and the two external bars at Stadium Australia (adjacent to aisles 117/120 and 140/143). The pre-game party will feature:
- Live bands and entertainment throughout the precinct;
- Fire breathers and dancers;
- An Eat Street with pop-up stalls and food trucks serving international themed street food;
- An outdoor extension to The Brewery;
- Collection point for Blatchy’s Blues at Light Towers 7 & 8 and Box Office G;
- Cathy Freeman Park and surrounding buildings – including Stadium Australia – bathed in blue light and decked out in flags and banners.
More than 20 permanent cafes, bars and restaurants will be open both before AND after the game in Sydney Olympic Park which will have you covered for a feed.
The external bars at Stadium Australia will open from 5pm with plenty of tasty food options including wood-fired pizza and roast beef rolls as well as a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, seating and heating and a DJ to get the party started.
ENTERTAINMENT
One of Australia’s most successful male singer songwriters, Guy Sebastian, will lead the pre-match entertainment at the Holden State of Origin decider from 7.30pm.
Sebastian, who has four ARIA Awards and 28 nominations and is a Coach on the hit Nine Network show The Voice, will perform his Top 10 ARIA single “Choir” ahead of the match.
Fans attending can also take part in the performance courtesy of the NRL’s partnership with Game Changer MVP’s Flashpoint technology.
Utilising the flashlight strobe function, video display and vibration on smartphones, Flashpoint will connect fans who have downloaded and opened the official NRL App through a unified flash and video display on their own devices, in-line with the live performance and light show.
The Australian National Anthem will be sung by Alinta Chidzey, the lead cast member from the hit Chicago – The Musical.
HOW CAN I GET TO THE GAME?
With frequent express trains and Major Event buses running, the best way to get to Origin III is by public transport. Return travel is included in your event ticket. Plan your trip here.
Pre-booked parking is almost completely sold out as another event is being held at Qudos Bank Arena prior to the game. If you haven’t booked ahead of time there will be no parking available in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct.
A large number of people will be leaving an event in Sydney Olympic Park around the same time Origin fans are arriving, so anyone planning to drive is urged to allow plenty of additional travel time. Aim to arrive before 7pm to avoid larger crowds and heavy traffic.
WHAT’S THE FORECAST?
Perfect winter footy conditions! Sunny with a maximum of 18 degrees in Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday. It can get chilly at night so bring your Blues beanie and scarf to keep you warm!
SAFETY AND SECURITY AT ANZ STADIUM
Public safety is our No.1 priority at Stadium Australia.
The Stadium works closely with NSW Police and other authorities to identify risks at all events.
A high NSW Police and Security presence will be in place for Holden State of Origin Game III, both inside Stadium Australia and throughout the Sydney Olympic Park precinct before, during and after the event.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and leave additional time for the security screening process when entering the Stadium. This process will include mandatory bag searches and personal checks.
Only small bags (no larger than 30cm x 40cm) are permitted into Stadium Australia for events, and all bags will be checked by security. Fans should arrive without bags if possible.
See something/Say something: Please report any unusual or suspicious behaviour or unattended items to Customer Service staff, Police or Security.
Thank you for helping us provide a safe environment for this great event.
Now all that’s left to do is cheer on the Blues and enjoy the game!
