Canberrans might notice some of the Territory’s iconic spots have lit up blue and gold this week, celebrating the Plus500 Brumbies grand final appearance at GIO Stadium Canberra this Saturday (19 September).
The local side secured the home Super Rugby AU grand final after their win against Western Force on 28 August, making it the first time since 2004 that they’ve hosted a grand final in Canberra.
Venues Canberra executive branch manager Matt Elkins said the initiative would help Canberrans celebrate the local sporting team after a tough year.
“It was specifically to celebrate the Brumbies making the final this year,” he said.
“It has been a tough year for Canberra, so this is an opportunity to celebrate the Brumbies but also celebrate being Canberrans and seeing the great achievement of this team.”
Telstra Tower, Malcolm Fraser Bridge, Questacon and the Light Rail are just some of the locations that can be seen lighting up throughout this week, 14-19 September.
The grand final appearance also coincides with the club’s 25th anniversary of professional rugby in Canberra.
Mr Elkins said locations had been chosen to instil pride in Canberrans.
“I think each of the locations give a great opportunity for Canberrans to see, reflect and be part of both the success of the Brumbies moving towards another grand final win, and this city,” he said.
“These are key landmarks you see as you move through the city and will give Canberrans pride for the Brumbies but also Canberra.”
The ACT Chief Health Officer announced last Friday (11 September) that GIO Stadium Canberra could hold 6,000 spectators for the upcoming match, with all tickets selling out as of Monday (14 September).
Mr Elkins said the opportunity to host a grand final at the Bruce venue would continue its legacy as an integral part of the city’s history.
“GIO Stadium, under its many names over the years, has been both for the Raiders, Brumbies and various sporting teams a place people can come together to celebrate what it means to be part of Canberra,” he said.
“The opportunity to have the Brumbies playing in a grand final here and for the Canberra community in front of 6,000 people at the moment is great.”
The locations below can be found lit up in blue and gold on certain days this week:
Telstra Tower will be lit in yellow and blue each evening from Monday 14 to Saturday 19 September
Captain Cook Memorial Jetwill be lit in yellow and blue on the evening of Friday 18 September, as the jet is only scheduled to operate Friday evenings
Carillion and Kings Avenue overpass (Bowen Place) are unavailable for Brumbies specifically, however, they will already be lit blue during these dates by another campaign
Malcolm Fraser Bridge will be lit in yellow and blue each evening from Monday 14 to Saturday 19 September.
Questacon will light the Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre in Deakin on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September.
Light Rail will be lit up blue each evening from Monday 14 to Saturday 19 September.
