Adelaide is getting ready to host a much-anticipated clash as the British & Irish Lions face the AUNZ Invitational XV at Adelaide Oval this Saturday, at 7:15pm. The event is the first joint outing of Australian and New Zealand teams since 1989, under the guidance of future Wallabies coach Les Kiss. Remarkably, this is the first time the Lions have played in Adelaide since their 1888 tour.
The Lions tour Australia every 12 years, but will find a very excited Adelaide eagerly awaiting their game. Hotel bookings have surged, with occupancy rates for the weekend reportedly reaching 82 per cent and 88 per cent on Friday and Saturday. This significant increase from figures at the same time last uear of 57 per cent and 60 per cent really highlights the match’s appeal and its impact on local tourism.
In response to the heightened demand, Adelaide Airport has scheduled an additional 28 domestic flights this week, and is anticipating its busiest day of the school holidays on Sunday, July 13th, with over 29,000 passengers expected.
Local venues are also capitalising on the increase in visitors by extending their hours. A few local spots that are getting ready to roar over the weekend include The Lion Hotel with British-inspired specials, The Strathmore Hotel featuring an electric atmosphere, pre-match meals at Station Road, special menus at 2KW and Market & Meander, and much, much more.
Zoe Bettison, Minister for Tourism shared, “We are incredibly proud to welcome the British & Irish Lions to Adelaide for what promises to be an unforgettable match at the iconic Adelaide Oval.
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“This is more than a sporting event – it’s a showcase of South Australia on a world stage, with approximately 15,000 interstate and overseas visitors flying in from across the globe bringing energy to our city and a major boost to local tourism and our hospitality industry.
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“For those with tickets to the game, there are so many options to have a bite to eat before or celebrate after the match or for those who just want to get amongst the action – our vibrant laneway bars and restaurants will show why South Australia is known for great produce and even better hospitality.”
To make sure of an enjoyable experience for all attendees, free travel on Adelaide Metro bus, train, and tram services will be provided to anyone holding a valid match day ticket. Fans are advised to plan their trips in advance by checking timetables and using the journey planner available on the Adelaide Metro website.
Beyond the rugby match, the festival spirit will continue across the city with various related events. There’s a golf day with Wallabies and Lions legends at Kooyonga, a business networking event at SOL Rooftop, a darts tournament featuring Simon ‘The Wizard’ Whitlock at the Hindley Street Music Hall, and a free outdoor live site at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
The return of the British & Irish Lions is not just a win for rugby fans but for the entire Adelaide community, promising a very thrilling sports spectacle.
British & Irish Lions vs AUNZ Invitational XV
When: Saturday, July 12th, 7:15pm
Where: Adelaide Oval
For more information, click here.
