NRL Nines blitzes economic forecasts but what about next year?
ATEED reveals the return on its $3 million sponsorship of February's NRL Nines tournament
Auckland Council is trumpeting $9.35 million in estimated economic benefits from the inaugural NRL Nines tournament but there is a shadow over next year’s event.
The NZ Herald reports a diary clash between the National Rugby League and organisers of the Cricket World Cup over the availability of Eden Park threatens the tournament, because the ground is locked down for 30 days before the first CWC match on February 28.
In a press statement this morning, Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development, Auckland Council's economic development arm, says the $9.35 million benefit from the NRL Nines in February was well above the forecast $3.8 million benefit for the first year, and even the $6.8 million for the tournament’s fifth year.
Approximately 45,000 people per day attended the two-day tournament held at Eden Park in February.
Estimated visitor nights from people associated with the tournament was 68,360 – including 40,611 from the 16,000 domestic visitors to Auckland – more than double the 32,877 target. About 6000 people from Australia attended the tournament and the television coverage was watched by more than one million Australians.
ATEED’s sponsorship is $12 million over five years, of which $3 million was spent this year.
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NRL Nines blitzes economic forecasts but what about next year?
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