Council brings Origin action to Riverway, North Shore
Date published: 7 June 2021
The excitement of State of Origin is spreading across the city as Townsville City Council prepares to activate suburbs with family-friendly events including food trucks, entertainment and big screens to watch all the action on.
North Shore Oval and Riverway Stadium will be transformed into Origin live sites to support people in the community getting out amongst the thrill of watching the historic game played right here at Townsville’s own Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Aussie rockers Tim Rogers and Davey Lane (You Am I) will headline Riverway Stadium while Neighbourhood Sessions – which brings the much-loved Neck of the Woods Festival to Townsville each year – will bring electrifying local acts to the North Shore Oval stage.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said Council was determined to make the most of the opportunity of being the first city in Northern Australia to host a State of Origin round.
“We are absolutely pumped to have State of Origin here in Townsville and we want everyone to have the chance to get in on the action,” Cr Greaney said.
“That means ensuring the benefits from the game flow on to all of Townsville so everyone has the chance to experience it.
“The city centre is transforming into a massive street party while the Maroons take on the Blues and we want that party atmosphere to carry on throughout our suburbs. That’s why Council is making North Shore Oval and Riverway Stadium the places to be to see the clash live and loud on Wednesday night.”
Cr Greaney said the activations would be worth making a night out of.
“Not only will the game be on the big screen to watch for free, but we’ll also have food trucks at North Shore Oval and Riverway Stadium so that you can have both dinner and a show,” she said.
“This is the first time State of Origin has come to the north and we want you to throw your support behind your team as best you can, whether it’s at the game or at one of our live sites.
“So whether you’re going to be at the Stadium, or at our Flinders Street, North Shore Oval or Riverway Stadium activations make sure you get around it and help make this moment in NRL history one for the books.”
