Rising Coronavirus cases sees Suncorp Stadium crowd capped at 75% for NRL Grand Final

With a rise in Coronavirus cases in Brisbane over recent days prompting speculation that this Sunday’s NRL Grand Final might be postponed or relocated, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has today advised that the match will go ahead - but with attendance capped at 75% capacity.

With tickets already sold out for Suncorp Stadium’s 52,000 capacity, Premier Palaszczuk acknowledged the reduced capacity of 39,000 would be "disappointing" for fans.

With the NRL having already declared the season decider between Penrith and South Sydney to be a sell-out, NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said it would automatically refund tickets to the final 25% of fans who ordered tickets in each allocation.

Advising that this was the "fairest way" to determine allocation, Abdo stated “we had two allocations of grand final tickets. The first was to the general public and the second was aimed at fans of both grand final teams.

"The fairest way to determine who can attend the game is by prioritising the first 75% to purchase tickets in each allocation.

Abdo noted that anyone who now no longer wants to attend will also be able to access a refund by contacting Ticketek, going on to say "I want to acknowledge fans who will now miss out on attending the Grand Final.

"I know you had been counting down the days to a once in a lifetime experience and this will be difficult news to take, but this decision is out of our hands."

The NRL said ticket holders impacted by the reduction in capacity will be advised later today.

With the Queensland tightening restrictions in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, Logan and Townsville, Premier Palaszczuk said that there was "absolutely" no truth that a lockdown was being delayed to account for the Grand Final.

Fans attending the Grand Final will be required to wear masks all times, unless seated, eating or drinking.

Image: NRL action at Suncorp Stadium. Credit: Blair Hughes.