Thousands in Wagga Wagga for Touch carnival
Published: 14 Feb 2020 1:21pm
Wagga Wagga is just one week away from hosting the second annual NSW Touch Association’s Junior State Cup Southern Conference.
More than 10,000 players and spectators will converge on the Jubilee Park precinct from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 February for the second annual carnival which attracts teams from across southern New South Wales.
Wagga Wagga City Council won the hosting rights to the carnival for the three years and staged the inaugural event in 2019 which was touted a major success and significant new event for the city.
The junior competition is projected to have an economic impact of $2.3M to $3M each year, with accommodation providers in Wagga Wagga and nearby towns hosting the influx of touch players and their families.
The competition will see an increase of traffic around Jubilee Park and at the major entry and exit points around the city.
Traffic control and changed conditions for motorists will be in place around Jubilee Park across the three days.
Red Hill Road will be closed to eastbound traffic between the Bourke Street and Glenfield Road roundabouts, with detours via Bruce Street.
Bourke Street between Bourkelands Drive and Red Hill Road roundabout will also be closed with detours via Berembee Road, Bourkelands Drive and Holbrook Road.
Road closures will be in place from 6am to 7pm over the three days and detours will be signposted.
Council Strategic Recreation Officer Peter Cook said all is in place for the carnival and the steady rainfall this week has put the finishing touches on the playing surfaces after a long and hot summer.
“Council and the NSW Touch Association are committed to the enjoyment of all people attending this major junior sporting event, while minimising the impact on the general community during the event,” Mr Cook said.
“Detours will be signposted and motorists are asked to take care in the area as there will be additional traffic and pedestrians around Jubilee Park.
The Junior State Cup carnival kicks off a sporting bonanza for the city in the first half of this year.
Council has also secured an AFLW home and away game and AFL pre-season match between GWS Giants and Richmond on 7-8 March at RobertsonOval, with Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights at McDonald’s Park on Saturday 18 April.