Dragons captain Ben Creagh and Hawks captain Oscar Forman. Picture: DAVE TEASE
A rare sporting double-header is expected to bring a crowd of up to 15,000 to the Wollongong CBD over two hectic hours tomorrow night.
The action - the Wollongong Hawks at 6pm and the St George Illawarra Dragons at 8.05pm - is a sports lover's dream and a potential coup for the city's hospitality trade, but is also likely to create stiff competition for about 1200 parking spaces near to game venues WIN Entertainment Centre and WIN Stadium.
Marc Swan, manager business development and marketing for WIN Sports and Entertainment Centres, said an event shuttle bus service would operate between Wollongong railway station and the grounds from 4pm till 8pm and until an hour after the end of the Dragons game.
He encouraged sports fans to make use of the shuttle and other forms of public transport.
"We'd encourage people to plan their trip; leave early with plenty of time to get to the venue and get to their seat," he said.
Destination Wollongong and the WEC have packaged the two events on fridaynightlive.net, in a bid to deliver Hawks fans to the Dragons and vice-versa.
The site includes parking and transport information.
Tipping off at 6pm at WIN Entertainment Centre is the grudge match between the Wollongong Hawks and Sydney Kings.
The Hawks v Kings rivalry is one of basketball's best known feuds and, given the stakes are so high, their round 23 clash should be spicier than usual.
Wollongong are locked in third spot with the Kings and the winner will probably go on to claim third position. The loser could end up missing a spot in the top four.
Kicking off after the basketball at neighbouring WIN Stadium is the round two NRL battle between the Dragons and Broncos.
"It's one of the biggest sporting nights Wollongong has ever seen and should not be missed," Hawks general manager Mili Simic said.
The Hawks are hoping to draw their biggest crowd of the season.
"It's a massive game. Both teams have the same record and are fighting for a finals position with only two rounds remaining," Simic said.
"We need our fans in full voice tomorrow. We have to win our last two games to put us in the best position to make the finals. Make sure you get your tickets early to avoid the queues."
Tickets are available from ticketek.com.au, Ticketek outlets at Westfield Warrawong and Westfield Figtree concierge desks or at the WIN Entertainment Centre box office.
Admission prices start from $15 for children, $20 for adults and $55 for a family of four.
A special bundle ticket for the Hawks and Dragons is available from www.fridaynightlive.net.