Townsville ready for the Reds

Townsville continues to position itself as the events capital of Northern Australia with the city delighted to welcome the Queensland Reds to town for their season opener against the Hurricanes on Saturday, 25 February 2023.

Queensland Country Bank Stadium will host the Reds and Hurricanes in their Super Rugby Pacific season opener, the first major event to be held in Townsville in 2023.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill was thrilled to welcome Reds representatives for a two-day visit to Townsville this week that included school visits and clinics with local players in the lead up to the big game in a few weeks.

“Townsville City Council makes a significant investment in attracting major sporting events like the Reds and Hurricanes game, and we have the facilities and the expertise to deliver,” Cr Hill said.

“Queensland Country Bank Stadium is a state-of-the-art ground and I’m sure the people of Townsville will rally behind the Reds as the city consolidates its reputation as the events capital of the North.

“As a Council we will also be working hard to make this event a huge success and showcase our region for further events.

“Australia is hosting the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027, the women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029 and there will also be opportunities with the Brisbane 2032 Olympics that Townsville is ready to grab with both hands.”

Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham said Townsville has played an important part in Rugby’s long history in Queensland and that the Reds were pleased to take two games to the city in 2023.

“It gives our members and fans across North and Central Queensland the opportunity to come together and celebrate the Reds,” he said.

“Queensland Country Bank Stadium is a world class facility and our squad has fond memories of the region after our game against the Chiefs 2021.

“It’s the perfect way to kick-off our season for 2023.”

In addition to the 2021 Chiefs game, Townsville has previously proved itself as a great destination for live rugby in the same year with the huge success of the Wallabies v Argentina and South Africa v New Zealand double-header at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Council will also support the Reds season opener on Saturday 25 February 2023 by hosting one of our hugely popular Townsville Eats events in Flinders Central on the afternoon of gameday.

Flinders Street will be closed off for the event, which will feature dozens of food trucks, live music and roving entertainers for everyone to enjoy before punters can make the short walk to the stadium to cheer on the Reds.

“Our Townsville Eats events have enjoyed huge success in the past and it’s the perfect way for fans to come together to enjoy the city centre before a great night at the rugby,” Mayor Hill said.

The Reds will return to Townsville for a blockbuster showdown with fierce rivals the Waratahs on Saturday 6 May, on a night that will also feature all the excitement of the Super W grand final.