Up to 40,000 fans will be able to attend the 2020 NRL grand final following a switch in venue from the SCG to ANZ Stadium.

The NRL and New South Wales Government announced grounds would be able to host up to 50 per cent of their capacity for finals, seeing the NRL showpiece moved from the 48,000-seat SCG to the 85,000-seat ANZ Stadium NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo announced.

With the grand final scheduled for October 25, the venue switch was made after plans to redevelop ANZ stadium were halted, which would have made the venue ineligible.

“ANZ Stadium is the biggest venue in NSW and that means more of our fans will be able to experience grand final day live,” Abdo said.

“This year will be a historic grand final day. The teams competing would have overcome all challenges in front of them and we will experience the culmination of a season like no other.

“We can’t wait to see 40,000 fans at the venue. Our fans have been so patient and loyal throughout the season and having crowd caps increase for the finals series is the perfect way to acknowledge that loyalty.”

Abdo also praised the NSW government for their help in getting fans back through the gates.

“I want to congratulate the NSW Government for the way in which they have managed the pandemic. Their contact tracing has been world class and has enabled a crowd of 40,000 to attend our Grand Final Day,’’ he said.

“We thank them for their support throughout the season and we will continue to follow all public health orders to ensure the general community remains healthy.”

The AFL had also previously announced a venue change with the historic move from the MCG to Brisbane’s Gabba, and will be held on Saturday, October 24.

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Photo: NRL 2006 Grand Final by MDM available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.