Each one of us are official ambassadors of the Illawarra over the course of the next week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Many visitors from overseas and around the country will visit our fine region next week ahead of the historic Super League clash between the Wigan Warriors and Hull FC at WIN Stadium on February 10.
A week-long list of events will be held around the region in support of the clash.
Many supporters will start arriving throughout the week ahead of the game
Make them feel welcome.
Festivities will ramp up through the week and there is little doubt that when it comes to game day on Saturday us locals will be as excited as the UK visitors who will don their club’s colours, stand on the famous hill with beer in hand and chant their club songs at the top of their lungs.
The game itself is for UK super league premiership points and at the start of a new season is hugely important to both Wigan and Hull.
Yet, the event and associated events are hugely important for the Illawarra itself.
Wollongong and the Illawarra will be showcased back to the UK via the people visiting here, the business and community leaders from afar who will be attending and via the telecast of the clash.
It will be interesting to see what the visitors make of the stadium by the sea with the hill and the chilled beer only getting warm if it is left too long in the hot February sun.
Like Elton John last year, this is more than just an event for Wollongong.
It’s a moment in history.
The event has been a long-time in the making and when it was revealed exclusively by the Illawarra Mercury back in July, Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh summed up the significance.
“There are genuine links between Wigan and Wollongong and at the core of this partnership is the fact it represents two passionate and successful rugby league heartlands,” Mr Sleigh said.
“Announcing a significant international event as part of our ever-growing major events portfolio is a coup for the region.
“Wollongong’s love of rugby league is a defining aspect of our sporting culture and to have a giant of the international game making Wollongong its home is a wonderful opportunity.”
Now, let the fun begin.
Don’t miss out on being part of history and remember this is a week to shine in the international spotlight.