The HSBC Sydney 7s is heading west with the announcement today that the 2019 tournament will be played at Spotless Stadium in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct.
Having had three successful years at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, the hugely popular tournament will light up Sydney’s west over three action-packed days from February 1-3.
To celebrate the move, and in a first for the tournament, the HSBC Sydney 7s will throw open it’s doors on Friday 1 February with free entry for all fans for the opening day of action.
Fans will be able to cheer on the Qantas Australian Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams as they fight to defend their titles after running out emphatic winners in their home tournament earlier this year.
Sydney Olympic Park will be transformed into a Rugby festival with live bands, rides, interactive entertainment, the kids zone, and plenty of places to eat and drink, coupled with the best Rugby Sevens athletes from across the world doing battle just a year out from the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Fan-favourites that have become synonymous with the HSBC Sydney 7s will return with Dance Cam, Kiss Cam, The Gun show, and Karaoke all to feature again in the 2019 edition. There will also be some new additions and surprises to be announced over the coming months.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said: “This is a great opportunity for families and Rugby fans in the greater Sydney region to come along and experience the fun and excitement of the HSBC Sydney 7s and witness truly world class athletes play one of the fastest growing sports in the world.
“Anyone who has been to the tournament in Sydney will tell you its not just about the footy, Sevens Rugby is the complete package. It’s a chance to get your mates together, deck yourself out in fancy dress and experience all the entertainment on offer.
“There is a genuine international flavour to the tournament which is unrivalled in sport, with fans coming from all corners of the globe to cheer on their teams.
“The major highlight of any Sevens tournament anywhere in the world is seeing the passion and flair of the Fijian fans, and we know that there are large communities of Fijians and Rugby fans from other island nations in western Sydney who have been waiting for the opportunity to experience the tournament in their own backyard.”
NSW Minister for Sport and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said: “Western Sydney is home to some of Australia’s biggest and best major sporting events and some of the city’s most passionate fans, so Spotless Stadium is the perfect home for the Sydney 7s,” Ayres said.
“Beyond all the action on field, the event will also provide a boost to the local visitor economy, with hotels, restaurants and attractions set to be buzzing with visitors from around Australia and the world. I encourage everyone to get their tickets early and start planning an extended stay in Western Sydney.”
HSBC Australia CEO, Martin Tricaud, said: “The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series is an exciting competition which brings the great game of rugby to new audiences all around the world. The Australian tournament has become one of the highlights of the world tour and we are looking forward to the event at Spotless Stadium next year.”
Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the early bird ticket offer and register at sydney7s.com.au for the early bird prices. Tickets will go on public sale on Thursday August 23.
