BY SAM ISAAC

Newcastle is estimated to receive around $1.7 million during the weekend.

The city will host the 13

th

A-League soccer grand final, pitting the Newcastle Jets against Melbourne Victory in McDonald Jones Stadium this Saturday.

The Newcastle economy has already won, with occupancy for accommodation in the city fully exhausted.

Almost $2 million in accommodation and other tourism spending costs over the weekend is estimated from visitors coming to see the game.

5,000 tickets have gone to interstate visitors with 1,000 Melbournites flying to Newcastle Airport alone.

It is estimated there are another 1,000 New South Welshmen attending on day visits.

The economic benefits of the temporary population boost should be seen across Lake Macquarie, Newcastle East, Port Stephens and Wallsend.

Businesses that have been doing it tough since the light rail construction commenced on Hunter Street are hoping to see positive kickbacks from the weekend’s increased tourism.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes is encouraging Novocastrians to help out the local businesses, saying, “If you have the good fortune to bump into an interstate visitor, please take the chance to point them into our city to enjoy our restaurants, cafes, bars and shops, businesses that have been doing it tough the past few months during light rail construction.”

After the weekend, a full report will be undertaken to assess whether the estimated economic impact actually eventuated.
Image: Venues NSW