Holden State of Origin Game I festivities will begin with a massive pre-game party outside ANZ Stadium tomorrow, kicking off at 4pm.
Dedicated Blues supporters will take over Cathy Freeman Park, with the party featuring a monster marquee, live bands, a 50m bar and visits by NSW Blues legends.
Other entertainment and activities in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct include an extension to The Brewery, DJs, roving entertainment, 40 pop-up cafes and food trucks, themed restaurants and bars, and vox pops with the crowd.
Queensland supporters will also have their dedicated pre-game party zone, with a themed Maroons Bar inside ANZ Stadium (near Aisle 140) featuring an MC, live band, bar and food, raffle and prizes.
Stadium gates will open at 5:45pm, with the under-16s NSW v Qld Origin teams playing the curtain-raiser from 6pm.
A lap of honour to thank NSW emergency services heroes for their hard work during the recent storm disaster will be a highlight of the pre-match entertainment before the 8pm kick–off.
NRL Chief Operating Officer Suzanne Young urged fans to get to the ground early to thank our emergency services.
"Whether you're a Blue or a Maroon, we can all agree on the outstanding job our emergency services do," Ms Young said.
"State of Origin is sport's great rivalry and attending the game is an experience in itself. I encourage fans to make the most of the precinct-wide entertainment both before and after the match."
ANZ Stadium Managing Director, Daryl Kerry, said: "The winning game plan for fans is to travel smart, try to be in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct early, enjoy the pre-match festivities, and be in your seat in time for the entertainment.
"While it's always good to see Queenslanders in the crowd, ANZ Stadium will very much be a Blues' fortress on Wednesday night. . . the Stadium will be lit up in blue and the precinct will be a sea of blue as proud NSW fans flock to support Laurie Daley and his men."
All tickets to Holden State of Origin Game I at ANZ Stadium include entry and return travel on Sydney Trains services, Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses and regular Sydney Buses (STA) services and Sydney Ferries services.
Fans are strongly encouraged to leave the car at home and take advantage of the direct transport services in operation.
Fans are reminded to keep their tickets for their return journey, as customers must have a valid ticket when travelling on public transport.
Whilst a bumper crowd is expected at ANZ Stadium, good seats are still available at the special price of '2 for $100' from www.nrl.com/tickets.
Key transport information
Getting to the Stadium by train:
Direct trains are running between Central and Olympic Park every 15 minutes until 6:10pm and then every 7-8 minutes from 6:10pm to 9:30pm.
Alternatively, catch a train to Lidcombe Station and then head to the Sprint Platform for a service to Olympic Park running every 10 minutes until 10:00pm.
Getting home from the Stadium by train:
Olympic Park to Central Station services are running every 5 minutes until 00:30am.
Services between Olympic Park, Lidcombe and Blacktown run every 7-8 minutes from 10:00pm until 00:30am.
Getting to the Stadium by bus:
Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses start running between 3:45pm and 4:45pm depending on the route and arrive at the precinct from around 5:45pm. Services continue to arrive into Olympic Park until 7:55pm.
Getting home from the Stadium by bus:
Return services start from approximately 10:00pm.
The last bus on each route leaves Sydney Olympic Park at 10:45pm.
Scheduled wheelchair accessible buses will travel on each route.
Sydney Buses services are running to a regular weekday timetable.
Parking:
With a large crowd expected, fans who have not pre-booked parking are encouraged to leave the car at home and take advantage of the increased public transport services.
For those who plan to drive, pre-booking your parking space is highly recommended. You can pre-book parking via the Sydney Olympic Park Authority at http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/parking/pre-book_parking
