Australians set to spend $560 million on footy finals

With the AFL and NRL grand finals fast approaching, business information analysts at IBISWorld forecast fans will spend over $560 million on sporting celebrations with hospitality, travel and sports betting tipped to be the biggest winners.

Representing an increase of 4.3% from last year's spend of $537.3 million, IBISWorld General Manager (Australia), Karen Dobie said football finals spending would provide a much appreciated boost to hospitality, tourism and retailers following a flat year for consumer spending overall.

Dobie explained "the AFL and NRL finals are milestone events for millions of Australians and for most supporters, game tickets, big-screen TVs, alcohol and a bet or two will take precedence over prudence.

"This year, every state and territory except Tasmania and Northern Territory are represented across both finals series meaning interest and spending will be up across Australia."

Added to both codes' recent lucrative broadcasting and the promise that for the first time all finals will be telecast live, IBISWorld anticipates more Australians than ever will tune in to this year's finals.

Forecast footy finals spending in Australia 2012

AFL
Liquor - $96 million
Pubs and bars - $82.6 million
Travel - $45 million
Betting- $69.1 million
Ticket sales - $5 million
Appliances - $53.3 million
Total - $351 million

NRL
Liquor - $59 million
Pubs and bars - $57.4 millio
Travel - $30 million
Betting- $42.5 milion
Ticket sales - $3.3 million
Appliances - $17.1 million
Total - $209.3 million

Travel
With more interstate teams featured in the finals of both codes, IBISWorld expects this year's footy finals will inject $75 million into Australia's tourism industry.

Dobie explains "domestic airlines, accommodation providers, restaurants and cafes are all expected to benefit from increased tourism driven by travelling fans keen to support and watch their teams."

Sports betting
Dobie adds "this year, Australians are expected to flutter $111.6 million during the football finals with fans betting on everything from the outcome of the game, to the best on ground with a simple click.

"As the growth of online betting continues across multiple platforms, such as smartphones, this segment is playing a key role in driving expenditure."

IBISWorld expects the AFL will draw the biggest share of the pie, accounting for over 60% of betting spend ($69.1 million), while the NRL will draw $42.5 million.

Ticket sales
In 2012, IBISWorld expects fans will spend $8.3 million on footy finals tickets, with 950,000 Australians attending an AFL or NRL final a slight decrease from last year's attendance figure of 970,000.

Dobie concludes "this year there is a higher proportion of interstate teams with smaller stadia in the finals. This means attendance numbers are expected to be down due to limited tickets and the spread of games across states, as fans are less likely to attend a game in a different state.

"Broken down to the different codes, the AFL by far draws the biggest crowds and earns the most revenue with 600,000 spectators expected to attend finals matches. By comparison, 350,000 spectators are expected to attend the NRL finals."

Appliances
Fans unable to make it to a live game are likely to host a footy finals barbecue at home to the tune of $70.4 million for appliance retailers. IBISWorld expects big-screen TVs and new BBQs will be high on hosts' shopping lists.

For more information go to www.ibisworld.com.au 

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