The Ampol State of Origin Series will return to Adelaide Oval in 2023, following the success of the first ever match at the iconic venue in 2020.
The National Rugby League (NRL), in conjunction with the South Australian Government, today announced that Adelaide Oval would host a match in the 2023 series.
The decision continues the NRL’s policy of one neutral venue and one home venue for each of the States in the three-match series.
A capacity COVID-19 crowd of 25,218 attended Game One of last year’s series in Adelaide and the NRL looks forward to giving more than 50,000 fans the opportunity to watch Origin live in Adelaide in 2023.
ARLC Commissioner Peter Beattie AC, who attended today’s announcement in Adelaide, said South Australians had embraced Origin in 2020.
“We want to build on what we started last year,” Mr Beattie said.
“The Adelaide Oval match was a great success. We had a capacity COVID crowd and the way the city embraced the Origin Series gives us every confidence of filling the venue in 2023.
“State of Origin is the most successful sporting brand in Australia which we now play in the five biggest capital cities in Australia.”
Mr Beattie thanked the South Australian Government and the South Australian Tourism Commission for their support of rugby league.
“I want to thank Premier Steven Marshall for his support, he has been the strongest of advocates for securing this event. State of Origin will fill hotels and restaurants across Adelaide and inject millions into the local economy.”
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said State of Origin would inject an estimated $15 million into the local economy.
“It’s a great result for rugby league fans, but also a big win for South Australian hotels, restaurants and cafes,” Premier Marshall said.
“More than 20,000 interstate visitors are expected to visit Adelaide to help celebrate the big match - injecting an estimated $15 million dollars into the South Australian economy.
“Last year’s NRL State of Origin game was a real hit and delivered a cracking game in front of more than 25,000 fans – including 4,000 from interstate,” Premier Marshall said.
“Events like these create jobs and vibrancy in our great city and it’s fantastic to be able to welcome interstate Blues and Maroons fans back to Adelaide.”
Queensland Maroons Coach Paul Green said: “From all reports, our players and fans really enjoyed last year’s Origin experience in Adelaide.
“It was obviously a great night for our supporters and the players and coaches who played their part in a memorable win.
“It’s always exciting to showcase State of Origin in new markets and at iconic sporting venues like the Adelaide Oval, so I’m sure there will be a lot of people looking forward to this game in 2023.”
Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler said: “It is exciting to hear that Origin will be heading back to Adelaide in 2023 and hopefully this time Adelaide Oval will be packed out.
“We enjoyed running out in the iconic stadium last year, albeit with a small crowd due to the challenges and restrictions as a result of COVID-19, so we would love to see Adelaide Oval filled with our current fans and new fans proudly wearing the blue wig next time.
“The people of Adelaide love their sport and an Origin match at is a great way to showcase our game.”
The 2023 Ampol State of Origin Series is supported by the South Australian Government through their tourism agency South Australian Tourism Commission.
