Tamworth to host West Tigers regional “home game” as Council endorse sponsorship agreement

Tamworth Regional Council will be the major sponsor for the National Rugby League (NRL), Round Seven premiership game between the West Tigers and Gold Coast Titans that will be hosted on Saturday, 27 April at Scully Park. 

Council will allocate $20,000 from the General Fund to go towards the sponsorship of the game, with the aim of attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the region and broadening awareness on a national level. 

The decision comes after a report was recommended to Council at last night’s meeting based on the success of last years’ sponsorship game between West Tigers and Newcastle Knights. The 2018 event attracted over 10,000 spectators and saw an estimated additional $2.1million in economic benefit to the region. 

Mr. Barry Harley, Manager of Events at Tamworth Regional Council said that Council’s involvement with nationally recognised and supported events is extremely positive and boosting for the region.   

“Whilst we acknowledge that $20,000 is a lot of money, its well spent when you see the return on investment that supporting these kinds of events brings to the entire region. 

“The NRL draws an audience from out of town that otherwise might not come to Tamworth. An audience who will spend money in our accommodation houses, restaurants and cafes and enjoy some of the other great things to do in the region. It’s our job as a community to get behind it, show them a good time and ensure that they want to come back. 

Mr. Harley also acknowledge that it’s not only a huge economic benefit, but beneficial on a community engagement level as well.

“It’s fantastic to have these athletes and representatives spending time in the region ahead of games, to engage with and encourage our local sporting clubs and our students. The club also works to address issues as part of their Tigers Community program, such as mental health, indigenous youth engagement and domestic violence, all of which education and positive influence is paramount,” added Mr. Harley. 

As part of the sponsorship agreement, Tamworth will be incorporated into the NRL and Destination NSW marketing strategy, including exposure across Channel 9, Fox Sports and social media platforms for two months as well as harnessing some ongoing marketing that will highlight Tamworth as one of Australia’s regional destination hot-spots. 

“This is a worthwhile investment that will help us to promote Tamworth as a diverse destination of choice. The NRL are constantly looking to host games in regional communities, so if we don’t grab the opportunity to get involved, Tamworth will miss out.  

“It’s a great opportunity that our community members can enjoy in their own home town, so be sure to grab your tickets and head out for what is going to be a great game here in Tamworth,” added Mr. Harley.