NRL Grand Final To Go Ahead At ANZ Stadium With 40,000 Fans In Attendance

The NRL Grand Final is staying in New South Wales.

After months of uncertainty regarding the location of the competition's climax, it appears NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has given the NRL the green light to host the final at ANZ Stadium.

And on top of that, she has confirmed that 40,000 fans will be allowed to attend.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic continuing to plague live sports events around the globe, the NRL has soldiered on.

From relocating entire teams to washing the footballs on the sidelines, NRL officials have done everything in their power to ensure that the competition can continue without any blips.

And while organisers deserve a heap of praise, the players and clubs themselves also need applauding for their continued efforts.

Whether it be the thousands of COVID-19 tests conducted during training sessions or the strict inter-state travel regulations, the clubs have been crucial in making sure that they are ready when called upon.

NRL/Gregg Porteous

And it appears everyone's patience has finally paid off with NRL CEO Andrew Abdo confirming the location for the Grand Final as well as the increase in fan numbers.

"ANZ Stadium is the biggest venue in NSW and that means more of our fans will be able to experience grand final day live," Abdo said.

"This year will be a historic Grand Final day.

"The teams competing would have overcome all challenges in front of them and we will experience the culmination of a season like no other.

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"We are working on innovative ways to showcase the pre-game entertainment and returning to ANZ Stadium will provide us with the space to put on the most entertaining show possible.

"We can't wait to see 40,000 fans at the venue.

"Our fans have been so patient and loyal throughout the season and having crowd caps increase for the Finals Series is the perfect way to acknowledge that loyalty.

"This year has been the most unpredictable year in our game's history, we've faced unprecedented challenges and I feel like the best football is yet to come."

Tickets for the NRL Grand Final go on sale on Wednesday 30th September at 12pm for members and 4pm for non-members.

They will be available to the general public on Thursday 1st October at 10am.

Topics: Coronavirus, Rugby League, nrl, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry