It's predicted that footy fans will spent more than $180million on food and alcohol during this year's Grand Final weekends.
Last weekend, Richmond took out the AFL Premiership against GWS and this weekend the Canberra Raiders will be out to win their first grand final in 25 years when they face the Sydney Roosters in the NRL grand final at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.
Statistics from National Australia Bank show Aussies will be splashing out on both stay-at home celebrations and at bars, pubs and clubs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The 2019 estimate for spending during the AFL and NRL grand finals is up from $167.5 million last year — an increase of 7%.
NAB’s executive general manager of transactional banking Andy Kerr told fans to plan ahead before hitting supermarkets and liquor stores for supplies.
“The busy peak period will be between 4pm and 6pm on Friday and also Saturday morning in the run up to the kick off for the grand final,” he told News Corp.
“If you are looking to do any shopping and you can plan around shopping early I would get in before 4pm on Friday otherwise leave it until after the Grand Final to do the weekly shop.”
NAB figures show in Queensland fans are expected to spend $27.7 million at supermarkets, local food retailers and liquor outlets and another $14.2 million at cafes, restaurants and pubs.
NSW fans are expected to spend $32.8 million at supermarkets, local food retailers and liquor outlets and another $19 million at cafes, restaurants and pubs.
Meanwhile, South Australian fans they are expected to spend $7.2 million at supermarkets, local food retailers and liquor outlets and another $3.5 million at cafes, restaurants and pubs.
However, NAB itself is reigning in its Grand Final spending.
While it will play host to a lucky handful of executives at the Grand Final this weekend, a spokeswoman told the Australian Financial Review: “NAB has reduced spending on hospitality year-on-year as we look to reduce our costs, increase efficiencies and deliver better results for our customers.”
Carlton Draught to release commemorative can
And the spending is expected to continue in Victoria, with Carlton Draught producing a Richmond premiership beer to celebrate the Tigers’ premiership success.
Carlton & United Breweries is releasing limited-edition Richmond Draught to keep the celebrations flowing after the team’s win.
At least 30,000 slabs of yellow and black Carlton Draught have left the Abbotsford brewery in Tiger heartland today and be available at bottle-shops across Victoria in time for the weekend.
Fresh from his five-goal haul at the MCG on Grand Final Day, Richmond star Jack Riewoldt was at the brewery to watch the first Richmond Draught beers being canned.
“Just when I thought the celebrations couldn’t get any better, we got our very own Richmond Draught,” Riewoldt said.
“Let the celebrations keep flowing by picking up your piece of premiership history!”
Is this the Grand Final's most expensive pie?
If you thought the prices at the stadiums were high for a humble meat pie, get a load of this $49 version that was dished up at a St Kilda pub during this year’s Grand Final.
Grosvenor Hotel executive chef Simon Moss created the Reefy Beefy in honour of the big game. It included French veloute, lobster medallions, house made short crust pastry, lobster sauce, braised Wagyu beef, sea succulents, sorrel and pea puree.
Trading hours extended for NRL Grand Final
The NSW Government has extended hotel and club trading hours across the state for the NRL Grand Final this Sunday night, October 6.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said grand final weekend was one of the biggest sporting events on the calendar.
“It’s a huge day for our venues and a boost to our state’s economy, so the NSW Government is pleased to extend licensed venue trading hours this Sunday from 10pm to midnight,” Lee said.
“It’s Sydney Roosters verses Canberra Raiders for the NRL’s top prize – so we’re expecting thousands of Raiders supporters to head north to Homebush to watch all the action live.”
Lee said the later trading will benefit rugby league fans who want to head down to their local hotel or club to watch all the action on the big screen with friends and family.
“Without a mass exodus from venues at 10pm, it will be easier for people to get home,” Lee said.
“It’s also a great chance for people to get out and socialise and enjoy entertainment in hotels and clubs on the Sunday night of the long weekend.”
The extended trading hours apply only to drinks sold on premises, not takeaway alcohol. Venues already approved to trade beyond extended hours are not affected by these special arrangements.
Hotels and clubs must still comply with any individual trading restrictions or other special conditions that apply to their licenses under the Liquor Act or imposed by local councils under planning laws.
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