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he NRL and NSW Government have agreed to move the Telstra NRL Premiership Grand Final from the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to ANZ Stadium.

The move will see the Grand Final hold more fans, with a maximum crowd capacity now set at 40,000 for the Sunday 25 October event.

The relocation to ANZ Stadium was finalised after the planned redevelopment of ANZ Stadium did not proceed, making the larger capacity stadium available for the NRL again.

NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, said the league is even more excited for the Grand Final, now that even more fans can attend the Telstra Premiership Men’s and Women’s deciders.

“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.

“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.

“I want to congratulate the NSW Government for the way in which they have managed the pandemic.

“Their contact tracing has been world class and has enabled a crowd of 40,000 to attend our Grand Final Day.

“We thank them for their support throughout the season and we will continue to follow all public health orders to ensure the general community remains healthy,” he said.

NSW minister for tourism, Stuart Ayres, said ANZ Stadium has developed a COVID-19 Safety Plan, and will work closely with the NRL to implement the plans.

“ANZ Stadium has hosted many of Australia’s most iconic moments in sporting history and the 2020 NRL Grand Final will be among them,” Ayres said.

“I encourage NRL fans attending the Grand Final to stay COVID safe and make the most of the electric atmosphere in Sydney by making a weekend of it, booking a hotel staycation and getting out to enjoy the hospitality and attractions of the city,” he said.