BY JARROD MELMETH
Newcastle’s peak tourism body has projected the economic benefits from Saturday’s Jets grand final home game against Melbourne Victory at McDonald Jones Stadium to be in the millions.
Hotels across the city are nearing or completely booked out as well as flights from Melbourne to Newcastle, as Melbourne Victory is expected to bring two to four thousand fans along for the ride.
Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Manager Gus Maher said the flow on effects for local businesses will be tremendous.
“There are so many people who will benefit from this such as our hotels, transport operators, cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs. Let’s hope people also get out and listen to some live music.
“But, one of the biggest influences, is that these people will come to this great city, they will see how good it is and they will come back with their friends and relatives,” Mr Maher said.
Meanwhile, fans have taken to social media to vent their anger after tickets sold out in both presale and general public sale in minutes and are now appearing on resale websites for up to $1300.
Jets CEO Lawrie McKinna said any members caught participating in scalping will be banned in the future.
Mr McKinna said another announcement regarding “member tickets” would be made on Tuesday.
@NewcastleJetsFC
If any one offers you GF tickets at an inflated price do not buy and get their name and report to the Jets office, if these people are members we will ban them in the future— Lawrie McKinna (@LawrieMcKinna)
April 30, 2018
@NewcastleJetsFC
We will make another announcement tomorrow regarding members tickets— Lawrie McKinna (@LawrieMcKinna)
April 30, 2018