There are just under two months to go until the Rugby League World Cup kicks off in Newcastle.
St James' Park hosts the tournament's opener, which will see host nation England take on a Samoa side featuring NRL stars, who are being tipped as a potential surprise package.
Rugby League World Cup organisers have revealed plans for the fan zone that will take over Newcastle's Quayside to welcome fans into a city that has become second home of sorts for many rugby supporters.
Read more: St James' Park on course to set Rugby League record with World Cup opener
Mick Hogan, Revenue Director for RLWC2021, said: “We know from previous rugby events that have been hosted in Newcastle, that the Quayside is the perfect place for fans to enjoy the big match atmosphere. With St James’ Park a short walk away, the Fan Village will be a great place for the build up to the opening match of the tournament as well as post-game in the evening.
“The excitement is really building now as we get closer to first game and the plans for the RLWC2021 Fan Village only add to that anticipation. There will be something for everyone in the Fan Village and we look forward to welcoming rugby league fans and those without match tickets to the Quayside."
The Fan Village will be open on Friday October 14 and Saturday October 15 to tie in with the tournament's opening weekend of fixtures in Newcastle.
Tournament organisers say visitors can expect a "carnival atmosphere" at the fan zone, which will run from underneath the Tyne Bridge to the Millenium Bridge, on the Newcastle side of the Tyne. There will be family activities, food and drink, music and big screens. A fireworks display on Saturday evening will follow after full time in England's match-up with Samoa at St James'.
Tickets for England V Samoa on Saturday October 15 are on course to sell out, with fans from all over the country - and further afield - set to make the trip to Newcastle United's stadium, as the city adds to its growing reputation as a rugby fans' favourite. Newcastle will host four games in the tournament, including three at Kingston Park, which is home to the Falcons and Thunder rugby teams.
Kingston Park will host Scotland V Italy the day after the opening game, as well as a rugby league festival involving 200 teams.
Rugby events in Newcastle have pumped millions into the North East's economy and proven popular with fans. The Rugby League World Cup organisers say £230m has been generated for the region through league and union fixtures, including South Africa v Scotland in the 2015 Rugby (Union) World Cup, the 2019 European Rugby Champions Cup Final, and six Superleague Magic Weekends.
"In total over 800,000 people will have attended big rugby matches in Newcastle between 2015-2022. The major events saw up to 70% of visitors from outside the region," the Rugby League World Cup organisers told ChronicleLive, adding that 65% of fans who have bought tickets for England v Samoa are from outside the North East.
NewcastleGateshead Initiative's (NGI) research from the 2019 European Rugby Champions Cup Final found 96% of fans considered Newcastle to be a friendly city, with almost two-thirds awarding a 5/5 rating.
Ian Thomas, Destination Director at NewcastleGateshead Initiative said: “The economic impact of an event such as this is huge for Newcastle, with visitors to previous major rugby tournaments in 2019 delivering a boost to the city’s economy of £24.6m including £16m worth of direct expenditure. The reputational legacy for the destination on the back of such events is also incredibly important for the city, and we have been working closely with all our partners to ensure we create lasting memories for fans visiting the city, and the Fan Village, during the Rugby League World Cup.”
At least 70,000 fans are expected to travel to Newcastle for the four Rugby League World Cup games, putting around £20m into the area's economy.
Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of Newcastle NE1 Ltd added: “Newcastle knows how to stage a great party and the iconic Quayside is the ideal place to host the celebrations and provide the backdrop for the Fan Village. The tournament will be an amazing opportunity to showcase the city to a worldwide audience and demonstrate and build on the city’s reputation as a world-class venue for international sporting events and fixtures.”
Cllr Lesley Storey, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for a Vibrant City, adds: “The Quayside has hosted fan villages for previous major sporting events with incredible success, most recently during the European Rugby Cup finals in 2019
“Just as it was then, I’m sure it will be a fantastic atmosphere at the Fan Village as Newcastle prepares to launch the Rugby League World Cup. There will be something for everyone and I’d encourage people to head down and join in the fun.”
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