Nine thousand players. Seven million dollars.
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If there are any doubts about the positive financial impact the 2018 NSW State Cup has on Port Macquarie and its economy it can be found in those couple of figures.
The annual State Cup competition gets underway on Friday, December 7 with finals set down for Sunday, December 9 at the regional stadium.
Teams representing Japan and England will compete in the men's open division while there will also be plenty of interest in former Port Macquarie players Paddy Coelho and Laura Coleman who will line up for Western Suburbs.
Former NRL stars Scott Prince, Jamie Soward, Nathan Fien, Joel Caine and Cliff Lyons have also confirmed they will be participating on the weekend.
Port Macquarie will field 10 teams in competitions over the weekend including men's and women's 20s, men's opens, mixed opens, women's opens, senior mixed, men's 30s, women's 40s and men's 55s.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council director Jeffery Sharp says there are a number of changed traffic conditions to accommodate the influx of players, officials and supporting family members.
"This week we welcome around 9000 players, officials and supporting family members to our region for the 2018 NSW State Cup," he said.
This year’s event is expected to inject around $7 million into our local economy as visitors stay in local accommodation and enjoy local hospitality at a range of great food and beverage outlets.
- Jeffery Sharp
"This year’s event is expected to inject around $7 million into our local economy as visitors stay in local accommodation and enjoy local hospitality at a range of great food and beverage outlets.
"Council wishes all competitors the best of luck, and we look forward to yet another weekend of high quality State Cup competition,” he said.
Council says the changed traffic conditions will see Tuffins Lane closed to all motorists from 7am until 6pm each day commencing on Friday December 7 until Sunday December 9.
Entry for residents only will be managed via traffic control.
Mr Sharp as competitors travel to and from the event there will be delays on Hastings River Drive and Boundary Street.
"Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time if required to travel in the area, exercise patience and drive to the traffic conditions.
"If residents or visitors will be travelling to the Port Macquarie Airport it is advised that they please allow an extra 45 minutes to an hour, particularly if traveling between the hours of 7am and 10am or 4pm and 6pm."
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