Newcastle City Generates About 43 Million Pounds After Hosting Three Games For Rugby World Cup, Says NewcastleGateshead Initiative
Newcastle upon Tyne, also known as Newcastle, hosted a total of three matches for this year's Rugby World Cup. Thousands of rugby fanatics filled the St. James' Park last October 3, 9 and 10 to witness and cheer for their favorite teams.
South Africa defeated Scotland on October 3 with final scores of 34-16. On Friday, a match between New Zealand and Tonga finished at 47-9 in favor of the All Blacks which remain undefeated as it move on to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
For the last game at St. James' Park, a close fight between Scotland and Samoa was witnessed last October 10. The Scots finished the competition with a three-point lead against Samoa 36-33.
According to NewcastleGateshead Initiative, a tourism organization, hosting three games for Rugby World Cup 2015 had been a good thing not only for rugby fans, but also for the economy of the city, as reported by Chronicle Live Oct. 11.
Reports have revealed that the city's hotel occupancy reached 99% due to the influx of thousands of foreign visitors in the city to witness the games. Aside from that, the city's bars and shops were filled with people during the match days.
An official from the tourism organization revealed that hosting three matches for the tournament was a huge success for Newcastle.
"I think it's fair to say Rugby World Cup 2015 in Newcastle has been a huge success," said Sarah Stewart, Newcastle Gateshead Initiative's chief executive. "From the games themselves to the atmosphere inside the Fanzone, we've had a remarkable two weekends.
She went on, "We've welcomed thousands of international visitors who have all contributed to the estimated £43m of economic impact hosting the tournament has brought to Newcastle. Hotel occupancy reached 99 percent on match days and the tourism sector across the wider region has felt the benefit of the visiting fans."
Stewart added they are certain that the city will experience the positive impacts of the Rugby World Cup 2015 in the upcoming years.
Meanwhile, Northumbria Police reveals they recorded "few low-level arrests" during the match days, as noted by BBC News Oct. 11.
"I can't thank the fans, visitors and local people enough for their excellent behaviour and patience," said Chief Superintendent Steve Neil. "I am exceptionally proud to have been a part of it myself."
"This is not something that happens on our doorstep every day but everyone in the region has welcomed this opportunity and reaffirmed that the North East is one of the friendliest, most vibrant and safest places to be," Neil added.
On the other hand, Newcastle United deputy head groundsman Andrew Tully assured that St. James' Park pitch will be in "fantastic" condition before a football match between Newcastle United and Norwich.
"At the end of the day it's a football pitch - not a rugby one - and we are in the process of a quick turnaround to get it ready for football again at the weekend," Tully said.
"The pitch hasn't gone anywhere - it's still there. You've got the rugby markings and a bit of damage from the games, which is what we knew would happen and we will tend to throughout the week."
