Final preparations are underway to transform Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville ahead of tomorrow night's State of Origin opener.
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The Queensland team bus arrived on Monday and fans are starting to come in with Virgin adding eight extra flights, while hotels and Airbnbs are fully booked.
Up to 1000 staff have been rostered on to work at the stadium and tourism providers have had a huge response from fans keen to extend their stay and enjoy a holiday in North Queensland.
Forty-eight trucks of supplies have been ordered for State of Origin one, including 12,000 pies, 750kg of North Queensland beef, 4000kg of cheese, 15,500 litres of beer and more than 500 litres of Bundaberg rum
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Townsville's Origin would be the most significant sporting event Townsville has ever seen,
"It's not just about the footy. This event and the festival of footy we've built around the State of Origin opener will support our economic recovery efforts in Townsville," the Premier said.
The wider economy is likely to be boosted by $7 million thanks to flow-on benefits to the local bars, restaurants and hotels and there is a buzz in Townville ahead of Wednesday's game.
Queensland Country Bank Stadium Manager Tom Kimball said staff were working around the clock to pull off the event at short notice.
"It's been a fast and furious past few days preparing for the event, which requires 2,100 additional seats, 40 additional toilets, nearly a kilometre of fencing wrap, 10 pallets of merchandise, and three trucks of extra corporate furniture, but we're ready to go," Mr Kimball said.
Pandanus Catering venue manager Ben Wright said additional catering staff had been rostered on to help with demand.
"It's a huge event with around 82 functions and 34 outlets to cater for, so we've got our full team on deck, including about 800 hospitality staff, 30 chefs and 40 cooks, all looking forward to this once in a lifetime event," Mr Wright said.
Grounds Manager Bruce Fouracre said the field was in top condition ahead of the match.
"The field got a hammering in recent months with loads of content, but the planets aligned with the Cowboys getting a bye this weekend and training on their new field, so the turf has had a bit of a rest," Mr Fouracre said.
"I've just been letting it sunbake, and with tomorrow forecast to be mostly sunny and 27 degrees, it'll be ideal playing and viewing conditions for Origin!" he said.
Gates open at 6:30pm with live entertainment from 7:35pm and kick off at 8:10pm.
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